Mourning Has Broken offers a moving and poignant look at grief and loss. In this collection of narrative non-fiction essays, the author speaks from the heart not only about the death of a dear sister but also about the mourning of a mother, a father, a dear friend, a career and a religion.
Her sister’s death tore her heart apart. The grief she felt for her was more intense than any grief she ever felt for the death of someone dear to her. Perhaps it was the amalgamation of un-mourned griefs, or maybe it was because it was closer to home . To lose a parent puts your mortality next in line; to lose a sister, you are no longer in line – you have crossed the threshold.
When her mother died she wrote Don’t Bring me Flowers, an essay which is in this collection. In the weeks which followed her sister’s death , an urge to write an essay about her emerged . It was at page eighty that she realized the essay had flown off on its own and that she’d given herself a mission. For one year she would write about her mourning. In that year the author goes about her life as memories and myriads of emotions assail her.
Through it all, she explores the meaning of life and the changes of her own beliefs, taking the reader through a journey of sorrow, guilt, regret, joy and hope.
Readers who have known loss will find much to relate to in this book, and will particularly appreciate the author’s ability to be frank and open and at times humorous about feelings that might be difficult to acknowledge.
Review: Although my own experiences in life are much different I could still relate to the emotions of loss and helplessness. I found it difficult at times and can only imagine the strength and courage it took to write this. It is a work filled with genuine reflection and depth. I love what Carol comes away with despite the colossal changes in faith and understandings of life and death.
No one reading this will come away untouched.
The work is extremely well written. I couldn’t fault it if I tried.
Thank you, Kevin, for posting your review of Mourning Has Broken. I hope that it will reach those who need to read it. ❤
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Reblogged this on Carol Balawyder and commented:
I just received a nice surprise. Kevin Cooper posted a review of my memoir Mourning Has Broken on his blog. Many, Many Thanks, Kevin. ❤
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Such a great way to help someone overcome loss. Thank you, Carol–and Kevin for posting this.
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You’re most welcome, Carol.
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Hi Jacqui. Thanks for reading!
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Fab review. I loved this book. Lovely to see you back Kev! 🙂
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Hi Debby! It’s good to be back… Still getting used to the new wordpress format though… Can’t believe how much has changed in just over a year! Glad to see you!
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A wonderful review of Carol´s book.
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Welcome back! Yes, I know, many have grueled with the new WP. Gratefully, I’ve chosen not to go with the new editor. I added the ‘classic editor’ plugin to my blog so nothing had to change. 🙂
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Thank you, Darlene!
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Your crafty bugger! Lol
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A good review, Kevin. Thanks for stopping by my blog and following. 🙂 — Suzanne
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My pleasure, Suzanne!
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🙂
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It is great being able to catch up with you again, Kevin. To read your reviews and to bring good things to life like you always do. Take care, my friend, hope you’re having a great weekend.
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Likewise, Randall. I’ll have to catch up on all your posts since I’ve been gone from the blogopshere for over a year. 🙂
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Ha, ha, not much to catch up on as I was absent for quite a while too! Good to see you again.
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Likewise, my friend. 🙂
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