Growing up with a destructively alcoholic parent is fodder for humour as well as shock in Kirkland Hamill’s Bermudian-American memoir.

But Mr Hamill’s deeper message, to be shared on Wednesday in a live webinar about his just-published book, is: you’re not alone.

Mr Hamill told The Royal Gazette: “There are so many of us out there. We are here for you.”

Filthy Beasts, a story jumping between the United States and Bermuda, was published to acclaim this July by Simon & Schuster.

The author and his two brothers endured a chaotic, sometimes tormented existence while their Bermudian-born mother drank herself to oblivion.

Mr Hamill said the reaction to his book since publication had been “amazing”.

He added: “Most often, the e-mails I receive start with the phrase ‘my fill-in-the-blank was an alcoholic’, followed by a story of how that person impacted their lives and how the book made them feel less isolated in their experience.”

Mr Hamill began fighting his way to self-discovery in Bermuda with the help of Al-Anon, a recovery programme for friends and family members of alcoholics.

On Wednesday, he will read from his book, and talk about his journey, with Solstice holistic wellness centre between 1pm and 2pm.

All are welcome to register by e-mailing gordon@circle.bm.

“Shame is insidious,” Mr Hamill said. “Alcoholism thrives in shame, within the alcoholic certainly, but also within those who love the alcoholic.

“I hope my book inspires people to tell their own stories. It’s where the healing begins.

“If an e-mail to me is the first step, then I want people to know that each subsequent step becomes easier — and at some point you will no longer accept living in anything other than your own truth.”

Gordon Johnson, a business adviser with Solstice and a fan of the book, said: “He talks about healing in a very powerful way.”

Mr Johnson said statistics showed three to seven people typically fell in the painful circle of influence of an alcoholic or addict.

He added: “That’s a large section of our community that may not be aware they’re being impacted.

“Kirkland gives us the lens and maybe, for some of us, the language, that it’s OK to take care of ourselves when we’re unable to take care of someone else.”

Mr Johnson used the analogy of “putting the oxygen mask on yourself first”.

He added: “Addiction is a very cunning process of invitation to get involved for family members.

“Kirkland’s book is really helping us to understand that the process is actually about taking care of yourself.”

Asked if Solstice dealt with people grappling with a similar plight, Mr Johnson replied: “Yes. That’s all part of the impact of addiction.”

Mr Johnson added: “We really want to allow people to connect with this offering. We would like them to e-mail me, and I will share the link with them.”

Kelly Maderios, the owner of Solstice, said: “We are delighted that Kirkland has offered to speak about Filthy Beasts — a Bermudian story about family, addiction and recovery.

“This is a story that reminds us that many individuals, families and community experience the impact of addiction and with understanding, guidance and support we can heal together.”

• Filthy Beasts is available at the Bermuda Bookstore