MIMSY Cum Laude

MIMSY Cum Laude by Don Blossom offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the lingering mysteries of the past. Blossom's debut memoir examines his obsessive quest to unravel the enigmatic life of his college sweetheart, Marilyn “Mimsy” Cosic, who passed away decades earlier. The narrative opens with Blossom’s near-death experience during heart surgery in 2020, he has a vision of Mimsy, sparking a strong desire to uncover the truths about her tumultuous life. Blossom vividly recounts their whirlwind romance during their college years, characterized by intense attraction and emotional connection.

However, their relationship is cut short, leaving Blossom haunted by unanswered questions about Mimsy's past. As Blossom investigates Mimsy's history, he unravels — a story of alcoholism, sexual assault, and tragedy, including a devastating house fire that left Mimsy severely burned. Despite encountering resistance from Mimsy's surviving sister and facing the challenges of his mortality, Blossom's determination to uncover the truth propels him on a relentless journey of self-discovery and closure.

While Blossom's prose is earnest and at times charming, it is the relentless desire to find out what happened to his once-upon-a-time heartthrob that drives the story forward. The author provides powerful glimpses of the dynamics in his own home and explores the relationship with his wife while pursuing closure with someone who, perhaps, might have been part of his life in other circumstances. The memoir is psychologically grounded and emotionally resonant. MIMSY Cum Laude remains a compelling exploration of the impact of lost love and the human desire for closure. Blossom's candid reflection on his vulnerabilities and obsessions augments the realism in the narrative and makes his story even more relatable.