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Coming soon

Atmosphere Press 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89132-512-8       

Price: $18.99 paperback, $9.99 Kindle

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Bogard’s latest is a raw, unflinching exploration of a young woman’s battle with abuse, self-discovery, and the harsh realities of 1970s America. At 18, Hel drops out of small-town Wisconsin, searching for something more. She dives into the chaos of the 60s and into the arms of a troubled Vietnam vet-turned-activist. But when her marriage turns violent, she’s trapped. Two women offer a lifeline. But can she keep going after everything is destroyed?

Bogard captures Hel’s despair with haunting precision, crafting a vivid mental landscape that mirrors her physical surroundings—a run-down duplex, its frost-covered walls and toxic domestic atmosphere reflecting Hel’s internal turmoil. Thorpe, strong-willed and unapologetically confident, is a compelling presence, while Iris, with her bold defiance of societal norms, adds another layer of intrigue. Bogard also delves into the complexities of trauma, power dynamics, and healing through Hel’s relationships, especially her entanglement with Ed. What begins as an intense and magnetic connection slowly unravels into a chilling portrayal of control and abuse. The gradual erosion of Hel’s sense of agency is depicted with brutal honesty, offering a stark examination of the insidious nature of domestic violence. As Hel begins to confront her past, grapple with her fears, and embrace the possibility of change, the novel transforms into a powerful story of personal recovery and resilience. The 1970s Madison setting adds depth to the narrative, with student activism, feminism, and communal living shaping the cultural landscape. 

A thought-provoking and emotional story that will linger long after the final page.

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