Although the Author has published two titles which The Book Dragon has the pleasure of reading and reviewing, it is the second title, ‘Letters to Ian,’ that I was personally drawn to. Why? I did not know.
Now that I have finished reading this book, I understand the significance.
If, like me, you believe that people are placed in your path, at a certain point in your life, for a reason, then my words will resonate, and will guide you to reach for ‘Letters to Ian,’ in the very same way that I did.
And so before I continue with my review, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Janet and her family for sharing their story with us. Whilst very much a cathartic experience for the Author, this cannot have been an easy writing journey for her, however necessary it was to aid the healing process and allow her to come to terms with her grief.
The Authors intention in sharing, ‘Letters to Ian’ is clear; a desire to connect to anyone who has experienced the loss of a child and has or continues to struggle. This book is a supportive companion, to help those parents and families experiencing grief try and find a way to live with and cope with their loss. Whilst it is acknowledged that this book cannot take away the reality of such pain, it does bring some comfort, and a level of understanding in a way that is delivered with sensitivity, and is heartfelt & genuine.
The narration of Janet’s experience, the letters, the poems, the spiritual elements of the book, resonated with me, and indeed brought a small measure of comfort to a pain I constantly carry around in my heart. The beliefs, the experiences I have also shared, and it is now why I understand the reason I was guided to read her words.
The pain of losing a child through miscarriage I too have sadly known, of a forced separation I’ve also known, something I still find difficult to talk about. And when the Author moved onto the subject of Empty Nest Syndrome, a fairly recent experience of mine, I felt as though she were walking by my side, a mirror image of my own footsteps. Until I experienced Empty Nest Syndrome, I never believed it was a real thing, or that it could have such a profound effect. And so I go back to my opening remarks that if like me you believe that people are placed in your path at a certain point in your life for a reason, whether it is to support, protect, teach or comfort, then you too will also find yourself reading and recommending this book to others.
For the message of hope, and comfort, Janet’s story gives to anyone experiencing grief, and in recognition of the child who lives on in this family’s hearts and continues to give love and strength to them and to others, I award 5 stars.
