Book Review: Misfit: the unravelling of Samantha X by Amanda Goff

I really struggled through Amanda Goff's memoir Misfit: The unravelling of Samantha X.

I have to say first that I don't understand mental health issues but I don't judge people who have mental health problems.

 

In my review I am not judging Amanda as a person. Her choices in life are hers and I did feel for her struggle with self acceptance.

What Amanda tries to explain in this memoir is how her struggle with bi-polar shaped her life, causing bad decision making, addiction and self destruction.  

 

In this raw and honest autobiography Amanda Goff opens up about her life as Australia's most famous escort, her battle with bipolar, alcohol and depression.  She explains the conflict she endures every day as she tries to leave behind a major part of her life. A time when she was both happy and confident and struggling with self-hate and regret. 

 

I am sorry to say I found the book repetitive, often confusing and a bit boring. 

I wasn't sure if Amanda was proud of Samantha X or hated that part of her life. Maybe both.

The writing jumps back and forward between 'everyone's judging me' to 'I don't care what anyone thinks about me'.

 

I can only hope writing this memoir was cathartic and it will help Amanda leave Samantha behind and start enjoying life.... as herself. Stop telling people she meets who she used to be and just be herself.

 

My rating 2.5 / 5 ⭐⭐½

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 4th March 2025

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 224

RRP: AU$34.99

Source: Courtesy of the publisher