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May 11, 2012branch_reviews rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
“The Grief of Others” is a story about love and loss, secrets, forgiveness, and the complex layers of grief within a family unit. The readers’ first introduction is to the fragile, anencephalic infant Simon, and his mother Ricky who refuses to let go of him for the entire 57 hours that he is alive. His short life, and his mothers’ secret knowledge of his condition before he was born, are the events which lead to the near collapse of the Ryrie family as they struggle to carry on with life as normal. As secrets kept are revealed, John and Ricky must face their past mistakes, acknowledge their true feelings about the past and present, and find forgiveness and acceptance. Absorbed with their personal torments of sorrow and shame, they miss the warning signs that their two young children (13 year old Paul and 10 year old Elizabeth ‘Biscuit’) are having difficulties of their own. Daily bullying at school and poor self-esteem have pushed Paul to cling desperately to his one and only friend, while Biscuit has become obsessed with burial rituals and nearly drowns while attempting to perform one. As one more family member emerges –Jess (a daughter of Paul’s from a previous college romance), Ricky finds hope and seeks to redeem herself with her husband by accepting her into their family and helping her during her own time of crisis. Beautifully written. Believable and likeable characters. For readers who like books by Darien Gee (Friendship bread) and Miriam Toews Reviewed by BO