Author's interview: Benjamin Berkley.

AGAINST MY WILL by Benjamin Berkley

Publisher: Frederick Fell Publishers, Inc., September 1, 2012

Category: Fiction- Relationships, Abuse, Romance, Holocaust, Suspense, Literary Fiction

AGAINST MY WILL is the life changing novel about Danielle, a victim of marital abuse, who finds the strength to leave her husband and pursue a career in law.

Danielle Landau knows she should feel lucky, but she can't feel anything but dread. Not only did she pass the New York Bar, but she married the man her father says is just right for her and lives in a fashionable new loft in Queens. But the man who seems like the perfect catch is a perfect nightmare at home. Jacob tries to control her career, her daily routine, and even what she eats. He ignores her desires and belittles her every chance he gets. Soon, Danielle doesn't recognize her husband or herself, and she struggles to find a way out.

Danielle tries to talk to her father but he dismisses her marital problems.  But she can confide in her Nana Rose, a Holocaust survivor who lost her entire family at the hands of the Nazis. Rose helped raise Danielle and her brother when their mother died when Danielle was only three.  Having faced death, Rose is Danielle's source of security.  But while Danielle holds on to the fragile belief that her father's prince charming will change, she is raped by her husband on the night of their one year wedding anniversary.

Now, Danielle has to escape.  And with the help of her beloved Nana, Danielle moves across the country and starts to rebuild her life. But will she be able to escape her past? And when one of her clients finds herself in the same terrible situation, will Danielle have the strength to help her?

As we follow Danielle on her journey of terror and recovery, we see her story intersect with the diary entries of her Nana as a young girl held captive in a concentration camp.  The entries begin with Rose waking up in a hospital after the liberation of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp.    Graphically she recounts the train ride to the camp and the emotional separation of her from her family upon arrival.    And the full weight of the family's secrets becomes clear. This is a story of survival, self-discovery, justice, and ultimately, it's about love.

SHORT INTERVIEW WITH BENJAMIN:

- For those who are unfamiliar with AGAINST MY WILL, how would you describe it?    

 It is a life changing novel about Danielle, a victim of marital abuse, who finds the strength to leave her husband and pursue a career in law.  It is a story about  survival, self-discovery, justice, and ultimately, it’s about love. 

- Which is the hardest thing you faced as a writer? 

Balancing time between my law practice and writing.

- Tell me something about you that can surprise the readers. 

I am not an avid reader but prefer reading current events and magazines like People.

- When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”? 

A game show host.

- Hidden talent? 

I love to sing.

- How do you react to a bad review? 

It goes with  the territory and you cannot please everyone.

- What do you do in your free time?  

Free time?  Well, I play tennis every Tuesday night.  I also love playing with my grandchildren.

- Guilty pleasure? 

Chocolate Babka from any great New York bakery.

- Favorite place you've ever been? 

Lido Island on the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Venice, Italy.

- Favorite quote?  

The case is closed.

About Benjamin Berkley:

"Against My Will" is Benjamin Berkley's fifth book and debut novel.  He is also the author of four self-help books:       "My Wishes, Your Plan for Organizing Your Family's Needs" (Sourcebooks, June, 2006)   "The Complete Executor's Guide" (Sourcebooks, June 2007)   "Winning Your Social Security Disability Case" (Sourcebooks, February, 2008) and "Before You Say I Do Again, A Buyer's Beware Guide to Remarriage." (Frederick Fell Publishers, September, 2009).

And though writing is his passion, for over 34 years he has conducted a busy law practice in which he has seen many interesting clients come through his door.  One in particular, an older woman with white hair, the kindest smile, and an amazing story became the inspiration for one of his characters for "Against My Will."   Berkley lives in southern California with his wife Phyllis and their cat Riley.   He has two grown children and is always bragging about his most beautiful grandson and granddaughter.

Benjamin Berkley's Website