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Original poster

Please recommend me a wonderful book

54 replies

Sameoldsameold78 · 17/10/2026 09:17

I’m reading a lot of books about loss and grief at the moment, I lost my mum this year and I think it’s helping me process, can anyone recommend a beautiful book? I read a lot but not classics and not light chick lit either, something in the middle! If it’s cheap on kindle even better!

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 17/10/2026 11:12

Sorry for your loss.

Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven are both lovely - by Mitch Albom

Also, it’s not about loss and grief, but I would highly recommend this as a book that totally drags you into its world and is really well written but not heavy. I’m linking to a really good article about it.
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/jun/12/broadcasting.bookerprize2005

Focus: TV writer Harry Thompson's life with cancer

As the man behind some of Britain's funniest TV shows, Harry Thompson has always written great jokes. Now he tells them about the lung cancer which has struck him at 45. Victoria Coren talks to her close friend about his new book and how he plans to be...

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/jun/12/broadcasting.bookerprize2005

Gourdgirl · 17/10/2026 11:13

Theo of Golden

LilyBunch25 · 17/10/2026 11:17

In The Midst of Life by Jennifer Worth.

Blackcountryexile · 17/10/2026 15:44

A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning Wroe. One of the themes is the Aberfan disaster so it is very sad but beautifully written
My condolences on your loss.

Raiderofthelostbattenburg · 17/10/2026 15:48

I am so sorry for your loss.

I find All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr a very beautiful and healing read. North Woods by Daniel Mason which is a wonderful book about the ways we’re all connected.

NeedToKnow101 · 17/10/2026 15:58

Sorry for your loss OP. The last act of love, by Cathy Rentzenbrink, a memoir around the death of her brother is just devastating but a beautiful tribute to him.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 17/10/2026 16:00

The Secret Garden is about mourning, and learning to go forward. And as a children’s book it’s easy to read.

Misknit · 17/10/2026 16:34

Sorry for your loss. Death and the Gardener by Georgi Gospodinov is a wonderfully written exploration of grief for the loss of a parent. Told in vignettes which makes it the sadness manageable.

SorcererGaheris · 17/10/2026 19:27

I've been raving about 'Albion's Dream' by Roger Norman in the children's book thread. It's not about grief or loss, but it's really well-written with some beautiful evocation of the Dorset countryside. It can easily be enjoyed by an adult, as it's written in such a mature way.

Ratherhaveacupofteaandabiscuit · 17/10/2026 20:11

RaspberrySeltzer · 17/10/2026 09:23

Sorry to hear about the loss of your mum. A series of books I return to in difficult times is The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard. You can get them on kindle or as a paperback bundle (there are 5). Her niece, Louisa Young has also just published a new sequel which I’ve enjoyed. It’s a gentle family saga which is well written and engaging but not too challenging. My book group read them all in lockdown and everyone loved them.

Came here to recommend the very same

Aworldofmyown · 17/10/2026 20:22

I would also recommend 'A Terrible Kindness' also 'Remarkably Bright Creatures'.

Silverbirchleaf · 17/10/2026 22:11

When the cranes fly south

Written from the viewpoint of an elderly man, and his thoughts and memories. It’s a beautiful book, but is quite emotional as well.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Cranes-South-Lisa-Ridzén-ebook/dp/B0D3CMVWB6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=180978529348&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.74jaBfodDHlR7DbqtRJzqzuIQ9BTnnyRJP8UGkdD6lICjFcurMwJT-09NDLyG4lWJQ-8OpTCo1BHLV7VEhk1iKn_QP4P_EX1QZOsICn2o0aq1ZP0ierJJ1lk5Aq69IuxQfxu1nRo2icahJLveGN1IsS0yflcoq5LMJQm9C293Y1RDth2hQJV7prqM2EwE9rxQbVFiyT8dWYuwlM4iA1LuQ.JGeNOBfRlJCdMFN9Hb5YM0tL54OkipbMbTXa_VgWcsg&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=793489408787&hvdev=m&hvexpln=70&hvlocphy=9044995&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=3472499161063765296--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3472499161063765296&hvtargid=kwd-2409358797594&hydadcr=13691_2454628&keywords=when+the+cranes+fly+south&mcid=9a58e09619f83d4b82fd8b02c181530f&qid=1792271438&sr=8-1

