Bereavement Narratives

by Christine Valentine

Bereavement is often treated as a psychological condition of the individual with both healthy and pathological forms. However, this empirically-grounded study argues that this is not always the best or only way to help the bereaved. In a radical departure, it emphasises normality and social and cultural diversity in grieving. Exploring the significance of the dying person’s final moments for those who are left behind, this book sheds new light on the variety of ways in which bereaved people maintain their relationship with dead loved ones and how the dead retain a significant social presence in the lives of the living. It draws practical conclusions for professionals in relation to the complex and social nature of grief and the value placed on the right to grieve in one’s own way – supporting and encouraging the bereaved person to articulate their own experience and find their own methods of coping. Based on new empirical research, Bereavement Narratives is an innovative and invaluable read for all students and researchers of death, dying and bereavement.

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2008

Reviews

[Hash Brown]

I could never have guessed that the space of grief was so expensive. Reading this book will give you the sense that, without knowing it, we have all been endlessly engaged in the task of making meaning in, around, and through grief. More importantly, it seems like overall we have actually had a lot of success in tracing out these paths, even if we feel like they are intrinsically unnavigable. These difficulties and situations have and are constantly being faced and a series of distinct narrative routes have surfaced to lead us through them. Just needing to know that is probably enough of a reason to read this book. This book examines these narratives plainly, and communicates them primarily through the wonderfully rough and real expressions of unassuming individuals experiencing grief.

I will be revisiting this book therapeutically.