Review of Dear Abigail

[Merits Anih]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Dear Abigail" by Richard Rees.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The heartbreaking story of Carys is uncovered in Richard Rees' "Dear Abigail," written as a letter to his beloved granddaughter. After the tragic loss of his daughter Carys to ovarian cancer, Rees endeavours to make sense of his grief by recounting Carys' inspirational life for her young daughter, Abigail. He describes the close relationship he shared with Carys, having both experienced profound loss early in life with the death of Carys' mother, Rachel.

As I read this emotional book, I was struck by how Cary's story underscores the importance of family and the need to appreciate our loved ones while we can. Her tragic struggle reminded me that cancer can strike anyone, and we must cherish each day. The strength and optimism Carys showed during her illness, determined to survive for her newborn Abigail, was my favourite part of the book. The fact that she didn't know she could actually have Abigail made her love her daughter so much. Though Carys tragically succumbs as her own mother did, leaving Rees bereft, he finds solace in memorialising Carys for Abigail, weaving a tapestry of love, grief, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through his words, Carys lives on, giving comfort to a heartbroken father and providing Abigail with a lasting connection to the mother she never knew.

I was sort of annoyed with how easily it seemed that Ian moved on after Cary's death. I know a lot of people deal with grief differently, but it kind of justifies Mr. Rees' initial resistance when Carys introduced Ian to him. However, who am I to judge? I have only read the story from Mr. Rees' point of view and not from Ian's.

This memoir immortalises Carys while processing an inconsolable loss. I believe this book will strongly resonate with those who enjoy emotional true stories and have the life experience to fully appreciate the universal themes of love and grief explored within its pages. Rees crafts an incredibly personal story of coping with devastating pain, and adult readers will be most equipped to immerse themselves in his cathartic journey. There is nothing I disliked about it; hence, I am rating "Dear Abigail" 5 out of 5 stars.

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Dear Abigail
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[Ivan Kovic]

The vivid description of the author articulating his grief to grant comfort and connection for his granddaughter reveals the transcendent power of personal storytelling.

[Victoria Ukamaka]

I respect the reviewer clarifying that this book, while well-crafted, contains painful emotional weight suited for those with adequate life experience to fully engage with the content.

[Salome Ogani]

The reviewer noting the memoir's narrow perspectival focus makes clear this deeply intimate self-processing may not resonate broadly across all audiences and stages of life.

[Richard Thomasalw]

The emotional weight of this memoir is immediately evident through the frame of the author processing the tragic loss of his daughter Carys to ovarian cancer. My heart goes out to him.

[William Wrightmill]

I love that Carys' inspirational life story immortalizes her memory while providing comfort to her grieving father and a lasting connection about her mother for young Abigail.

[Brian Adamss]

The review noting Carys selflessly fighting to survive her terminal illness for newborn Abigail's sake spotlights tremendous courage and the depths of maternal love against daunting odds. Powerfully heart-wrenching!

[Brian Adamss]

I especially liked the author's emphasis on protecting our loved ones and providing guidance on how to manage healthcare and associated costs. I believe this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make better healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.