There is a particular kind of danger that leaves no bruise, the slow erosion of self that comes from living beside someone who cannot love you back. Parting Ways is a thriller about that danger, and about the people who find the strength to break free.
Written by John Richard Gerlach, it is a story of suspense with something deeper running beneath it: a belief that no matter what life takes from us, we never have to lose the ability to love and be loved.
Some ties bind us. Some must be broken.
The Novel
Nathan Bauer arrives at his parents' townhouse at dusk, having endured the worst day of his life: their funeral. All he wants is to withdraw from the world. Instead, the twelve months that follow bring criminal charges, assassination attempts, and the unwitting exposure of an international spy ring and two women, Angela and Vicktoria, the human juxtaposition of good and evil.
It’s more than a novel, it’s a MOVEMENT!
Parting Ways is fiction, but the harm it portrays is real. Narcissism doesn't stay in one facet of our lives it shows up in our relationships, our workplaces, and even our institutions. This story exists to name that pattern, to lift the shame from the people it targets, and to remind them of a simple, radical truth:
You deserve to be treated with respect. You deserve to live as your authentic self. You deserve real love.
"Despite all the travails of life, never lose the ability to love and to be loved." — John Richard Gerlach
Free Guide: 12 Signs You're Dealing with a Narcissist
Narcissistic behavior hides behind charm and often makes the person being harmed feel that they're the problem. Download our free guide to recognize the patterns, with practical steps and a space to reflect. You'll also receive occasional encouragement and updates from John.
If you need help - START HERE:
You are not alone, and help is free and confidential. Whether you're questioning a relationship or ready to leave, our resource directory connects you with national hotlines and local organizations searchable by state.
In immediate danger? Call 911. For 24/7 confidential support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788.
About John Richard Gerlach
John Richard Gerlach is a retired data analyst whose talents blend logic, creativity, and imagination. Over a long career he wrote and presented numerous papers at conferences across America and Europe. He holds a degree in Italian Literature, speaks Italian, plays mandolin, and studies classical piano. Based in Florida but forever drawn to Europe, John brings a cerebral, disciplined, yet deeply compassionate quality to his writing.
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Parting Ways is available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover.