Compassion Autumn 2022

Autumn 2022 - Compassion | www.tcf.org.uk 12 Book Reviews Dear Tosh by Ninette Hartley (published 2021) Ninette’s son Tosh died aged 27 years in January 2011. He was a graffiti artist and fell from the roof of a building while in Portugal with friends. Ten years later Ninette has written 27 letters to Tosh, about his life and about family events since his death. The letters are written in an open honest manner. She describes the journey to Portugal, making funeral arrangements and returning home to plan his memorial service. The letters convey the shock and distress of a sudden death and compare this to the loss of other family members. I recommend this book to all. It may encourage others to write about their loss. Ninette also addresses the extra burden of guilt when the death is a result of a reckless or illegal act. It may affect how others react. She also acknowledges the support of Compassionate Friends; the relief of sharing with others who understand. Anne McAreavey Standing On One Foot by Neil Raisman (published 2016) When we stand on one foot we are unsteady, we fall over. Neil Raisman, an American father, uses this analogy to tell us how the death of his son unbalanced him. In his introduction he says most stories “leave out the pain and raw reality of the journey, this one will not leave that out.” He is preparing you for his description of his distress and anger. Isaac was 26 years old and living alone in a New York apartment. He said he had flu symptoms. Two days later he was found dead by his father. The