The Grief of Others
; Leah Hager Cohen
; Leah Hager CohenSeptember 15, 2011 - Riverhead
(AMAZON)In the tradition of The Memory Keeper's Daughter, a gripping, generous, and provocative novel chronicling the grief that follows the death of a newborn-and that leads to a family's emotional reawakening.
It begins with loss. John and Ricky Ryrie are stricken by the death of their third child, only fifty-seven hours after his birth. Struggling to regain a semblance of normalcy, they find themselves pretending not only that little has changed, but that nothing was wrong before this baby came so briefly into their lives. Yet in the aftermath of his death, long-suppressed uncertainties about their relationship come roiling to the surface. A dreadful secret emerges concerning what Ricky knew about her pregnancy and concealed from everyone, even John. And the couple's two older children, grappling with the tensions around them, begin to act out in exquisitely, perhaps courageously, idiosyncratic ways. Ultimately, though, the grief that was initially so isolating brings the four family members to connect powerfully with the sadness and burdens of others- to the grief that is part of every human life and that carries within it the ability to draw us together. And in the end, Ricky and John's marriage is stronger for the transformation their grief has allowed.
Moving, psychologically acute, and gorgeously written, The Grief of Others is Leah Hager Cohen at the height of her talent in what is sure to be her breakout book, one that forces readers to ask themselves: What would I have done? The Grief of Others exposes the paradox that facing tragedy together can in fact awaken us to our better selves and take us from fear to a place of hope and optimism.
This one looks and sounds great. I haven't heard of this author before.
ReplyDeleteI Love your new header :) So serene :)
ReplyDeleteAnd this book sounds really good. I hope you enjoy it and looking forward to the review.
Sounds fascinating. Let us know if it lives up to its promo
ReplyDeleteThis looks really good! Sounds like an intense, gripping read and one that will be talked about long after it's finished. Great pick! I'm definitely adding it to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI am adding this book to my TBR, since it's been compared to The Memory Keeper's Daughter which I loved.
ReplyDeleteI think it sounds interesting too, but a somewhat sad topic.
ReplyDeleteEven though the topic of this book is sobering, I think I would like it. Haven't heard of this author either. Thanks for sharing about it, Diane!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this book before, but I think it sounds great! Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteIt seems like this is being eagerly awaited by many other bloggers as well. Not surprising as it sounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteWow, this one is definitely going on my list. Thanks for sharing.
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This looks really wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to this one, too...first time I've seen the cover image.
ReplyDeleteThe premise of this book sounds almost--what's the right word?--spiritual, or at least profound.
ReplyDeleteI just read about this one the other day!! Sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Memory Keepers Daughter so I am definitely intrigued by this one!
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