A dear friend lost her wonderful mum this year. I know she struggles - as you would expect - but she continues to be strong for her daughter. She loves reading and so I would like to buy her a book along with a few other items to make her feel less alone this Christmas. Something fictional, not too heavy or anything about "coping mechanisms" as I think that's very personal and for her to find herself if she feels the need.
My local bookshop was promoting "Lucy By The Sea" by Elizabeth Strout. It was on their recommended pile and the prologue said "At the heart of this miraculous novel are the deep human connections that sustain us, even as the world seems to be falling apart." Whilst those very words immediately made me think of my friend and her grief, and is what gave me this idea, the novel is actually about the pandemic, so maybe it's not quite right.
Can anyone recommend a not too heavy fictional book that has helped them through their grief?