Review: A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
A Story of One Man's Recovery From Addiction and Self-Destruction
The horror and stark reality of a life ruled by addiction is effectively portrayed through James Frey’s book, A Million Little Pieces. He vividly details his six weeks spent in a rehab center and provides a disturbing account of his struggles with his own mind, body, and will during the recovery process.
The Beginning of Recovery
When 23-year-old Frey arrives at the rehab center, driven by his anxious parents, he seems a lost cause: "My front four teeth are gone, I have a hole in my cheek, my nose is broken and my eyes are swollen nearly shut." His clothes are covered with spit, snot urine, vomit and blood, liquids which continue to come up through out the book.
The agony he experiences during the detoxification process and the “cold white” pain he is forced to endure as his teeth are rebuilt without the use of anesthetic, would usually evoke pity. Frey, however, cites himself as the executer of his own suffering, and harbors no self-pity and will accept none.
Self Condemnation
Frey repeatedly and matter-of-factly identifies himself as an alcoholic and a drug addict and a criminal. He blatantly refuses to follow the traditional method of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the accompanying 12 Steps, to the frustration of the various counselors attempting to help him. Instead, he cites a plan that involves only the power of his will and his ability to say “no.”
“The Fury,” an overpowering force inside Frey, battles against this course of action and his process of recovery. It is the beast always claiming, screaming, and clamoring to get out. In the past, Frey satisfied the beast with alcohol, crack and a variety of other substances, but with these items unavailable, he is forced to gain control of the animal. He searches to find the balance in himself in order to right the impurities and chaos “the Fury” has allowed him to reek upon his body.
A Story of Contrast
His account has two contrasting sides. The first is the grotesque, angry and violent side, haunted by the horrors of rehab and the sins of his worthless life. The other shows the weakness, misery, and need for love. His struggles are emotionally engaging and difficult for those untouched by addiction to fully comprehend.
Frey's Style
Frey’s unique stylistic techniques add to the over all message of the book, though they can be distracting at first. He does not use quotation marks and does not always directly identify the speaker, leaving the reader the responsibility of figuring it out. Frey uses dialogue extensively, but it is very short, concise, and direct. Like the book and the message, the people participating in the dialogue do not hesitate to get to the point of what they are saying.
Strong and constant swearing in dialogue and thought processes are exhibited through out the book. This uncustomary and extensive use of strong language serves to further the harsh reality of the situation he is relating, despite the disapproval it has incited from some people.
Frey’s message is one of triumph and the ability of the human will to conquer despite overwhelming odds. His direct style, vivid details, and harsh dose of reality effectively convey his message to all who will read his account.
Frey, James. A Million Little Pieces. United States. Random House, 2003.
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