Amazon

Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Cranes-South-Lisa-Ridz%C3%A9n-ebook/dp/B0D3CMVWB6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=180978529348&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.74jaBfodDHlR7DbqtRJzqzuIQ9BTnnyRJP8UGkdD6lICjFcurMwJT-09NDLyG4lWJQ-8OpTCo1BHLV7VEhk1iKn_QP4P_EX1QZOsICn2o0aq1ZP0ierJJ1lk5Aq69IuxQfxu1nRo2icahJLveGN1IsS0yflcoq5LMJQm9C293Y1RDth2hQJV7prqM2EwE9rxQbVFiyT8dWYuwlM4iA1LuQ.JGeNOBfRlJCdMFN9Hb5YM0tL54OkipbMbTXa_VgWcsg&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=793489408787&hvdev=m&hvexpln=70&hvlocphy=9044995&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=3472499161063765296--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3472499161063765296&hvtargid=kwd-2409358797594&hydadcr=13691_2454628&keywords=when%20the%20cranes%20fly%20south&mcid=9a58e09619f83d4b82fd8b02c181530f&qid=1792271438&sr=8-1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-what-were-reading-5589856-please-recommend-me-a-wonderful-book

NormasArse · 17/10/2026 22:14

I loved Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton.

I’m so sorry for your loss.

Philandbill · 17/10/2026 22:18

Paula by Isabelle Allende is very moving. It's about her daughter who died after a long period in a coma.
Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively has a central thread of memory and loss. It's a book I've returned to over the years.
Might poetry be helpful too?
I'm sorry for your loss OP.

Saxendi · 17/10/2026 22:24

I’m sorry for your loss too.
Have you read The things we never say, Elizabeth Strout?

Original poster
Sameoldsameold78 · 17/10/2026 22:44

Thank you I think I have read the things we never say

OP posts:
MissyB1 · 18/10/2026 08:18

Saxendi · 17/10/2026 22:24

I’m sorry for your loss too.
Have you read The things we never say, Elizabeth Strout?

My favourite book of the year.

Original poster
Sameoldsameold78 · 18/10/2026 08:22

Is it a new one? Maybe I haven’t I’ve read a few books by her.

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 18/10/2026 08:43

Philandbill · 17/10/2026 22:18

Paula by Isabelle Allende is very moving. It's about her daughter who died after a long period in a coma.
Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively has a central thread of memory and loss. It's a book I've returned to over the years.
Might poetry be helpful too?
I'm sorry for your loss OP.

Yes, Paula is superb.

BrandiedAromatics · 18/10/2026 13:02

Sorry for your loss. In the Springtime of the Year by Susan Hill, inspired by the sudden loss of a loved one.

tsmainsqueeze · 18/10/2026 13:12

The darling buds of may -H E Bates- the whole series
Anne of green gables-Lucy Maud Montgomery- plus everything else she has written.
Rebecca of sunnybrook farm -Kate Douglas Wiggin
Beautifully written, warm and cosy, good stories but not twee and slushy ,which i hate !
The type of comforting books to read when you need to take care of yourself .
I am sorry for your loss.

WildCherryBlossom · 18/10/2026 13:16

Mourning Ruby by Helen Dunmore. I love Helen Dunmore’s writing so much.

ToadRage · 18/10/2026 13:23

My Mum would tell you Where the Crawdads sing is beautiful but I hated it. We gave very different ideas about what makes a good book. I read almost exclusively police procedural crime thrillers. She is into classic romances and bloody Jane Austen.

Original poster
Sameoldsameold78 · 19/10/2026 08:01

ToadRage · 18/10/2026 13:23

My Mum would tell you Where the Crawdads sing is beautiful but I hated it. We gave very different ideas about what makes a good book. I read almost exclusively police procedural crime thrillers. She is into classic romances and bloody Jane Austen.

Ok thanks well you are lucky to still have her 🙄

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