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The Madness of Grief
- A Memoir of Love and Loss
- Narrated by: Richard Coles
- Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins
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The Madness of Grief
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Summary
Whether it is pastoral care for the bereaved, discussions about the afterlife or being called out to perform the last rites, death is part of the Reverend Richard Coles' life and work. But when his partner, the Reverend David Coles, died, shortly before Christmas in 2019, much about death took Coles by surprise. For one thing, David's death at the early age of 43 was unexpected.
The man that so often assists others to examine life's moral questions now found himself in need of help. He began to look to others for guidance to steer him through his grief. The flock was leading the shepherd. Much about grief surprised him: the volume of 'sadmin' you have to do when someone dies, how much harder it is travelling for work alone, even the pain of typing a text message to your partner - then realising you are alone.
The Reverend Richard Coles's deeply personal account of life after grief will resonate, unforgettably, with anyone who has lost a loved one.
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- spunout
- 15-06-21
a very personal recollection
It felt like an intrusion listening to this to be honest. an explanation of the personal shock and reaction that comes with loss and grief. It must have been hard to write and hard to record. Deeply honest and personal I felt intrusive listening to it.. they way you hear friends tell you something very hard but necessary.
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- Amazon Customer
- 11-04-21
Raw and honest
Beautifully written and narrated. Despite losing both my grandparents, parents and father-in-law in recent years, nothing compares to losing your life partner. Thank you Richard for this honest and very personal insight.
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- Esther
- 01-08-21
So Moving
I was delighted to find that Richard's book was avaiable on Audible. I am not a great reader and this was an opportunity to listen to a man who's voice is so distinctive, it gives the words and the emotion such great meaning. Bereavement is something not talked about enough. This was a blessing of understanding, that we all experience at sometime in our lives and as we grow older all too often.
I was with him in so many ways with my own experience, it was a comfort and a support. Thank you Richard for this wonderful book full of the richness of humanity and the great assuredness of faith.
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- Elizabeth James
- 26-10-21
A must read if you have lost a loved one
A must read, if you have lost someone you love. it really helps with the grieving process.
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- Snoopygirl
- 14-06-22
I laughed, cried and loved this book.
This was such an honest account of the juxtaposition of the ritual duty and procedures of death that should give structure but instead give no support and leave you floating, unmoored, unguided on a vast sea of grief.
Beautifully, honestly written.
Usually when I see that the author is the narrator I have an inner groan but not with this, it had to be Rev Coles for it to work.
Definitely worth a read.
May God continue to support him and give him the strength to find peace, joy and love again in some kind of form.
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- Paul
- 18-11-22
Incredible book
Stumbled across this by accident and what a pleasant happenstance.
I’m familiar with Richard Cole from both his past days as part of a band and as the dancing vicar- Iv always been fond of him.
I picked the book, half because it was about him, and half because it discussed grief, and how tough it is.
I have often heard people say the read a book cover to cover in one sitting, or listened to a book in one sitting and this never occurred to me- until now, I was so engulfed in this book I listened to it all in 2 days, I found myself looking forward to getting into the car to get back to it.
Richard discusses the enormity of grief, and how it knocks you sideways. How life goes on around you, and how it’s so evidently not evident to everyone you meet that you are struggling with grief, while they are just going on with their daily lives.
He articulates how difficult it is living with someone who has a chronic illness, and how worlds simply fall apart.
Honestly one of the best books I have ever listen to- Incredible
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- Amazon Customer
- 20-02-24
A empathic reflection of grief
Revd Coles gives a heartfelt reflection on the grief he felt upon the loss of his partner. Ringing true to anyone who's suffered through such times.
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- F. E. Thornton
- 12-05-22
thank you
im recently widowed and related so much your experience thank you so much for sharing.
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- Flossie
- 03-04-21
Beautifully Written.
It’s an awful shame this book had to be written at all,I found it moving and so true the title, The Madness of Grief.You go through so many emotions and this encapsulates every up and down you feel.Just beautifully written and an excellent read,would highly recommend.
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9 people found this helpful
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- Mrs VSL Jones
- 09-07-21
So relevant and moving
Having lost so many relatives lately this is such a poignant reminder of how grief hits you. I love the term sadmin and shared this with my relatives it’s a perfect phrase. Thank you for this xx
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