(Reviewed by JD Jung)
Hal endured a tumultuous upbringing under the cruel hand of his Aunt Kathy. While his mother suffered from severe mental illness, it was Aunt Kathy who had to step in to raise him and his two brothers—though “raise” might be too generous a term. Her favoritism toward Hal’s older brother was blatant, and her treatment of Hal was nothing short of abusive, both physically and emotionally.
A devout figure in the Zion Gate Union Baptist Church in Columbus, Mississippi, Aunt Kathy’s life outside the church was anything but holy. Even her fellow parishioners were well aware of her evil nature, but they continued to appease her. That included Pastor Keith, but the reason was probably due to her substantial financial donations.
As an adult, Hal escaped his painful past by working as a contractor in Afghanistan, only to be drawn back when he received news from Pastor Keith of Aunt Kathy’s death. Since his estranged brothers were quite irresponsible, he requested that Hal help deliver the eulogy. The narrative skillfully weaves between the present-day funeral arrangements and pivotal moments from Hal’s past, painting a vivid picture of his upbringing and painful relationship with Aunt Kathy. What the reader doesn’t expect is the satisfying ending.
Author Harold Phifer openly acknowledges taking creative liberties, but the essence of the story remains rooted in truth. What I don’t understand though, is despite enduring years of mistreatment, he emerges as someone relatively emotionally balanced.
This book is hard to put down. The combination of raw personal history and sharp storytelling makes for a fascinating read. Readers can relate to the fact that we all know those who claim to be religious and godly, but in private, are nothing like that. My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift is highly recommended for those drawn to memoirs of survival and resilience, complex family dynamics, and hidden personas.
