Fort Unicorn and the Duchess of Knoth..., Andrea Nelson
Fort Unicorn and the Duchess of Knoth..., Andrea Nelson
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Fort Unicorn and the Duchess of Knothing

Author: Andrea Nelson

Narrator: Andrea Nelson, Kristina Stadler

Unabridged: 5 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/20/2022


Synopsis

A retired boxer sets out in search of her daughter, Shyloh, an addict living with mental illness on the streets of San Diego. In Fort Unicorn and the Duchess of Knothing, Nelson tries desperately to find – and save – her first-born, delving into the roots of mental illness, addiction, and the meaning of unconditional love.
This memoir is an unflinching witness of what it means to be homeless, mentally ill, and addicted in America - and to love someone who is all of those things. Fort Unicorn is, more than anything else, a vivid and tender portrait of people who are too often invisible to society.
Fort Unicorn and the Duchess of Knothing is Nelson’s first published book. Several years before Shyloh's death, while in jail, sober and medicated, Shyloh asked her mother to help write a book chronicling her struggles and triumphs. Shyloh died before the book could be written, and Andrea felt compelled to tell her daughter’s story for her. The result offers an important perspective on homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Nelson’s goal is to open eyes and hearts, so the story might inspire conversation and instigate change.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrea Nelson lives and coaches boxing in Madison, Wisconsin. When she’s not in the gym training her boxers, you can find Andrea tending her gardens, chickens, and bees, or running the nearby trails. She shares life with her partner, James.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Stacey

A heart breaking story of mental illness, addiction and homelessness. One leading to another. The author is local, I look forward to hearing her speak, I’d love to know more about area resources, and ideas she has to lift up the homeless community. I feel like a witness in corrections, seeing how co......more

Goodreads review by Jessie

Andrea Nelson has written a poignant a loving memoir, about freedom, loss, courage, and unconditional love. In Fort Unicorn and the Duchess of Knothing, Andrea takes us on a journey onto the streets of San Diego, where her daughter, Shyloh, descends deeper into mental illness and addiction, a world......more

I don't even know where to begin with this book. A mother's memoir about her unconditional love for her daughter who struggles with her mental health along with drug and alcohol issues. This book shows the obstacles that are constantly in the way of getting help. Highly recommend.......more

This book is such a beautiful, brutal story of unconditional love. Its honest, makes one dealing with losing a loved one to addiction feel not alone, puts words to feelings of losing a loved one, and is compassionate. It is a hard read, but a must read as well. I highly recommend reading it!......more

Goodreads review by Robin

I am a retired Substance Abuse Counselor, Case Manager for Homeless Veterans, Detox Assessor, and in recovery myself. I know Andrea & Shyloh personally. I can't recommend this book enough. The brutal honesty of MH, Addiction & Homelessness that Shyloh and Andrea fought & loved each other through. Ha......more