In the Shadow of Fame

A Memoir by the Daughter of Erik H. Erikson

By: Sue Erikson Bloland

Narrated by: Celeste Lawson

In the Shadow of Fame, by the daughter of world-renowned psychoanalyst and theorist Erik Erikson, is the intimate story of her struggle to come to terms with her father's fame and to develop a sense of self in a family, and world, in which being famous is the very definition of being a worthwhile human being. And, while her story is unique in its personal details, it is also a description of the struggle faced by all of us in a modern world.

©2005 by Sue Erikson Bloland (P)2005 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Analyzing her parents' damaged childhoods, Bloland eventually understands why they were such poor parents, and why they turned to professional success for their fulfillment. Anyone interested in the problems of fame will find Bloland's memoir useful." (Publishers Weekly)

enjoyable read for psychology student

As a new student to psychology I found this book very interesting and an enjoyable listen.

The Famous are only Human

After listening I actually appreciate Erickson even more and his daughter makes great observations on how the fame and the famous trap us all with our need to deal with the human condition

Insightful

Much insight, much understanding on the author’s part. One seeming omission. Bloland does not discuss how her father is enmeshed in the same issues she focuses on in Young Man Luther and Gandhi’s Truth. His insight and attraction to charisma and fame are a theme of these exceptional works.

Food for thought: what makes Luther and Gandhi charismatic also I think applies to other leaders of much less benign impact. This is a human problem and weakness.