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Grief Works

Stories of Life, Death and Surviving

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Grief Works

By: Julia Samuel
Narrated by: Julia Samuel
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About this listen

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Grief Works, written and read by Julia Samuel.

Death is the last taboo in our society, and grief is still profoundly misunderstood. So many of us feel awkward and uncertain around death, and shy away from talking honestly with family and friends. Grief Works is a compassionate guide that will inform and engage anyone who is grieving, from the 'expected' death of a parent to the sudden unexpected death of a small child, and provide clear advice for those seeking to comfort the bereaved.

With deeply moving case studies of real people's stories of loss, and brilliantly accessible and practical advice,Grief Works will be passed down through generations as the definitive guide for anyone who has lost a loved one, and revolutionise the way we talk about life, loss and death.

 Grief & Loss Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Grief Inspiring Feel-Good Heartfelt Health Mental Health

Critic reviews

A profoundly moving book by an extraordinary storyteller - Julia Samuel describes her patients' stories of loss with great sensitivity and fascinating psychological insight. Essential for anyone who has ever experienced grief, or wanted to comfort a bereaved friend (Helen Fielding, bestselling author of 'Bridget Jones' Diary')
Fascinating. A wise and compassionate book full of insight and understanding that would help anyone experiencing grief, or those surrounding them. I am so glad this book exists. (Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of 'The Last Act of Love')
What an amazing book! I absolutely LOVE it. Intelligent, empathetic, modest, funny, and learned - it's an amazing feat. (Rabbi Julia Neuberger)
A wonderfully important and transforming book - lucid, consoling and wise. (William Boyd, bestselling author of 'Sweet Caress')
Julia Samuel's wise, compassionate voice speaks out on every page of this exceptionally moving book offering courage and hope: emotions that are sometimes inaudible and and unattainable to those who grieve. Her exceptional understanding of the way human beings think/love/mourn makes Grief Works an invaluable guide to understanding the complex emotions around death. Through the inspirational stories of those many people she has helped, both the dying and the surviving, Julia Samuel dissipates fear and demonstrates the extraordinary resilience of humankind. (Juliet Nicolson, author of 'A House Full of Daughters')
All stars
Most relevant
A remarkable book made more remarkable by the author reading it. Expressive, heartfelt, honest and important. I will probably read it again.

Brilliant

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As a dyslexic breavement counsellor I found the audio book brilliant and informative. Thank you.

excellent book

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I was listening to this book from a perspective of counselling student. I found it very good. Author gives some insight as to how grief works, the impact of unprocessed grief, the process of building rapport with her clients and obstacles that can get in the way. Overall I found this book invaluable insight into what happens in grief counselling, behind closed doors.

I wouldn’t attempt to be listening to this immediately after loss myself though. I personally don’t think it can be used as a self help book. It’s sort of book to familiarise yourself with if you want to help others.

I found authors manner of reading a bit monotonous and depressing at the beginning, but now I actually can’t imagine it read in any other way or by anybody else. Tentativeness, warmth and care really shines through.


Great insight into how grief counselling works. Not a self help book

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Amazing book, tacels a difficult topic and in-depth knowledge really helps to build an understanding.

Brief works

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I liked listening to the case studies. Some were very hard to hear but overall it's a book that leaves you feeling positive

A really moving book

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