Official Review: In Mourning...The Loss of a Living Child

[debo9967]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "In Mourning...The Loss of a Living Child" by Sheila McGlarry.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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In Mourning…The Loss of a Living Child by Sheila McGlarry is a book in the non-fiction genre. It is the true story of the author’s struggle against what her son has become.

In this book the author has poured out her deep sorrow and pain for what her son had evolved into. The author narrates how she found out about her son doing drugs and taking to the streets, how she lives in denial for some time and eventually, she is unable to save her son from himself and his inevitable destruction. The author has recounted the incidents which led up to her son getting thrown out from the house first, then being imprisoned time and again on various charges and finally being estranged from the family.

This book is a poignant and honest narration of the deepest sorrow felt by the author due to her separation from her son. The story opens with the author writing about the time when she received a call from her son saying that he has been arrested for committing a felony. From that point onward, the author goes back and forth in time, describing how she eventually gave up the hope that her once intelligent and artistic son would return to her. The author goes into flashbacks relaying how she first met her son’s father, how she found out the truth about her partner, how she found out about her son’s addiction, how her son also slowly became like his father and how both of them caused her acute pain in different yet similar ways.

The book is a chilling tale of how drugs can destroy the person we love, and how the destruction can drag everyone surrounding that individual into an endless spiral of countless tears and suffering. There is a tipping point where one realizes that love has ceased to become enabling and is therefore, counterproductive. Another sensitive theme explored by the author is question of trust, where one’s wish to belief a loved one is as strong as the knowledge that our loved one is lying. No parent wants to belief the worst of their child and their heart always prompts them to give their children a second chance, even if the number of second chances becomes infinite. The author took the extremely tough call of removing her son from her life since he was harming his younger brothers. It is heartbreaking for a mother to choose between her children, and the author’s narration of that dilemma is touching.

The author’s courage in writing down all her feelings, pain and experience in this book must have been an emotionally draining experience. In addition to that, the author talks about her failures in bringing up her son and she tries to reach out to other parents who might be facing a similar situation with their kids. I appreciate these attempts of the author. I would strongly recommend this book for parents (American or otherwise), as not only would this book be helpful for them, but they would be the best audience to appreciate this book. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

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In Mourning...The Loss of a Living Child
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Like debo9967's review? Post a comment saying so!

[ananya92]

The story seems heart-wrenching. Good review.

[debo9967]

Yeah, the her story is very moving.

[Jesska6029]

This book must have been so difficult to write. I can't even imagine it, but the author should be applauded for sharing this story. You did a great job with this review!

[debo9967]

Thanks
Yeah, the author's effort is truly inspirational.

[JRWomack]

Wish this book had been available back when I was counseling high school kids who did drugs. Even then and contrary to those around me, I knew the parents needed counseling too. Not just the "poor thing" glop I often saw back then, but serious and meaningful help. This book surely would have strengthen the claim that they're not alone. And that too often tough love is needed as much to save the parents as it is to try to save the loved one. I'm out of the field now but will save this to recommend to those who need it whenever I encounter them. Thanks for your review. I clicked on it more by accident than anything but am glad I did.

[debo9967]

I'm glad you find this book helpful

[Ealasaid]

Sounds like such a heart-breaking book. Kudos to the author for her bravery in writing it. Thank you for the review!

[debo9967]

Thanks