Bray’s debut novel A Song for Issy Bradley is a beautifully written tale about how a Mormon family chooses to grieve and move on from a tremendous loss. Throughout, Bray weaves stunning images which capture how differently a mother mourns to her seven year old son, or her deeply religious husband. The story is also … Continue reading Review of A Song for Issy Bradley, Carys Bray
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. Sassafras by Trish Heald is a stunning debut. I laughed and cried as Heald expertly told a story about healing and family (whether tied by blood or friendship). When Champ’s wife, Pat, dies, both he and his family lose their peacekeeper and grief, as it so often does, slips its fingers … Continue reading Review of Sassafras, Trish Heald
I was born with an eclipse in my eye. The doctor said it was a birth mark whilst my optician calls it a cataract. But for years my dad kept the name of my eclipse in his pocket as if he was almost proud of it. Proud the way my blue iris swirls like a … Continue reading Eclipse
This was the first time they had seen each other in years - time had wrought ironwork across their hearts, locked and censored the feelings she had abandoned at the door, at his feet, when she had turned and faced the biting wind. He had changed little and she was still as beautiful; summer to … Continue reading Censored
Last night a storm raged outside. Last night I forgot how to apologise. Lightning streaked the sky; electric crackles of the fury I had no valid reason to feel yet I continued to chew the insides of my cheeks and furrow my brow in thunder loud anger. Even when the rains moved on and the … Continue reading The storm
You imagine a box filled with the songs you no longer listen to yet used to. The songs you shared with loved ones whose faces are now but obscured glass to you. The songs you didn’t realise led up to that one big decision you never thought you would make; and although you’re proud of … Continue reading Boxed melodies
Once I began reading Twelve, I couldn’t stop. I was captivated by her words and felt every teardrop of her grief. We are not taught how to grieve but Austin’s choice to document and share the first year of mourning her Mother’s death, is a beautiful way to begin. Her words inspire, comfort and sting. … Continue reading Review of TWELVE, Kindra M. Austin
I - The Night We Met It was the tail end of summer we were young and had no idea what we were in for. I saw you and tried to touch forever; in hindsight I should have bottled the August night sky for us to keep and breathe on the days the air between … Continue reading Quartet
My bones feel rigid like I’m living with rigor mortis, depression’s equivalent of arthritis. There’s nothing the doctor can prescribe; sunshine cannot be packaged and nor can your smile so I guess I’ll just wait in my heaviness. This opaque silence where nothing can relieve the nothingness I feel whenever you leave. © … Continue reading Rigid
Little acts of braveryEvery day this week, thus far, I have opened the curtains in every room. You would be right in thinking this is a metaphor for letting the light in. It is similar to polishing ageing ornaments or dusting away the cobwebs. Whenever Dee arrives, I hide. I close every curtain, put my … Continue reading The Dee Diaries #1
