sammantha's review
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Cancer, Death, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, and Terminal illness
Minor: Sexual assault
cdubiel's review
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
A brutally honest and lyrical memoir. Woolf, a writer and former blogger, was about to divorce her husband when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Although they canceled the divorce, as Hal was dying, Woolf had to reckon with her emotions surrounding both his death and the reasons that led to their would-be split. After Hal dies, Woolf explores a different side of herself, someone freer and finally let go from a 17-year toxic marriage. The stereotype of the widow who hooks up quickly after a death doesn't really apply because Woolf was already preparing to move on. Both the section leading up to Hal's death and the section after explore some tough topics, including abuse and sexual assault. The book can be hard to read at times but I would highly suggest giving it a try. It's beautifully written and engaging, almost entrancing. (And for some reason I'm fascinated by death memoirs).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
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