DEAR EX: 100 Love Letters to My Narcissistic Ex - A Deep Dive Review

by Lakeeya Natasha (Author)

Updated at: 13/02/2025

In Dear Ex: 100 Love Letters to My Narcissistic Ex, licensed therapist Lakeeya Natasha shares a deeply personal and cathartic journey. Initially a collection of letters written to her ex-husband during their separation, this book transcends a personal narrative. Natasha's 100+ letters chronicle the raw emotions of a traumatic breakup, mirroring the five stages of grief and offering relatable solace to others navigating similar experiences. Through vulnerability and professional insight, she validates the pain of unresolved feelings and the longing for a future that wasn't. This book is a testament to the healing power of self-expression and a reminder that your pain is valid, and finding peace and joy again is possible.

5 / 8 ratings

Review DEAR EX

Reading "Dear Ex: 100 Love Letters to My Narcissistic Ex" was a deeply moving experience, far exceeding my initial expectations. I'll admit, going in, I had some reservations. Knowing Lakeeya Natasha personally and having some familiarity with the painful events that inspired the book, I wasn't sure I wanted to delve into the raw emotion it promised. But the power of her vulnerability completely captivated me. It wasn't just a collection of letters; it was a raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful journey through heartbreak and healing.

What struck me most was the universality of Lakeeya's experience. While her letters detail a specific relationship with a narcissistic ex-husband, the emotions they convey—the longing, the confusion, the anger, the self-doubt—resonated deeply with my own experiences and the struggles I've witnessed in others. The book doesn't shy away from the messy, complicated reality of navigating a traumatic breakup, especially one where the other person's actions defy logic and empathy. It beautifully illustrates the five stages of grief, not as linear steps, but as a swirling vortex of feelings that ebb and flow. One moment you're clinging to hope, the next you're consumed by anger, and then suddenly, a flicker of self-compassion emerges. This realistic portrayal made the book feel incredibly validating.

More than just a personal account, "Dear Ex" serves as a valuable therapeutic tool. Lakeeya’s insights, woven seamlessly into the narrative, provide a framework for understanding not only the complexities of narcissistic relationships but also the process of self-discovery and healing that follows. It’s a testament to her strength and resilience, but also to her professional expertise. The book doesn't just acknowledge pain; it helps you unpack it, process it, and ultimately, find a path towards self-love and empowerment. I found myself reflecting introspectively on past relationships, confronting long-buried feelings of shame and embarrassment, and finally acknowledging the courage it took to move on from situations that weren’t serving me.

The book’s strength lies in its honesty. There's no sugarcoating the pain, no romanticizing the toxic dynamics. Instead, Lakeeya lays bare her vulnerabilities with a courage that is both inspiring and deeply affecting. The act of writing these letters itself becomes a powerful form of self-expression and catharsis, a process that the reader vicariously experiences. This raw honesty, combined with the insightful commentary and professional perspective, creates a truly unique and impactful reading experience.

What initially felt like a potentially painful read transformed into a source of strength and hope. "Dear Ex" isn't just a book about heartbreak; it's a testament to the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of finding peace, love, and joy again after experiencing profound loss. It’s a book I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone grappling with the aftermath of a difficult relationship, particularly those involving narcissistic abuse. It's a reminder that you are not alone in your pain, and that healing is possible.

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