The Art of Condolence: What to Write, What to Say, What to Do at a Time of Loss – Wise and Accessible Guidance for Letters and Grief

by Leonard Zunin, Hilary Stanton Zunin

“This beautifully written guide offers specific and wise advice for confronting another’s anguish, as well as a deep understanding of grief.” —Judy Tatelbaum, author of The Courage to Grieve Time and again we stumble for words and actions that will reflect our feelings of compassion and our desire to be of comfort during a time of loss. Based on the authors' extensive research, their workshops, and their professional experience, and filled with personal stories and anecdotes, this heartfelt, practical, and accessible resource covers the three most common areas of What can I write? What can I say? and What can I do? The authors address such issues

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent guide to helping others grieve. The book focuses a lot on how to write meaningful notes and letters to people in grief, which is useful in a general sense, but perhaps less helpful in a therapeutic setting. This would be an excellent guide for a client who wants to know how to support a loved one experiencing loss.

[Alexandria Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful and surprisingly specific at times. I read this to better comfort a family who lost a son.

I recommend this book to anyone who might find themselves wondering how to help someone who is grieving, or anyone simply looking for the right words to say. Since death is inevitable, this recommendation extends to everyone.

[Leeann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful collection on how to communicate and support with someone who has experienced loss. I appreciate the various scenarios, which also include children.

[MaryLee Robinson, Author, The Widow or Widower Next Door · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sage advice about how to REALLY help a griever.