Compassion Autumn Winter 2023

8 tcf.org.uk COMPASSION | BOOK REVIEWS This book is a moving record of a mother’s letters to her son following the shock of his sudden death. Felix, aged 20, was a student at university, enjoying his course and acting in a theatre production when he was found dead in his student bedroom. His death was a sudden unexplained death in epilepsy. Felix’s family live in South Devon and could be described as nature lovers. Sophie Pierce is a very regular wild swimmer and her book includes descriptions of many beautiful sites where she, and family members, have walked and swam in lakes, rivers and the sea. The book includes an outline map of the places mentioned and the title, The Green Hill, refers to the site of Felix’s grave by the River Dart. Following his death, Sophie wrote regularly to Felix to express her loss and to maintain her communication with him. She also revisited, often with friends and family, places that she’d enjoyed in family events with Felix. This contact with nature enabled her to feel joy in their beauty alongside her overwhelming sense of loss. Over time the frequency of the letters decreased as she returned to her work as a BBC reporter. The descriptions of nature and of wild swimming convey the comfort and consolation we can experience outdoors when inwardly we are bereft. Sophie also pays tribute to SUDEP, a small charity which supports families affected by, and research into, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. After reading this book many parents may be inspired to visit some of the beautiful places in Devon that Sophie writes about. The Green Hill: Letters to a Son by Sophie Pierce reviewed by Anne McAeavey This book and many others are available from the TCF library email library@tcf.org.uk or visit tcf.org.uk.