Grief Works

Reviews

A Financial Times Book of the Year

"Psychotherapist Julia Samuel's case studies provide vital and compelling insights into bereavement. . . . Fascinating and affecting." —The Observer (UK)

"If a single book could help you to be kinder and more compassionate, could expand and deepen your understanding of other people (and possibly yourself) and make you less afraid of dying in the process, you would surely be eager to acquire it at once. Well look no further, for Grief Works is that book." —The Spectator (UK)

"A wonderfully important and transforming book—lucid, consoling and wise."
—William Boyd, bestselling author of Sweet Caress

"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

"In this moving and insightful debut, Samuel offers an accessible handbook for anyone undergoing this experience [of grief], eloquently steering readers through the progression of understanding and accepting pain in order to move on in their lives. . . . As a guide for the newly grieving, the book succeeds on many levels, and the author's compassionate storytelling skills provide even broader appeal. Though often touching on profoundly sad situations, Samuel's stories and reflections consistently hit an authentically inspiring note." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A moving guide to dealing with grief—a rigorous, researched but above all readable study of how to deal with death, dying and grieving. The book is self-help at its most philosophical, practical and profound. . . . Anyone who has every struggled with the obscure, muddled, vulnerable, uncertain, fearful, elemental process of bereavement, or facing their own mortality, should find this book of help." —The Sunday Times (UK)

"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, bestselling author of The Last Act of Love

"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 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

"These vivid pen portraits, combined with Julia's wise words, enrich our understanding and soothe our innermost fears. By laying bare the profound pain of grief, Julia ultimately leaves us with the reassurance that no matter how bad it gets, it will also be all right. This book is a truly wonderful, life-enhancing gift for us all." —The Mail on Sunday

"This invaluable guide gets to the heart of grief, showing how a simple act like making a meal for someone who is bereaved, or sending a card with memories of the deceased, can make all the difference." —Sunday Express Magazine (UK)

"[Grief Works is] a clear, meditatively written work and essential reading for anyone who's ever had to cope with grief or doesn’t quite know how to comfort others." —Reader's Digest (UK) Expand reviews