Letters to Corey: A Mother's Journey

by Ellen Bennett

Can a mother’s love for her child transcend the constraints of society?
Letters to Corey is the narrative of Risa Shapiro’s journey-to-self through the death of her son from HIV. Her seemingly perfect life as wife, mother, and community figure, fractures from deeply fostered secrets and misconceptions. It is the early 1980’s in the wealthy community of Manchester, Massachusetts, where aberrant behavior does not exist—and if it does, it is quickly ushered into silence.

Journal Entry
It’s three AM and I can’t sleep. So much I need to explain. Things you cannot imagine. Things that would never fit into your world of perfection. This place with all its constant lights and noise, where the night hides lust in the shadows. How do I explain all this when I am lost at sea without a beacon to guide me home? But you. You are strong! You will find your way home.
I am so sorry.
Please forgive me.
I love you
C-

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2024

Reviews

[Andrea Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, heartbreaking read. A reminder to all mothers that although we may never fully know our children, we can love them fiercely and forever. Ellen Bennett reminds us that devastating grief may break us for a time but that it’s possible to also embrace the new picture of our life created by the broken pieces we picked up off the floor.

[Jennifer Spengler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intriguing story and a captivating read.