The saddest book you've ever read . . .

[expatinscotland]

or didn't finish b/c it was just too depressing?

'White Oleander' by Janet Fitch

Another vote for 'Before I Say Goodbye' by Ruth Picardie.
The part that always gets me the most is the two pages of letters for her DTs for when they're older, the line where she writes 'you're the best thing that has ever happened to me and the hardest thing to leave behind' (sorry if I'm mis-quoting, I haven't got it to hand).

Amber Spyglass by Phillip Pullman - welling up just thinking about it but it's the end of such a beautiful love story so it's manageable.
Lovely Bones - I hate anything where children even get upset, don't know why I read this. My DH got upset because I was crying every night as read it, from start to finish - but you have to reach that conclusion or it will haunt you. Wish I hadn't read it.

Chonky - no idea what that book is about but my eyes are stinging from that quote! Definitely sounds like another one for me NOT to read. Why did I read this thread?

Dinosaur - Yes you mean C Gray - totally agree about the gas chamber episode (see my earlier posts on here).

What did you think about the wedding at the end ? Why did he put in references to the gas chamber ? - e.g. stepping over the threshold & holding something in her hand - it brought back images of the boys' ending. Why ?

Oh Olivia - People always look at me like I'm insane when I say that I sobbed my way through The Amber Spyglass!!! It was the love story though, and the pain going across the river of death, and the end with the bench. I think I need to read it again now...

The child in time did it for me too, as did My Sister's Keeper.

I keep meaning to try The Lovely Bones

I thought Faulks put that in to demonstrate that although it was a wonderfully happy day for Charlotte, she was marked by what she had witnessed and would never be able to forget. Those images would haunt her in unexpected places - and make her grateful for her own life and happiness.

Interesting Anorak - sounds reasonable. Maybe I'm just a cynic to think it was meant to mean that she was doomed as well because the relationship wasn't going to last (I just thought the resistance guy was a better character than the pilot so I wanted her to end up with him!)

With you on Philip Pullman, Jodee, Pruni and Prufrock, although I have been unable to get past little Tony losing his daemon and dying without weeping copiously.
Michael Rosen's Sad Book doesn't make me cry exactly, but it is deeply moving and truthful about depression and bereavement, and a very humane and generous piece of writing.

Magscat, I've had to study Faulks's books for a work project, and I found that in every case he writes as if he truly believes in loyalty and true love that won't be denied. I think Charlotte couldn't forget Peter because he was the one for her.

Personally, I preferred Octave too

Thanks Anorak - it's been bugging me trying to work out what he intended and I've never read any other Faulks so interesting to hear what you said.

Right, I'll shut up about Charlotte Gray now.

That is only a theory. Obv you would have to ask Faulks to be sure of the right answer!

Gonna have to go buy Charlotte gray now

You people are costing me a fortune!!

I'm reading Birdsong but I'm only as far as p.63 (it's taking me an absolute age to read anything at the moment, for some reason) - better have the box of tissues to hand, then.

I've never found anyone else who has read what I would vote to be my saddest ever book - A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. (Maybe not one for the anti-CS Lewis camp ).

CHINESE CINDERELLA BY ADELINE YEN MAH IS A HEARTBREAKER. IT IS THE AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STORY OF A YOUNG CHINESE GIRL TRYING TO WIN THE APPROVAL OF HER FAMILY. WEPT BUCKETS. MY 13 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAS READ RED SKY IN THE MORNING TOO AND SHE FOUND IT VERY MOVING.

Good Night Mr Tom made me cry and cry

what is goodnight mr tom about?

a child called it and one child. reading tiger child at the mo seems a bit cheerier

Good NIght Mr Tom is about a boy who evacuated to the country in the war and lives with and old man 'Tom' he has been badly abused by his mother,theres a shockingly sad bit in the middle it turns out well though.great book you should read it. they made a film of it a while ago it was really good.

think i will get that one to read.

you should - i thought everyone had read it! oh well proves me wrong i wont say any more i dont want to ruin it. let me know how you find it.

will do- off to amazon and ebay now to see if i can get it.