The Madness of Grief

Book excerpt: The No. 2 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER from the author of the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling Canon Clement Series 'Immensely moving and disarmingly witty' Nigella Lawson 'Such a moving, tough, funny, raw, honest read' Matt Haig 'Beautifully written, moving and gut-wrenching, but also at times very funny' Ian Rankin 'Captures brilliantly, beautifully, bravely the comedy as well as the tragedy of bereavement' The Times 'Will strike a chord with anyone who has grieved' Independent When the Reverend Richard Coles' partner died suddenly, shortly before Christmas in 2019, what came next took Richard by surprise. Despite his years of experience assisting his parishioners in examining life's moral questions, Richard now found he needed guidance himself. Much about grief was unexpected: the volume of 'sadmin' that must be undertaken, how much harder it is travelling solo for work, the pain of typing a text message to your partner - then remembering they are gone. This deeply personal account of life after grief will resonate, unforgettably, long after the final page has been turned. 'Astonishingly brave' Dr Rachel Clark 'Brief, wise, frank' Daily Telegraph 'Moving and candid' i Newspaper 'Massively comforting' Dawn French 'Will strike a chord with anyone who has grieved' Independent 'Has an immediacy that is not born of long reflection and it is all the better for it' Financial Times 'An honest book, and a brave one' Oldie