A Grief Observed

Our words are our own medicine. Not many 20th Century men dared to unpack the profound sorrow of a late Spring of Love cut short by looming mortality. There was no fault in the stars for C.S. Lewis, but the weight of the Firmament unleashes daily landslides of misery which he details obsessively. But the man is too self-aware to wallow without purpose. He ends up falling forward into Dante, surprised to find Paradiso, not Purgatario. Then there's the sparkling dream/vision/revelation where his Joy reveals herself beyond a name or naming.What could have been merely a fierce reckoning with loss, doubt and despair transfigures into... I don't know what. But with incredible economy of language, Lewis leads you to observe a visitation best described as 'miracle'. One that occurs in a resurrected heart, not some far off nether world where we simply sift through shifting shadows.There's a whole lot packed into 4 sparse chapters, and you'll be highlighting gems on every page...Bram Floria

I’ve enjoyed many books by CS Lewis in the past. This writing was far different that his others. A Grief Observed was a deep intense personal perspective on the loss he suffered in the death of his wife. He described fear, pain, and his questions in his mind.

I am a grief counselor and this is often one of my “go to” books when I need to get back to basics of why I do what I do. You can read the entire book in one or two sittings and I promise it will touch your soul. It would also be great as a gift for anyone who has lost a love one.

I gained some insight into the journey of grief and find that CS Lewis’ thoughts are some of what I’ve had. It was helpful to see his process of trying to understand how grief impacts our lives.

C.S. Lewis at his best. Must like this writer to appreciate the book.

My daughter is a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellow and this is her go to book to share when hoping anyone cope with grief. She has recently given it to families whose children she has treated who have passed away. I have read the book, and it is a great book when trying to cope with the passing of a loved one. C.S. Lewis wrote the book when he was dealing with the passing of his wife. Highly recommend

The book itself arrived in good shape, it took a little over a month for it to arrive. That is ridiculous! It was going to be a condolence gift for a friend relatives, funeral, but now it’s too late for that.

Two days after my Dad passed, I bought A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis. I needed something. I could not focus on reading fiction. I needed to read something by someone who I knew whose words would be a comfort. C.S. Lewis wrote these essays after the death of his wife. These are what he called, “mad midnight moments.” For those who are going through a loss, laying down to sleep is the worst. His path through grief is healthy and relatable. However, I lost my dad, not my husband, so this is a book I would recommend to someone who is grieving over a spouse or partner. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t quotes that spoke to me and I am grateful for the insight so I can be there for my mother and listen to her as she processes her grief. There are so many quotes. This isn’t really a review. Just a sharing of quotes that might help someone else.“Talk to me about the truth of religion and I’ll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I’ll listen submissively. But don’t come talking to me about the consolations of religion or I shall suspect that you don’t understand.”A GRIEF OBSERVEDTHIS. In fact, if you haven’t experienced a loss, still read this book. I could write so many things now to NOT say to people when going through their grief….sorry I am still weaving in and out of the angry stage. But in all seriousness, never say “this is all a part of God’s plan.” Never, ever, EVER. This is like tearing open a wound in someone’s heart. It creates even more anger than before. It is not helpful or comforting. Don’t try to point out the “positives.” I will never see my dad again on this Earth. I have to go the rest of my life without another hug or him calling me, “Joop” because his answering machine couldn’t pronounce my last name. I will never see play with my sons or nephews again and the hole that is in my heart will never close.“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep on swallowing. At other times it feels like being mildly drunk, or concussed. There is a sort of invisible blanket between the world and me.”I never contemplated a life without my dad. I am still in denial. He could walk in the door any minute. I still feel alone even though I am surrounded by an amazing support system. How did I get blessed with the most amazing family? My sisters, my mom, and I are already close but now we cling to each other and we have all been there for each other.I am a fixer. I hate when those I love around me are hurting. I am trying to be a better listener because I am not the only one grieving. There is no fixing loss. The hurt and pain will hit in waves but it will never actually cease. As I said above, I hope this can help someone else. There are moments where I feel like I am drowning. But reading these words validated my feelings. They helped and could help you.