My Parent the Peacock

Discovery and Recovery from Narcissistic Parenting

Kathleen Saxton author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:John Murray Press

Published:25th Sep '25

Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date

My Parent the Peacock cover

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Such an insightful book... I cannot recommend it enough' Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Wow. This is the book so many people have been waiting for' Reader review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'An amazing read... gave me real hope when I needed it most' Reader review

'A compelling portrait of narcissism' Charlotte Cripps, The Independent

'I made notes in the margin - "Yes! This!" - on almost every page' Susannah Jowitt, The Daily Mail

The scars inflicted on childhood by a parent with narcissistic tendencies are lasting - but they don't have to define your future. My Parent the Peacock is a compassionate, insightful and clear-eyed guide to recovery that validates your lived experience while offering practical steps towards healing and freedom.

Demythologising some of the ideas around narcissistic behaviours, acclaimed therapist Kathleen Saxton starts by explaining what narcissism is, and isn't, and why it seems to be on the increase. She offers you support to understand how having a narcissistic parent can impact your early development, and how family constellations are shaped in such households (were you the Golden Child, or the Scapegoated Child?). Pulling everything together into practical and healing strategies for moving forward, the book also covers:

* validation and self-care
* setting boundaries and expectations
* Listening to your own voice
* Breaking the generational patterns

You can escape generational trauma and find freedom; take the first steps today for a healthier, happier future.

A compelling portrait of narcissism. -- Charlotte Cripps * The Independent *
I made notes in the margin - 'Yes! This!' - on almost every page. -- Susannah Jowitt * The Daily Mail *
In My Parent the Peacock, Kathleen Saxton shines a light on the hidden wounds of children raised by narcissistic parents. With clinical expertise and deep compassion, she unpacks the lasting impact of these relationships and offers a path to understanding and healing. A vital, unflinching read for anyone seeking to break the cycle and protect the next generation. * Chris Sherwood, CEO, NSPCC *
Everywhere, there is far too much emphasis on the narcissist, and their interpersonal relationships, and not enough on the children and families at the heart of this insidious disorder. This book fills in this critical lacuna with research-based insight and information - a rarity in the sphere of narcissism. Recommended as THE introductory text to the topic and as an indispensable guide to further forays into the field. -- Professor Sam Vaknin, author of 'Malignant Self-love: Narcissism Revisited' (1999-2015)
The definitive guide to how to deal with the narcissist in your life, especially if they are your parent, and come out stronger on the other side. This book is incisive, substantive, practical, and profoundly moving. More than just a diagnosis, this is a path to recovery. Saxton empowers those affected to reclaim their voice, rediscover their identity, and believe in the possibility of healing. I finished the book feeling enlightened, uplifted, and deeply encouraged; a powerful reminder that even the most painful childhood can be the beginning of a fulfilling life. * David Lancefield, Founder, Strategy Shift *

ISBN: 9781399822596

Dimensions: 232mm x 152mm x 24mm

Weight: 354g

288 pages