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Show Her
She will not accept what she cannot change.
Erika is the perfect woman in 2090 Louisville, Kentucky. She is obedient, flawlessly beautiful, married to the wealthiest man in the region, and has even built a business on showing others how to live a life like her own. After ten years of marriage and turning a personal trauma into a blessing for herself, she is the happiest she has ever been.
Until the first mistress confronts her and turns her worldview inside-out.
Erika refuses to sit back and allow her world to crumble. She takes the actions she thinks are needed to save her marriage, her reputation, and her sanity. But how far is too far?
From the author of 'Feign: Volume 1' comes a psychological thriller that will have you engrossed until the very last scene!
Erika is the perfect woman in 2090 Louisville, Kentucky. She is obedient, flawlessly beautiful, married to the wealthiest man in the region, and has even built a business on showing others how to live a life like her own. After ten years of marriage and turning a personal trauma into a blessing for herself, she is the happiest she has ever been.
Until the first mistress confronts her and turns her worldview inside-out.
Erika refuses to sit back and allow her world to crumble. She takes the actions she thinks are needed to save her marriage, her reputation, and her sanity. But how far is too far?
From the author of 'Feign: Volume 1' comes a psychological thriller that will have you engrossed until the very last scene!
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2012
About the author
Tenesha L. Curtis
34 books15 followersA former psychotherapist and lifelong lover of literature, Tenesha L. Curtis brings her knowledge of the human mind into everything she writes—from harrowing fiction to informative writing guides. Follow her screenwriting and authorship endeavors at ReadTenesha.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 25, 2017
When I think novella, I think a short little story with not much to it, that is basically to pass the time. Well, this book totally changed my mind about that. Despite that it is short (and for that reason the plot unfolded quickly and in a relatively predictable manner), it still managed not only to catch and keep my interest but it really had me reflect on society and on how it can influence a person, especially one that is already damaged.
While on the train of thought of reflecting on society, my favorite part of the story, is the part that incited just that in me. It is when Erica explains how from the ideology of feminism, society changed to masters/handlers. Not only did it make matters clear to me and not only is it a central part of the story, but the concept was so logical and interesting that it was just the highlight of the whole book to me. It's the idea that really raised my opinion of the book and that it was so consistent and deeply a part of Erica's journey, just made it all the more important and compelling to me.
Erica's journey had a very real and sad event in her youth happen to her, that shaped her outlook on life. Whether that outlook is right or wrong, is for every reader to decide, but I appreciate how it not only shaped her as a person but also shaped how the story unfolded. It was the driving force for the events that happened. It gave the story depth and “meatiness” that is rare to find in contemporary novels much less futuristic tragic novellas.
Despite that I call this book a tragedy, it still did inspire a bit of hope in me with the character of Alice. She not only felt compassion and understanding for those she helped as a social worker, but also she had an equal relationship with her husband. That made me feel better and hopeful for today's society, since I completely believe it could actually end up like the one described in the book (and I don't know if I'd care for that type of society). She gave me the hope that even if society really did become like described in the book, different types of relationships could exist and like minded people could still find each other. That said, the book is a tragedy, and overall I just felt sad for Erica. I also felt disappointed in Victor, who when push came to shove, didn't stand by his (albeit unrequited) love for Erica and let disillusionment get the better of him. In fact, that was one of my least favorite parts.
Overall I found this story to be very believable, I can easily see society, evolving or devolving, (depending on your point of view) into the one described and that made it very, very, interesting to me. That said, I don't like books that have a not happy or at least hopeful ending. I read for pleasure, so a book that is all around tragic doesn't usually sit well with me, still, I gave it what for me, is a high rating for a tragic story, simply because the narrative was compelling and clear, and this book's idea was really interesting to me. I really appreciate books that make me reflect on matters, be they deep or superficial. Like for example how in the new paradigm “balanced” and “equal” are not synonymous. New ideas are one of the things I love most in life, which is why I can firmly say that this is hands down the best tragedy I have ever read.
I would highly recommend this book to someone who is interested in a new and very possible social paradigm when it comes to relationships. If you like to think about social issues or how a person's mindset or traumas affects them, this is the book for you. If you want a short but deep read, this is also the book for you. However, if you are just looking for some light entertainment, you should probably pass on this book.
