Stories of Life

TWENTY-EIGHT SNOW ANGELS BOOK REVIEW

Reviewer: Narita Roady

I learned about this book through an online widow’s support group. The title drew me in, and then I saw it. A picture of her and her husband, I could see their deep love for each other and it reminded of me and my husband. I had to read it. Of all the books I have read by widows since my husband died, Ms. Dettmann’s is the most honest. I appreciate her sharing her experiences with no sugar coating.

Other books I read shared the emotional trauma in generality, but not the details as this author did. Most didn’t share the physical aspects of deep grief and loss, but Diane did. There was a point in my grief journey I thought there must be something terribly wrong with me. My emotional state was much rawer and intense than what others shared. None talked in detail about the physical and mental toll the loss takes. I honestly thought I had some horrible disease or was mentally losing it. I couldn’t find anything in writing that matched my symptoms and mental condition. This frightened me even more. I had never had an anxiety attack before my husband’s death, and not to the point I thought I was dying. Page after page I found myself nodding my head and even saying, “Yes, yes,” as I related to her personal account.

Not that I want anyone to suffer through the loss of a spouse, but reading about her experiences as a widow, was comforting and I knew I was not alone. I wish this was the first book I had read. The book is skillfully written not only in its presentation but also in clearly expressing such a raw, vulnerable, intensely personal time. A standing ovation for Diane Dettmann and her courage, for not only being so transparent, but have the courage to revisit such a painful time by writing this book. It was a comfort and encouragement. Thank you!

 I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All the opinions I expressed were my own. Narita Roady, Book Reviewer and Blogger

Author Diane Dettmann Endnote: John and I were married twenty-eight years and madly in love. Narita Roady's insights capture the depth of my loss and my struggle to make it through the grief. The book's helping other widows and widowers and that makes the seven years I spent writing the book worth it. Many thanks to Narita Roady for taking the time to review Twenty-Eight Snow Angels.

 Book information at http://www.outskirtspress.com/snowangels

Open To Hope Grief Foundation Interview at Open To Hope Foundation; Loss of A Spouse Interview