Faithfully Yours   By: Lou Tabakow (1915?-1981)

Lou Tabakow’s Faithfully Yours is a raw and powerful memoir that delves into the depths of love, loss, and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit. With a deft and honest prose, Tabakow takes readers on a captivating journey of self-discovery and redemption.

The book opens with the author reflecting on his tumultuous childhood and the influence of his parents' strained marriage. Tabakow’s exploration of his Jewish heritage and the impact it has on his relationships is particularly poignant, as he delves into the complexities of faith and identity.

What sets Faithfully Yours apart is Tabakow’s unflinching examination of his own psyche. He fearlessly exposes his flaws, insecurities, and inner demons, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeply personal level. His vulnerability is both refreshing and heartbreaking, as he grapples with the choices he has made and the consequences they have had on his life.

At the heart of this memoir lies Tabakow’s search for love and his unwavering belief in its power to heal. The author’s relationships, both romantic and platonic, are intricately explored, offering a multi-dimensional portrayal of human connection. From his tumultuous marriage to his unrequited love affairs, Tabakow’s experiences serve as a mirror through which readers can reflect on their own experiences with love and longing.

One of the most compelling aspects of Faithfully Yours is the author's ability to evoke a powerful sense of place. Whether he is describing the gritty streets of New York City or the tranquil beauty of the Italian countryside, Tabakow’s vivid prose transports readers to the very locations he writes about. This attention to detail adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it all the more immersive.

While the book could benefit from a more structured narrative arc, Tabakow’s introspective and contemplative style ultimately creates a sense of intimacy and authenticity. His willingness to lay bare his insecurities and failures makes Faithfully Yours an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking read.

In conclusion, Faithfully Yours is an honest and poignant memoir that tackles themes of love, loss, and personal growth with unflinching authenticity. Through his captivating storytelling and introspection, Lou Tabakow invites readers on a journey of self-discovery that is both relatable and deeply moving. This book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.

First Page:

The fugitive lay face down in the fetid undergrowth, drawing in spasmodic lungfuls of air through cracked and swollen lips. Long before, his blue workshirt had been ripped to ribbons and his exposed chest showed a spiderwork of scratches, where branches and brambles had sought to restrain him in his frenzied flight. Across his back from shoulder to shoulder ran a deeper cut around which the caked blood attested to the needle sharp viciousness of a thorn bush a mile to the north. With each tortured breath he winced, as drops of sweat ran down, following the spiderwork network and burning like acid... Continue reading book >>