ICQI 2022 Outstanding Qualitative Book Award

In the book Grief and Therapeutic Writing, Reinekke Lengelle draws on her knowledge as a researcher, poet, and professor of therapeutic writing to honestly and courageously tell a story about her grief after the death of her husband and the one-and-a-half years that passed from diagnosis to his passing.

Utilizing the latest research findings regarding processing the loss of a partner, the author argues that writing can serve as a valuable companion and therapeutic process during mourning. She explores in depth various topics that are not sufficiently studied in existing literature: dealing with anger related to loss, what might constitute a healthy reaction to unresolved issues connected to the deceased, the continuation of communication with a loved one, sexual desire, and secondary losses.

Combining personal experiences, touching poetry, contemporary scientific data on grief, and an honest exploration of sensitive issues related to losing a partner, Reinekke Lengelle offers a valuable book for those mourning the loss of a partner or other loved ones, for those supporting others who are grieving, for those interested in the healing power of poetry and writing, and for researchers studying death and mourning.