Wednesday, June 05, 2019

First Wednesday Book Reviews






Jonathan Santlofer' THE WIDOWER'S NOTEBOOK tells the true story of the unexpected and somewhat mysterious death of his wife, Joy, after minor knee surgery. The day after her procedure, Jonathan is in the next room at home when he hears her cry out. He calls EMS immediately, but they are unable to save her. The book tells the story of their very happy marriage, and the months and then years following her death.

This book was very pertinent to me, of course. My situation shared some characteristics of his (long happy marriage) but was different in other aspects (suddenness v. long illness).  It was beautifully written and illustrated by Mr. Santlofer, who is a writer and an artist. He was able to capture his wife with words and a pen equally well. I found this book a particular comfort, but I think his journey is one many people would find worth reading about.

For other book reviews, check out Barrie Summy's blog.


9 comments:

Margot Kinberg said...

This does sound absorbing, Patti. And I'm glad you found comfort in it. Thinking of you...

Barrie said...

I'm so glad this book spoke to you. xo And how wonderful it must be to be both a writer and an artist. Thank you for reviewing.

Rick Robinson said...

For someone not in that type of situation, it sounds like it would be sad.

Jenn Jilks said...

Gosh. We've been managing cancer for 5 years. It is important to share what you have learned. Hubby has been talking to some of his friends with cancer. It's quite the journey and it ain't for chumps!

Sarah Laurence said...

How tragic! It's good that he shared his story to give others, like you, comfort. I hope I won't need it for a long time. Thanks for reviewing!

troutbirder said...

These journeys whether short or long are often so helpful to share with other. I've learned a lot from blogging friends for each step along the way. Also first hand books can do the same thing. I prefer those above the impersonal tome published by the so called experts.... This fall will be time for my second knee replacement. No surprises there I hope. It "routine" nowadays they say. I hope that right...

pattinase (abbott) said...

THis turned out to be a bad reaction to drugs, nothing to do with the surgery.

Powell River Books said...

Such a difficult thing to go through. Even when death is expected it is so hard. I was with my mother when she passed. Even dying in your own bed after a long life well lived isn't like going gently into the night. - Margy

Linda McLaughlin said...

I share some similarities to the situation, too, Patti. 25-year marriage followed by six weeks of hell watching him die of late stage bladder cancer, so relatively short. I'm glad the book was a comfort to you.

Hugs,

Linda