An Inconvenient Posting: An Expat Wife’s Memoir of Lost Identity
British psychotherapist Laura J Stephens already had the living abroad tee-shirt, and believed that another intercontinental move, this time to a country where they spoke the same language, would be child’s play. How wrong she was!
This always candid and often humorous memoir demonstrates that things don’t always go as expected – particularly with three kids in tow and an oft-absent husband. Setting up home in Houston placed Stephens in the eye of hurricane Ike, a frisky piano teacher and a crushing loss of identity as she came to terms with losing her hard-won career. Unafraid to share the truth of the ensuing depression and her recovery, this story will offer expatriates and those who have suffered similar episodes hope and inspiration. Set against a dramatic Houston backdrop, readers will find a host of good ideas that foster resilience.
Ruth E. Van Reken, author of Letters Never Sent wrote:Written with eloquence and raw honesty, Laura Stephen's insightful journey provides a rich resource for expatriates and others struggling with the challenges of a major life transition.
Linda A. Janssen, author of The Emotionally Resilient Expat wrote:Touch, taste, and feel the incredible paradoxes inherent in an expatriate lifestyle.
Anne P. Copeland PhD, author of Global Baby wrote:Stephens graciously takes us along on her downward spiral into depression, then details what helped as she makes her triumphant journey back.
A treasure trove of understanding and resources.