Sorrow’s Long Road is one of those books that surprised me with just how much it gave me to think about. Barbara Blatchley takes a scientific approach to grief, but not in a dry, heavy way. She explains the difference between “grief”, the deep, internal emotions we feel and “grieving,” which is how we outwardly process and cope with loss. She also talks about how culture shapes the way we deal with death, which I found interesting. It’s not something I’d considered before, but it makes sense that the rituals and customs around us inevitably influence how we navigate loss.

Blatchley also dives into the different emotional responses we might experience, such as sadness, anger, guilt, and yearning, and explains them in a way that’s relatable and easy to digest. I appreciated that the book never got bogged down in complicated jargon. Even the scientific explanations were clear, and the footnotes and diagrams sprinkled throughout made it even easier to understand. They gave me a clearer picture of what she was talking about, which I found helpful.

One of my favourite parts was towards the end, when she shares real-life accounts from people she’s spoken to about their grief. She asks them a series of questions, and their honest answers bring such a human touch to all the research and science she’s been talking about. It’s one thing to read about grief in theory, but hearing it in someone’s own words hit me differently.

Overall, this is an excellent book for anyone going through grief, as well as for those who want to support better someone who is grieving. While it’s written from a perspective that’s geared more toward American culture, the ideas and insights can still apply to anyone, anywhere.

I gave this one four stars because it strikes such a good balance, thoughtful and grounded in research, but still so approachable and heartfelt. Big thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Grief is never easy to put into words, but this book comes incredibly close. It gives a blend of personal storytelling, psychological insight, and scientific research to help readers understand the overwhelming experience of loss.

It is not easy to make sense of grief and I found comfort in how the author explains the emotions and what happens in our bodies and minds during mourning. It feels like talking to a close friend who gets it and learning from a compassionate scientist who explains why grief feels so intense and persistent, all at once.

I especially appreciated the final section, where the author shares stories from others who experienced loss, showing how grief shifts over time. This book help you feel less alone in grieving journey.

An essential read for anyone grieving, or supporting someone who is.

‘Sorrow’s Long Road’ by Dr. Barbara Blatchley is a personal and scientific account of grief.

I’ve read many books on grief, and this is by far one of the most interesting and intriguing accounts, particularly with the way it tackles grief from a scientific standpoint, all the while keeping the humane and empathetic elements alive via integrating other people’s stories.

I highly-recommend reading this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARC of this invaluable reference.

This memoir is a brave and honest account of grief after the death of a loved one. It's raw and genuine , and that openness really helps to show what grief can feel like, both emotionally and physically. The structure works well, following her experience in a roughly chronological way. She also includes conversations with others who are grieving, which adds depth and helps the book feel broader than just her own story. I received a free advanced review copy from NetGalley and this is my honest review.