Lost in the Reflecting Pool: Surviving Narcissistic Emotional Abuse

5 Star Review

Click HERE to Purchase Your Copy Today!

Editorial Book Review:

By William Reimers

What struck me first was the honesty that lies within the writing of this book. It’s not easy to write about trauma, let alone to make it coherent, illuminating, and deeply moving, but this memoir accomplishes all of that and more. Lost in the Reflecting Pool: Surviving Narcissistic Emotional Abuse isn’t just a story of endurance; it’s a slow-burning revelation of how deeply emotional abuse can root itself in a life that, on the surface, seems loving and full of potential.

I appreciated how carefully the narrative unfolded, never rushing through moments of emotional insight or painful realization. It painted the picture of a relationship that began with promise, with all the markers of success and affection, only to gradually become a cage of manipulation, fear, and disconnection. The author’s dual perspective as both a clinical psychologist and a woman caught in the grip of narcissistic abuse added a rare richness to the storytelling, allowing me as a reader to both feel and understand what was happening on multiple levels.

The most powerful thing about this book for me was how it dealt with the slow loss of identity and self-worth that often happens in emotionally abusive situations. It wasn't dramatic in a way that was meant to shock; it was quiet, creepy, and eerily familiar to anyone who has ever doubted their own sanity or instincts in a bad relationship.

But on another hand, this is also a story of emergence. There is no bitterness that comes from going through loss, illness, becoming a mother, among other things. I really felt like I had gained wisdom and become my old self again. To not only live, but also to get free from years of emotional abuse and gaslighting and to tell the truth without apologizing, that made me think of how strong people really are.

This book is not just for survivors of narcissistic abuse, though they will undoubtedly find solace and validation in its pages. It’s also for anyone who wants to better understand the hidden face of emotional manipulation, and the slow, brave work of healing. It's tender, intelligent, and unforgettable.

About the Author

Diane Pomerantz

Dr. Diane C. Pomerantz is a seasoned clinical psychologist and author based in Towson, Maryland, with over 40 years of experience in the field. She specializes in individual, couples, and family psychotherapy, addressing a wide range of issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, and relationship difficulties. Dr. Pomerantz also leads "Healing Through Writing" groups, which utilize expressive writing as a therapeutic tool to process experiences and foster healing. ​

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Pomerantz has contributed to the field through her writing. She is the author of the memoir Lost in the Reflecting Pool, which recounts her personal journey through a marriage to an abusive narcissist and her subsequent path to healing. The book has been recognized with several awards, including the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Award and the 2018 Foreword Indies Award. ​

Dr. Pomerantz holds a Ph.D. in psychology and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital, focusing on intensive inpatient psychotherapy with adults. She has also served on the staff at Sheppard-Pratt for a decade, providing both long-term and short-term therapy. Her professional experience extends to consulting roles with Baltimore County Public Schools and other organizations.