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A review by bookevin
The Dead Wife's Handbook by Hannah Beckerman
5.0
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
I was so thrilled to be offered a review copy of Hannah Beckerman’s debut novel, The Dead Wife’s Handbook, which sounds like an amazing read, judging from the blurb. It’s a completely different side of women’s fiction I was excited to explore and it really did open my eyes to what the more emotional, darker side (not in a bad way!) of chick lit had to offer!
The Dead Wife’s Handbook follows the story of Rachel, who dies unexpectedly, leaving behind her beloved husband and the apple of her eye, Ellie, her daughter. As she watches from above, she witnesses her loved ones coping with grief, afraid of moving on, while she painfully undergoes the seven stages of grief. Well, because her death and sudden departure is just the beginning of her problems..
Before reading the entire book, I thought it would be about a deceased heroine, struggling with life after death. But I was so wrong. I was completely thrown when I realised that there’s so much more when it comes to Rachel’s side of her story. Her story doesn’t end after her death. No, Hannah Beckerman tells it through poignant, yet nostalgic vignettes that will allow us readers to glimpse into Rachel’s life as a wife, mother and friend, pre-arrhythmia, through a series of flashbacks and reminiscences.
Right from the start, I could really “connect” with Rachel. As a reader to character, if that makes any sense. There were parts in the novel, which were written so achingly painful, my heart went out to her, and some parts made me clench my fists, defensive and protective of Rachel’s feelings. All I’m saying is that the characters in the book are incredibly “real”, written with such precise touch.
The Dead Wife’s Handbook is filled with emotion, raw and real, which will no doubt be the tearjerker of the year, if you ask me. Hannah Beckerman, a supposed debut novelist has made her mark in women’s fiction with such a beautifully written novel which will no doubt tug your heartstrings. I adored this book so much because it’s such a treasure to read. Hannah Beckerman’s writing flows smoothly through the pages and if you read aloud, it’s even poetic (I might have read a few chapters.. aloud!), with elegant and lyrical prose.
All in all, The Dead Wife’s Handbook is truly remarkable and unforgettable. An emotional roller coaster which will linger in the little memory box in your head, provoking you to think of the “what ifs”. An exceptional debut novel, if you ask me. I think I’ve run out of superlatives to describe the book. My parting words: Go get it!
I was so thrilled to be offered a review copy of Hannah Beckerman’s debut novel, The Dead Wife’s Handbook, which sounds like an amazing read, judging from the blurb. It’s a completely different side of women’s fiction I was excited to explore and it really did open my eyes to what the more emotional, darker side (not in a bad way!) of chick lit had to offer!
The Dead Wife’s Handbook follows the story of Rachel, who dies unexpectedly, leaving behind her beloved husband and the apple of her eye, Ellie, her daughter. As she watches from above, she witnesses her loved ones coping with grief, afraid of moving on, while she painfully undergoes the seven stages of grief. Well, because her death and sudden departure is just the beginning of her problems..
Before reading the entire book, I thought it would be about a deceased heroine, struggling with life after death. But I was so wrong. I was completely thrown when I realised that there’s so much more when it comes to Rachel’s side of her story. Her story doesn’t end after her death. No, Hannah Beckerman tells it through poignant, yet nostalgic vignettes that will allow us readers to glimpse into Rachel’s life as a wife, mother and friend, pre-arrhythmia, through a series of flashbacks and reminiscences.
Right from the start, I could really “connect” with Rachel. As a reader to character, if that makes any sense. There were parts in the novel, which were written so achingly painful, my heart went out to her, and some parts made me clench my fists, defensive and protective of Rachel’s feelings. All I’m saying is that the characters in the book are incredibly “real”, written with such precise touch.
The Dead Wife’s Handbook is filled with emotion, raw and real, which will no doubt be the tearjerker of the year, if you ask me. Hannah Beckerman, a supposed debut novelist has made her mark in women’s fiction with such a beautifully written novel which will no doubt tug your heartstrings. I adored this book so much because it’s such a treasure to read. Hannah Beckerman’s writing flows smoothly through the pages and if you read aloud, it’s even poetic (I might have read a few chapters.. aloud!), with elegant and lyrical prose.
All in all, The Dead Wife’s Handbook is truly remarkable and unforgettable. An emotional roller coaster which will linger in the little memory box in your head, provoking you to think of the “what ifs”. An exceptional debut novel, if you ask me. I think I’ve run out of superlatives to describe the book. My parting words: Go get it!