Sign in with Facebook
Donald Barnett's Reviews > A Grief Observed
A Grief Observed
by
by
After my wife passed away from cancer and I was in the depths of grief, well meaning friends kept bringing me what I call "victory books." These are books about dealing with the death of a loved one that basically said, "If you were a victorious Christian you would get over this." I wanted to throw those books in the pond behind my house. I hurt bad and I didn't want to get over it! I loved her for 20 years and to just "get over it" was to count her as unimportant in my life.
Somehow, and I don't remember how, I came across C.S. Lewis' book A Grief Observed. As I read the first page the tears began to flow and I began my healing as I read the author's experience after losing his wife to cancer. I realized that I wasn't losing my mind because my thoughts were just like his.
I have given this book to many people that are in the midst of grieving over the loss of someone, especially spouses. It is one of the most important books I have ever read because it met me at my point of need.
Somehow, and I don't remember how, I came across C.S. Lewis' book A Grief Observed. As I read the first page the tears began to flow and I began my healing as I read the author's experience after losing his wife to cancer. I realized that I wasn't losing my mind because my thoughts were just like his.
I have given this book to many people that are in the midst of grieving over the loss of someone, especially spouses. It is one of the most important books I have ever read because it met me at my point of need.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
A Grief Observed.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
Started Reading
August 1, 1996
–
Finished Reading
August 25, 2013
– Shelved
Comments Showing 1-7 of 7 (7 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Art
(new)
Mar 09, 2015 05:15AM
On Feb 14 I lost an older man who was very dear to me, the grieving was during the time he became ill to the time of his death, went to see him at the care center where he was, wanted to throw all the religious books (you name them) Have hard time understanding how a loving God let someone suffer like that if he claims to have life or death at his will.
reply
|
flag
Your review pulled at my heart strings. I hope you are doing well.
thankyou all for sharing.
I am so sorry for your loss. I picked up this book after my best friend’s husband recommended it. It not only helped me sort through my thoughts after losing her to cancer, but it also helped me understand what he was going through.
Donald, I found this book when I was searching for solace after the death of my fiancé in September of 2020. I was reeling from the shock, pain and absolute disbelief that I could be going through THIS, AGAIN. I lost a husband in January of 2002.Well meaning friends and some family just don't get it! Their daily life hasn't been effected the way ours has.
C.S. Lewis hit me too, IMMEDIATELY with his words, FINALLY, SOMEONE UNDERSTANDS ME. I struggled at first and still do, to see the 'good' that God will bring from my fiance's death. It makes you and those around you question your faith.
Even though it's a short read, it took me months to complete, there was so much material to digest. I told my grief counselor I was reading it and struggling to finish, she responded with, "finishing the book will not take your grief away, it will not lessen the significance in your life." Those words were important to hear, I didn't want to diminish either man's importance in my life.
At 43 years old, I now have a book that I will reread and purchase extra copies to be shared with friends when they are finally made to ensure this loss themselves, believe me, I pray, it is a VERY
LONG TIME FROM NOW.
I am so sorry about your loss, sir. God bless your wife's soul.
After the loss of my spouse only a few months ago I totally agree with your review.
