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Grief Works

Stories of Life, Death and Surviving

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About this listen

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Grief Works, written and read by Julia Samuel.

Death is the last taboo in our society, and grief is still profoundly misunderstood. So many of us feel awkward and uncertain around death, and shy away from talking honestly with family and friends. Grief Works is a compassionate guide that will inform and engage anyone who is grieving, from the 'expected' death of a parent to the sudden unexpected death of a small child, and provide clear advice for those seeking to comfort the bereaved.

With deeply moving case studies of real people's stories of loss, and brilliantly accessible and practical advice,Grief Works will be passed down through generations as the definitive guide for anyone who has lost a loved one, and revolutionise the way we talk about life, loss and death.

Grief & Loss Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Grief Inspiring Heartfelt Health Mental Health

Critic reviews

A profoundly moving book by an extraordinary storyteller - Julia Samuel describes her patients' stories of loss with great sensitivity and fascinating psychological insight. Essential for anyone who has ever experienced grief, or wanted to comfort a bereaved friend (Helen Fielding, bestselling author of 'Bridget Jones' Diary')
Fascinating. A wise and compassionate book full of insight and understanding that would help anyone experiencing grief, or those surrounding them. I am so glad this book exists. (Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of 'The Last Act of Love')
What an amazing book! I absolutely LOVE it. Intelligent, empathetic, modest, funny, and learned - it's an amazing feat. (Rabbi Julia Neuberger)
A wonderfully important and transforming book - lucid, consoling and wise. (William Boyd, bestselling author of 'Sweet Caress')
Julia Samuel's wise, compassionate voice speaks out on every page of this exceptionally moving book offering courage and hope: emotions that are sometimes inaudible and and unattainable to those who grieve. Her exceptional understanding of the way human beings think/love/mourn makes Grief Works an invaluable guide to understanding the complex emotions around death. Through the inspirational stories of those many people she has helped, both the dying and the surviving, Julia Samuel dissipates fear and demonstrates the extraordinary resilience of humankind. (Juliet Nicolson, author of 'A House Full of Daughters')
All stars
Most relevant
I found some consolation in the stories told and some insight in their analysis. Helpful after the loss of my mum 4 months ago, and enlightening to a loss of my dad 17 years ago. To the author - with gratitude, thank you for your work.

Really helpful for a griever too

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A good book for counsellors working with bereavement (despite sometimes being horifically sad). Thank you.

A good and useful book

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Even though some stories were difficult to hear, a lot of the thoughts about compassion and processing death resonated with me after losing 3 family members over 3 months. Well written, insightful and narrators voice and pace was comforting without being annoying, perfect.

Resonated with me

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Having experienced the loss of my husband, 4 years ago and not being able to grieve until a few years later, I felt I was going insane....2 years on from there I read this book and suddenly I can make sense of those feelings, reaction and behaviours.
Thank you Julia...you read it beautifully at a perfect pace and help us understand grief in its many forms...
A definite read/listen for anyone going through grief, or supporting someone grieving...

Excellent Explanation of Human Reactions to Grief

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After all the loss I have suffered in a short time, I had thought I was dealing with it however reading this made me realise there were unresolved issues and this book opened my eyes and heart

Like having counselling with Julia herself

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