Caryatid: a memoir by Christine Rugullies.

Synopsis:

Caryatid is the story of a curious child, fascinated with life and beauty, who is consistently taught that her natural instincts are wrong. The book unfolds as a series of vignettes describing her unwitting struggle against the adamant rule of a deeply-revered uncle.

He is a German immigrant who wields tyrannical power over a tiny religious sect. Claiming a mission ordained by God and knowledge of the original teachings of Christianity, this man has set out to bring the world the last restoration of the truth before the day of final judgment.

His congregation is raising its first generation of children in a small New Jersey town during the early 1940’s. The child of the memoir is the firstborn, trained from babyhood to assume the role of caryatid, a strong supporting pillar to uphold a church that is intended to change and save the world.

The story describes in a series of vignettes the girl’s deepening entanglement in the lifestyle of the group, and the experiences that eventually led her to extricate herself.

The memoir is published by Vox Pop, Inc., ISBN-10: 1598991183 and ISBN-13: 978-1598991185, and may be purchased through Amazon.com.

Acknowlegements:

My deepest thanks go to the writer of The Ultimate Loveletter, to my English teachers and writing teachers, to the man who sat across from me and held my hands while he talked with me for two hours, to my voice teacher, to all the recovery literature authors, to the contradancers, to our Denver babysitter Mary, to Tanya, to Doctor Gregory and all the men who cried, to my porcelain teacher, to Lynda K, to my doll customers and my piano students, to Dr. Gretchen, to Colette, and to John Steinbeck for his Journal of a Novel.

Reader Comments:

“It is an incredibly sad account of your life written with a stunning brilliance of expression. You stood alone…before a jealous man with a massive and inflated ego. I hold great respect for you and the work you have done.” ~ From a Former Member

“I finally got to read your memoir and found it compelling. I rarely finish a book nowadays but I couldn’t not finish yours…” ~ From an Exit Counselor

“I have just finished reading your memoir and found it moving and rich with detail. All the best to you as you continue to heal through creative expression.” ~ From a Professor of Feminist Literature

“The book is a true testament to your strength, courage, self-awareness, growth, and beautiful writing style. I hope you are proud of your accomplishment…” ~ From a Therapist

“You are obviously a gifted writer with an intensely interesting yet painful story to tell. Somehow we have managed to rise above our less than ideal beginnings and become reasonably productive, responsible and loving women.” ~ From a Friend who Sold Antiques

“Your writing is so insightful, your memory so precise ~ so very interesting to read…” ~ From an Emerson School Classmate

“I dearly hope that CARYATID reaches the mass media and helps put an end, or at least slows down, the evil that some members of our civilization bring upon others…all in the name of some alleged superior being.” ~ From a Teaneck High School Classmate

“I sat down last evening and decided to finish reading your book. It’s really compelling ~ a ‘page turner.’ ‘Tho I know the ending, it is very satisfying to read, to learn that you and a few other victims managed to destroy that cult.” ~ From an Artist Friend

“A really wonderfully powerful and moving and troubling ending…The whole thing is so beautifully written.” ~ From a Juilliard Classmate

“I could not put your book down and finally, last night, stayed up ’til almost dawn to find out how and when you would escape. Several times, along the way, I thought you might get excommunicated for being an independent thinker. I think your summary at the end is very telling…” ~ From an Art Gallery Owner

“I began your book yesterday afternoon and simply could not put it down. I spent most of the night absorbing your prose, your very profound and painful observations, and I truly suffered with you during so many of the passages. At the same time, you have offered us (the readers) so many beautiful concepts and splendid descriptions of nature…I was amazed at how many interests and friends we shared… I cannot thank you enough for sharing your life with us in this way… All I can say is that YOU HAVE SURVIVED! And you have managed to retain your love for natural and artistic beauty. And your attitude toward other human beings is positive without being naive…” ~ From Another Juilliard Classmate

“I read your memoir on the plane cross-country and found it very powerful…I was impressed by how you have put yourself together…” ~ From a Former Teaneck Neighbor

“It is such a visual book and is the word visceral? Each small piece gave such a rich picture.” ~ From Another Artist Friend