The Wrong Calamity

An intimate and compellingly honest memoir of a woman coming into her own after profound pain and grief.

Grappling with neglect, eating disorders, domestic violence, single parenthood, and the contagiousness of trauma, The Wrong Calamity is a powerful story of calamity, discovery, and triumph.

Marsha, a freshman lacking self-confidence, falls prey to a controlling man at college. Afraid to say no, she agrees to marry him and move to Japan, where she unexpectedly gets a job at Mattel Toys. As she becomes successful, her husband becomes more abusive. Back in America, she and their two toddlers escape from him in a dramatic police chase. Determined to succeed, she earns a Harvard MBA and builds a career, all while raising her girls and fending off her vengeful ex-husband. Later, she marries a former colleague. Their marriage is joyful—until his buried past reveals itself and shatters their marriage, her career, and many close relationships.

With brave honesty, Marsha gives voice to the lived experience of grief and shares her insights on how she became resilient, rediscovered herself, and now has a happy, fulfilling life. The Wrong Calamity is a compelling and inspiring memoir.

Author Bio:

Marsha Jacobson lives in New York City and is an author, teacher, and writing coach. Her work has appeared in the New York Times; the Visible Ink anthology; and the flash fiction anthology, For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn. Her memoir, The Wrong Calamity, is her debut book. Previously, she was an executive in corporations and nonprofits and a consultant to nonprofits.