Customer Reviews

She Is With Angels

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This is an amazing book. Being of the same age and background as the author, what struck me most was the incredible accuracy of his account of everyday life in Holland during the late 50's and early 60's. Since I also have a mother who suffers from depressions, this book did not let loose until I finished it. I recognize the moodswings, the silent cries for help and my own helplessness, not being able to make my Mom's life less miserable. Everyone who knows someone in a similar situation should read this book!

I found 'She Is With Angels' to be very beautiful. and I read it in one stretch. It was well-written, in particular because the writer still knew so much about his youth. The book touched me very much: I think that many suicide survivors will find support through it. But even for people without any prior suicide experience the book is very nice, because it seems as if you're part of the book. That's done very cleverly. I am curious if August Swanenberg plans to write another book, because if that's the case, I will certainly read it.

As I read this book I felt like I was walking in the footsteps of a child while he shared his day to day experiences moving always closer to the most devastating loss I think a child can experience. As the reader there was nothing I could do to dispel the mounting tension and the knowledge of what was going to happen. I asked the same questions, the first one being why? The next how could she leave her children? Then who or what do you blame? Finally, how do you find a way to open a door or window to get rid of the anger, the fear, and the secret darkness of suicide? I would and will strongly recommend this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which was a heartfelt recounting of a young man's early childhood and the sucide of his mother. It takes the reader through the years following the tragedy until the author comes to terms with the incident. Told only in terms which could be associated with an actual event. This book should help others who also have suffered such loss. It helps to understand how a person carries on throughout the rest of his life and finally tries to discover all the facts, wondered about as a child. It shows how a young life can be effected by persons "in authority" hiding facts. Shame, hurt, etc are felt until as a young man the truth is finally told and understood.An excellent read that could be enjoyed by anyone experiencing such a loss n their own life or anyone interested in the subject matter. I highly recommend the book, "She is with Angels," by August Swanenberg.