The Loss of a Life Partner [Paperback]

Carolyn Ambler Walter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0231119690 | ISBN-13: 978-0231119696 0

Although there is extensive research on the loss of a spouse, predominantly focusing on the experiences of widows, much less attention is paid to bereaved partners not married to their significant other, whether or not the partners are of the same sex. This first-of-its-kind work explores both socially sanctioned and disenfranchised grief, highlighting similarities and differences. Combining a discussion of various theories of grief with personal narratives of grieving men and women drawn from numerous interviews, and detailed case study analysis, Carolyn Ambler Walter has produced a penetrating examination of the bereavement experiences of partners in varying types of relationships. She views narratives of widows, widowers, and bereaved domestic gay and lesbian partners from a postmodern perspective that breaks away from the traditional belief that the living must detach themselves from the dead in order to move on with their lives. Instead, building on the works of postmodern grief theorists such as Klass, Silverman, and Nickman, Walter views ongoing bonds with the dead as a resource for enriching functionality in the present, and as a key to looking to the future.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Walter offers 22 stories of individuals whose life partner died, presenting them against a tapestry of bereavement theories and issues. The widows and widowers describe the challenges of reframing their identity and life; particularly powerful are narratives and experiences of gay men and lesbians, because as disenfranchised grievers they lack the access to the legal benefits, supports, and social rituals of mourning... The captivating struggle of grief involves a crisis in meaning as bereavement shatters assumptions, support systems, coupled identity, and patterns of life.

(Choice ?)

First of its kind...psychologists and counselors can benefit from this book.

(Canadian Social Work )

Walter's book is well written, accessible and compassionate and certainly extends our understanding of the experiences and needs of bereaved partners.

(Carole Smith Journal of Social Work )

Well structured and accessible to both lay and professional readers.

(Christine Valentine Mortality )

Review

With clarity and grace, Walter articulates traditional and postmodern bereavement theory, and illuminates these theories with moving narratives...

(Jeffrey Kauffman, Center for the Care of Community Institutions v.5/1)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (March 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231119690
• ISBN-13: 978-0231119696
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,499,915 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Book, January 5, 2010

By 

C. Dull (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Loss of a Life Partner (Paperback)

I purchased this book for a friend who recently lost her partner to cancer. She said that this book had alot of good information.