While on the train of thought of reflecting on society, my favorite part of the story, is the part that incited just that in me. It is when Erica explains how from the ideology of feminism, society changed to masters/handlers. Not only did it make matters clear to me and not only is it a central part of the story, but the concept was so logical and interesting that it was just the highlight of the whole book to me. It's the idea that really raised my opinion of the book and that it was so consistent and deeply a part of Erica's journey, just made it all the more important and compelling to me.
Erica's journey had a very real and sad event in her youth happen to her, that shaped her outlook on life. Whether that outlook is right or wrong, is for every reader to decide, but I appreciate how it not only shaped her as a person but also shaped how the story unfolded. It was the driving force for the events that happened. It gave the story depth and “meatiness” that is rare to find in contemporary novels much less futuristic tragic novellas.
Despite that I call this book a tragedy, it still did inspire a bit of hope in me with the character of Alice. She not only felt compassion and understanding for those she helped as a social worker, but also she had an equal relationship with her husband. That made me feel better and hopeful for today's society, since I completely believe it could actually end up like the one described in the book (and I don't know if I'd care for that type of society). She gave me the hope that even if society really did become like described in the book, different types of relationships could exist and like minded people could still find each other. That said, the book is a tragedy, and overall I just felt sad for Erica. I also felt disappointed in Victor, who when push came to shove, didn't stand by his (albeit unrequited) love for Erica and let disillusionment get the better of him. In fact, that was one of my least favorite parts.
Overall I found this story to be very believable, I can easily see society, evolving or devolving, (depending on your point of view) into the one described and that made it very, very, interesting to me. That said, I don't like books that have a not happy or at least hopeful ending. I read for pleasure, so a book that is all around tragic doesn't usually sit well with me, still, I gave it what for me, is a high rating for a tragic story, simply because the narrative was compelling and clear, and this book's idea was really interesting to me. I really appreciate books that make me reflect on matters, be they deep or superficial. Like for example how in the new paradigm “balanced” and “equal” are not synonymous. New ideas are one of the things I love most in life, which is why I can firmly say that this is hands down the best tragedy I have ever read.
I would highly recommend this book to someone who is interested in a new and very possible social paradigm when it comes to relationships. If you like to think about social issues or how a person's mindset or traumas affects them, this is the book for you. If you want a short but deep read, this is also the book for you. However, if you are just looking for some light entertainment, you should probably pass on this book.
August 2, 2017
Show Her by TL Curtis was a great book. While reading this book, I felt a range of emotions including anger, sadness, anxiety, hope and happiness. The main character Erika, is deeply flawed but in some respects intensley relatable. The society in which she lives treats family and love as business transactions. As a child, she endured a very distinct trauma that went undicsussed but altered her reality forever.
As an adult, Erika is consumed with being desired and wanted "Erika cherished that she could manipulate the people around her to channel their lust of someone as perfect as herself into gift-giving, purchase requests, and services. This is something that many adult women can relate to, wanting to be desired, especially those who felt overlooked or degraded by a male figure. Although Erika took it to the extreme, many women can realize that they could turn desire into a sort of power they hold.
Alice, my favorite character is a realistic representation of having everything that Erika wants, but in a way that Erika thinks is "improper". Erika is too blinded by her own conditioning and thought patterning to realize there is more than one way to have what you desire. My two favorite scenes involve both Alice, Erika, and the husband Bryan.
The first scene where all three meet, Erika is irritated because neither Alice or her husband Bryan are affected by her beauty. Bryan is attracted to and adores his wife, eventhough Erika is convinced that he will "return" her. The second scene is at the end of the book when remorseful Erika apologizes to Alice and we see how steadily Bryan is standing by her side. I thought it was just a nice testament to the fact that beauty isn't everything and there are still real true love couples.
The character Erika is well developed but as a reader, I found myself wishing to understand certain aspects of her. These included her relationship with her ex and if her apologies and recognizance could lead to any growth within her. I was also quite curious about her sister, Elena and her mother and how they quite differently internalized their struggle as being handlers.
I didn't enjoy the beginning scene between Erika and her father. It was intense and cruel and might be a trigger point for some readers as it was for me. However, I was compelled to keep reading.
This book would be a great read for suspense lovers, fantasy lovers, those who like dramas or stories about class and government with a female protagonist.
As an adult, Erika is consumed with being desired and wanted "Erika cherished that she could manipulate the people around her to channel their lust of someone as perfect as herself into gift-giving, purchase requests, and services. This is something that many adult women can relate to, wanting to be desired, especially those who felt overlooked or degraded by a male figure. Although Erika took it to the extreme, many women can realize that they could turn desire into a sort of power they hold.
