Fifteen years in hell

Benson

• 01 september 2025
• 9782528101698

Samenvatting:

Fifteen Years in Hell is a harrowing and deeply personal memoir by Luther Benson, first published in 1879, chronicling his prolonged and devastating struggle with alcoholism. The book offers an unflinching look into the author’s descent into addiction, beginning with his early life in Indiana, where he was raised in a loving and religious family. Despite a promising start, Benson’s experimentation with alcohol quickly spiraled into a relentless and destructive habit that would consume the next fifteen years of his life. Through vivid and candid storytelling, Benson recounts the physical, emotional, and social toll that alcoholism exacted on him. He describes the loss of his health, the erosion of his relationships, and the repeated failures to overcome his addiction, despite numerous attempts and the support of friends and family. The narrative is marked by moments of despair, self-loathing, and regret, but also by flashes of hope and determination as Benson seeks redemption and recovery. The memoir is not only a personal confession but also a cautionary tale, intended to warn others about the dangers of intemperance. Benson’s account is interspersed with reflections on the broader social and moral implications of alcohol abuse, as well as appeals for compassion and understanding for those afflicted by addiction. His writing is earnest and impassioned, offering both a window into the suffering caused by alcoholism and a plea for reform and support. Fifteen Years in Hell stands as a powerful testament to the destructive power of addiction and the enduring human capacity for resilience and change. It remains a significant work in the literature of addiction and recovery, offering insight, empathy, and hope to readers more than a century after its original publication.