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Brother Broken: A Memoir of Three Brothers and Suicide
Is suicide hereditary? Does it run in families? When three brothers end their lives, is it an ill-fated coincidence or an underlying symptom? Perhaps it’s a curse, an unfortunate chain of events or a string of bad luck. One thing for sure, there are endless questions that beg answering.
‘Brother Broken’ is not a tale of woe. It’s not a romance novel, a how-to handbook, a travel guide, a pot-boiler, a sci-fi sequel or a fantasy adventure. It’s a Saskatchewan true story. A slice of history that’s not dark or depressing. A memoir of hope and gratitude, with a touch of ridiculous―though some parts are complicated, because there is nothing straightforward pertaining to ‘broken’.
Three of my brothers died.
I wish I could say they died of natural causes, but there is nothing natural about suicide. It’s the kind of loss that isn’t easily explained.
I remember my brothers by writing about them. I share the story of their lives. l tell of what decent boys they were, what they meant to me, how their lives were ordinary and sound before all the trouble started happening. I write so people will learn the goodness of my parents, the wholesomeness of my extended family, that my kin weren’t lowbrow hicks, who screwed-up raising kids.
If you are suffering, mourning or considering suicide, my deepest wish is for the story to speak to you, bring you out of despair and give you hope.
‘Brother Broken’ is not a tale of woe. It’s not a romance novel, a how-to handbook, a travel guide, a pot-boiler, a sci-fi sequel or a fantasy adventure. It’s a Saskatchewan true story. A slice of history that’s not dark or depressing. A memoir of hope and gratitude, with a touch of ridiculous―though some parts are complicated, because there is nothing straightforward pertaining to ‘broken’.
Three of my brothers died.
I wish I could say they died of natural causes, but there is nothing natural about suicide. It’s the kind of loss that isn’t easily explained.
I remember my brothers by writing about them. I share the story of their lives. l tell of what decent boys they were, what they meant to me, how their lives were ordinary and sound before all the trouble started happening. I write so people will learn the goodness of my parents, the wholesomeness of my extended family, that my kin weren’t lowbrow hicks, who screwed-up raising kids.
If you are suffering, mourning or considering suicide, my deepest wish is for the story to speak to you, bring you out of despair and give you hope.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2023
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Cecile Beaulieu
2 books11 followersBrother Broken is my first book. It is a work from the heart. I wrote the book because the story would not leave me alone.
My wish is for the story to initiate dialogue about suicide, which is an important subject people tend to shy away from.
I live a simple life with my husband John Bach in Sundre, Alberta.
Peace.
My wish is for the story to initiate dialogue about suicide, which is an important subject people tend to shy away from.
I live a simple life with my husband John Bach in Sundre, Alberta.
Peace.
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March 30, 2026
Brother Broken: A Memoir of Three Brothers and Suicide by Cecile Beaulieu is a profoundly moving exploration of grief, family bonds, and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. Beaulieu confronts the raw realities of suicide with honesty, nuance, and sensitivity, illuminating the human side of a tragedy often left unspoken.
The memoir balances heartbreak with hope, blending reflections on her brothers’ lives, family history, and the enduring love that persists even after loss. With moments of warmth, insight, and subtle humor, this book offers a compassionate lens for readers navigating grief or seeking to understand the complex interplay of family, mental health, and healing. A rare memoir that is both candid and uplifting.
The memoir balances heartbreak with hope, blending reflections on her brothers’ lives, family history, and the enduring love that persists even after loss. With moments of warmth, insight, and subtle humor, this book offers a compassionate lens for readers navigating grief or seeking to understand the complex interplay of family, mental health, and healing. A rare memoir that is both candid and uplifting.
Displaying 1 of 1 review