Alice, my favorite character is a realistic representation of having everything that Erika wants, but in a way that Erika thinks is "improper". Erika is too blinded by her own conditioning and thought patterning to realize there is more than one way to have what you desire. My two favorite scenes involve both Alice, Erika, and the husband Bryan.
The first scene where all three meet, Erika is irritated because neither Alice or her husband Bryan are affected by her beauty. Bryan is attracted to and adores his wife, eventhough Erika is convinced that he will "return" her. The second scene is at the end of the book when remorseful Erika apologizes to Alice and we see how steadily Bryan is standing by her side. I thought it was just a nice testament to the fact that beauty isn't everything and there are still real true love couples.
The character Erika is well developed but as a reader, I found myself wishing to understand certain aspects of her. These included her relationship with her ex and if her apologies and recognizance could lead to any growth within her. I was also quite curious about her sister, Elena and her mother and how they quite differently internalized their struggle as being handlers.
I didn't enjoy the beginning scene between Erika and her father. It was intense and cruel and might be a trigger point for some readers as it was for me. However, I was compelled to keep reading.
This book would be a great read for suspense lovers, fantasy lovers, those who like dramas or stories about class and government with a female protagonist.
August 2, 2017
"Show Her" written by T.L. Curtis was an awesome read. I would definitely recommend this book to several of my women friends. I think that the main character "Erika" is someone many women can relate to on many levels. The constant programming that most women hear growing up is to always be on your best behavior and always look presentable, there is never an excuse not to. This novel starting off was quite disturbing when I got to the father/daughter interaction in the bathroom. I literally had to put the book down and walk away for a day or two because of how mentally disturbing and ill it made me. But as per the other reviews, it was definitely a read worth going back too. Though I felt that the prologue was a bit disjointed rather than flowing into the main story line it still proved to be an excellent read. Again, in this book I could really identify with Erika on so many levels, the need to be at my best at all times and also the pain of not receiving the appreciation that is deserved in so many areas in a woman's life. It seemed that all was perfect for appearance's sake to the world via the blog Erika wrote and the image she portrayed daily. But sadly it was all just a show that she was putting on and even though she taught the students how to be better Masters/Handlers, she herself forgot some of the rules she gave them. It was a business transaction but she allowed her feelings to get involved and she became her mother, no matter how hard she tried not to. Don't get me wrong Erika went way beyond what was required in order to possibly retain her place in her Handler's life and I thought for a very brief moment she had devised a way to make him pay for not giving her the love she really desires from him. But as a line in the story says "Everyone knows you can't force a man to come back if he doesn't want to", it seems a lesson that Erika learned as a child but did not remember as an adult in her situation. The other Characters were interesting but I was not a Fan of Alice she seemed to be more judgmental of who Erika had become and showed a bit of jealousy over how men would fawn over Erika when they were younger, But I did like Vincent though I lost all respect for him when he basically just handed her over without a fight. Overall, it was an excellent book and one I would recommend any woman to read, most may have a really strong reaction to the beginning of the book but once past that grotesque portion of the story, it is an excellent read.
July 26, 2017
I found this novella to be disappointing. Short works of fiction have little space to adequately develop characters yet the author saw fit to introduce way too many. Instead of focusing on the main character's descent into madness as the main support of her life crumbles away, the author jerks the reader from scene to scene to give the main character the means to her own end, pun intended. This could be a very compelling story focusing on how dark we can become when our world collapses. There was a hint of this concept throughout the book but the concept never gets fleshed out, mainly because the scenes keep shifting.
I found both Alice and Victor to be memorable characters. The determined, opinionated, and stubborn social worker who injects chaos into Erika's very ordered and structured life struck a chord with me. Alice was determined to make Erika understand that her husband was not her master but the very equal that Erika most definitely did not equate with balance. Victor let his own emotions dictate his life, in effect making Erika his Master. I found the irony of a Handler being an implied Master particularly enjoyable, even a bit amusing. Here were two individuals that accepted the system as it was yet they were completely unaware of their polarizing influence on each other.
The end of the opening scene made me very uncomfortable. I believe it was a little too graphic, especially as it did not seem to tie into the story at all. Violation of the young, especially by a parent figure, can have far reaching implications on the psyche. There is a time and place to bring that kind of damage to light, but this story doesn't seem to be it.
I do not recommend this book. It is billed as a dystopian, psychological thriller but it does not deliver. In order to be a thriller, the book needs to keep you on the edge of your seat and it does not. The main character does not draw you in to her psyche. The future does not appear to be a dystopia.
