Beautiful and short memoir about Geraldine's husband who died unexpectedly in 2019. She switches back in forth in time between immediately after his death and then when she purposely takes the time to grieve several years later. Very moving story with what I think is some good advice regarding planning for a significant other who is left behind, as well as modeling what sort of grieving process worked for her. This book really speaks to me and is very moving.

In May of 2019 Brooks’ beloved husband, Tony Horwitz, died suddenly of a heart attack. In February of 2023, Brooks traveled to a remote dwelling on Flinders Island, part of the State of Tasmania, Australia, to honor his memory and to give herself the time and space to finally process her grief. In this beautifully written memoire, Brooks shares the intimate story of her love and loss and pays tribute to the man who was her world.

Geraldine Brooks s one of the better writers of our time. While writing the award winning book Horse, she unexpectedly lost her husband, partner and best friend. This book lays bare the details of the depth of her grief and loneliness after losing her husband Tony. She also shares the details of what she, and many like her, went through navigating the immediate days after a loved one’s depth. For someone as educated and worldly she was woefully unprepared. She points out steps that we, the reader, should take in our own lives to protect ourselves from the same chaos.
The back story of her husband Tony Horowitz was rich. We got to know this Pulitzer winning journalist, historical author, outgoing friend and loving husband. They traveled the world together reporting on countries in upheaval. They raised a family in Martha’s Vineyard and Geraldine takes us with her back to Australia as she tries to heal. A beautiful memoir. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Viking Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. These opinions are my own.