I found both Alice and Victor to be memorable characters. The determined, opinionated, and stubborn social worker who injects chaos into Erika's very ordered and structured life struck a chord with me. Alice was determined to make Erika understand that her husband was not her master but the very equal that Erika most definitely did not equate with balance. Victor let his own emotions dictate his life, in effect making Erika his Master. I found the irony of a Handler being an implied Master particularly enjoyable, even a bit amusing. Here were two individuals that accepted the system as it was yet they were completely unaware of their polarizing influence on each other.
The end of the opening scene made me very uncomfortable. I believe it was a little too graphic, especially as it did not seem to tie into the story at all. Violation of the young, especially by a parent figure, can have far reaching implications on the psyche. There is a time and place to bring that kind of damage to light, but this story doesn't seem to be it.
I do not recommend this book. It is billed as a dystopian, psychological thriller but it does not deliver. In order to be a thriller, the book needs to keep you on the edge of your seat and it does not. The main character does not draw you in to her psyche. The future does not appear to be a dystopia.
August 2, 2017
Overall, I cannot say that I enjoyed this book. Even though it is set in a dystopian setting (and I love dystopian novels), there is a lot of underdevelopment throughout the story. The introduction, while serving to help understand the past of the main character, does not really tie in to the rest of the story. The ending of this part was also graphic, too graphic for the situation that was being described.
Erika was an interesting character but the story was too short to really develop her fully. There is some insight into how mental health and past experiences can shape a person and lead to specific ways of thinking and actions. While these areas do hold some interest, you don't really get a true sense of who she is. It is hard to connect to her as a character and really get invested in her journey.
The writing throughout the book was also choppy. The flow seemed to jump around and some areas became hard to follow. There was a lot of disconnection as new characters were introduced it took some focus to understand how and why they were interacting with the main character. Also, there were areas where it felt like sexual scenarios were thrown in simply to keep it "edgy." I think that the story shows promise but would need to be longer and re-worked in order to really develop the characters and create a flow that draws the reader in.
Erika was an interesting character but the story was too short to really develop her fully. There is some insight into how mental health and past experiences can shape a person and lead to specific ways of thinking and actions. While these areas do hold some interest, you don't really get a true sense of who she is. It is hard to connect to her as a character and really get invested in her journey.
The writing throughout the book was also choppy. The flow seemed to jump around and some areas became hard to follow. There was a lot of disconnection as new characters were introduced it took some focus to understand how and why they were interacting with the main character. Also, there were areas where it felt like sexual scenarios were thrown in simply to keep it "edgy." I think that the story shows promise but would need to be longer and re-worked in order to really develop the characters and create a flow that draws the reader in.
August 2, 2017
concepts, creating more questions than answers. Curtis has created a world where society has reverted women back to property about 70 years into the future, yet they have personal drones to wait on them hand and foot. Gender roles aren't defined anymore, yet they are deeply carved simultaneously. The novella kept me reading because of this opposition and invoked in me a curiosity that was full of surprise and intrigue. The idea that women could be forced back into a "master/handler" relationship in the future, yet have them still bestow a relentless power, made the story a quick read. The plot made me uncomfortable at times because the concepts almost didn't seem to agree, yet the author covered all bases to describe exactly how balanced the ideas were. It doesn't seem natural at all for society to revert to slave terminology and sexism in the future, yet the author convinces me of how perfectly they coincide. I would recommend this read to people who enjoy reading about ideas that are very different such as fans of Atwood and Vonnegut. The idea that Curtis has laced in a murder/crime plot makes the story even more intriguing and would encompass an even broader audience! The story left me wanting more of this futuristic dystopia to follow even more characters!
October 12, 2017
I found this novella to be an interesting tale. The author creates a very unique way for the main character to tell us the history of her culture, that worked out very well. It is a strange world that she imagines, and you begin wondering how bad can it be, while marveling at the twists it takes in the telling. The future imagined by T.L. Curtis seems outrageous, yet it brings to mind the world of Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaids Tale", and we know it can become all too real.
It is a world that you can easily get lost in!
I found this book to be well written, and the perfect length! I enjoyed it very much!
It is a world that you can easily get lost in!
I found this book to be well written, and the perfect length! I enjoyed it very much!
November 14, 2022
Ugh and yuk,wtf? Dystopian twisted tale of new societal norms...child\human abuse,heavy on the misogyny....? Correct me if I am in error...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews