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Living Without Him: A journey of love, loss and hope
A year into their marriage, Minerva loses her husband to COVID-19, making her a widow at thirty-two and shattering her entire existence. The death triggers harrowing memories of past tragedies: the punishing death of her father, the unexpected deaths of her uncles soon after and her mother’s battles with mental illness—they all come together to haunt her, leaving her at a tragic crossroads. Who has she been all this while, and who is she now? Can she find it in herself to move on with her life? Should she?
Alone and lost in the world, all she is left with is her relentless, all-consuming grief.
Beginning with the tumultuous month when the virus seized her family and the subsequent struggle to save her husband, to going on a journey to unearth a long-buried part of herself that can, maybe, learn to live with all of it, Living Without Him is a deeply felt memoir about one woman’s search for meaning and purpose after tremendous loss and a heartfelt meditation on the unique shades of grieving and recovery.
Alone and lost in the world, all she is left with is her relentless, all-consuming grief.
Beginning with the tumultuous month when the virus seized her family and the subsequent struggle to save her husband, to going on a journey to unearth a long-buried part of herself that can, maybe, learn to live with all of it, Living Without Him is a deeply felt memoir about one woman’s search for meaning and purpose after tremendous loss and a heartfelt meditation on the unique shades of grieving and recovery.
210 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2024
2 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 30, 2024
Living Without Him by Minerva Khajuria delivers a poignant and deeply personal memoir that captures the raw essence of love, loss, and the arduous path toward hope. The narrative begins with the devastating loss of her husband to COVID-19, a tragedy that not only ends her marriage after just one year but also reopens the wounds of earlier heartbreaks.
Khajuria invites readers into her world, navigating through a cascade of grief shaped by her husband's death and father’s death. It took me a while to pen down this review because of the raw emotions and the story.
What sets this memoir apart is its unflinching honesty. Khajuria does not shy away from the depths of despair, the questions of identity, or the overwhelming isolation that grief imposes. Her prose is both lyrical and searing, providing a heartfelt meditation on how past and present losses intertwine.
Yet, Living Without Him is not solely a story of sorrow. It is a testament to resilience. As Khajuria embarks on a journey to rediscover a hidden part of herself, readers are reminded of the human capacity to adapt and to find meaning even in life’s darkest moments.
This book is a must-read for anyone grappling with loss or seeking to understand the nuances of grief. Khajuria’s story resonates deeply, leaving me with a sense of catharsis and a renewed appreciation for the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
Khajuria invites readers into her world, navigating through a cascade of grief shaped by her husband's death and father’s death. It took me a while to pen down this review because of the raw emotions and the story.
What sets this memoir apart is its unflinching honesty. Khajuria does not shy away from the depths of despair, the questions of identity, or the overwhelming isolation that grief imposes. Her prose is both lyrical and searing, providing a heartfelt meditation on how past and present losses intertwine.
Yet, Living Without Him is not solely a story of sorrow. It is a testament to resilience. As Khajuria embarks on a journey to rediscover a hidden part of herself, readers are reminded of the human capacity to adapt and to find meaning even in life’s darkest moments.
This book is a must-read for anyone grappling with loss or seeking to understand the nuances of grief. Khajuria’s story resonates deeply, leaving me with a sense of catharsis and a renewed appreciation for the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
January 11, 2025
What do you do when loss of a loved one, someone without whom you can't imagine living, hits you? Grief can become all encompassing and engulf one but life goes on and the living have to keep on living. How much courage and resilience can you show in face of such daunting tragedy is one of the key takeaways of Minerva Khajuria's memoir Living Without Him. The him here is Khajuria's husband whom she lost during COVID, a year into marriage. This shattering loss makes her a widow at thirty-two and sends her down a spiral of pain and suffering where past comes haunting as well.
And yet, she manages to piece her shattered life and stand up again. It's daunting, it's hard, it's scary but Minerva's strength and courage shine throughout her writing. It cannot have been easy to relive those times and to share them with the world but I am glad she chose to do it. Thanks for telling the world your story, Minerva. Stay strong...
And yet, she manages to piece her shattered life and stand up again. It's daunting, it's hard, it's scary but Minerva's strength and courage shine throughout her writing. It cannot have been easy to relive those times and to share them with the world but I am glad she chose to do it. Thanks for telling the world your story, Minerva. Stay strong...
March 21, 2025
What do you do when the person who was your home is suddenly gone? How do you keep breathing when grief tightens around your chest like a vice?
Living Without Him is not just a memoir—it’s a raw, heart-wrenching journey through grief, loss, and the fragile process of rebuilding oneself after devastation. Minerva’s story is deeply personal yet universally resonant, especially for anyone who has ever felt the unbearable weight of losing someone they love.
From the very first page, the pain is palpable. The way she describes the sudden, cruel unraveling of her world when COVID-19 took her husband is haunting. Her grief is not just about his absence—it’s about the memories it stirs, leaving her drowning in sorrow with no clear way forward. The loneliness, the questions, the sheer exhaustion of trying to exist in a world that feels unrecognizable without him—it all seeps through the pages in a way that is both devastating and deeply moving.
But this book is not just about loss. It’s about survival. About learning to carry grief in a way that doesn’t consume you entirely. Minerva’s reflections on identity, love, and the struggle to find meaning after unimaginable pain are beautifully written, making you pause and sit with your own emotions. Her words are heavy, yet there’s a quiet resilience woven into them—a reminder that even in the depths of grief, there can be moments of clarity, of self-discovery, of hope.
This book will break your heart, but it will also remind you of the strength it takes to keep going when everything feels lost. It’s a deeply emotional, intimate portrait of love and loss, and a testament to the ways we find ourselves again—even when we never expected to. Lastly, I want to thank Minerva for sharing your story with such honesty and vulnerability. It must have taken so much courage and strength. Your words will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page
Living Without Him is not just a memoir—it’s a raw, heart-wrenching journey through grief, loss, and the fragile process of rebuilding oneself after devastation. Minerva’s story is deeply personal yet universally resonant, especially for anyone who has ever felt the unbearable weight of losing someone they love.
From the very first page, the pain is palpable. The way she describes the sudden, cruel unraveling of her world when COVID-19 took her husband is haunting. Her grief is not just about his absence—it’s about the memories it stirs, leaving her drowning in sorrow with no clear way forward. The loneliness, the questions, the sheer exhaustion of trying to exist in a world that feels unrecognizable without him—it all seeps through the pages in a way that is both devastating and deeply moving.
But this book is not just about loss. It’s about survival. About learning to carry grief in a way that doesn’t consume you entirely. Minerva’s reflections on identity, love, and the struggle to find meaning after unimaginable pain are beautifully written, making you pause and sit with your own emotions. Her words are heavy, yet there’s a quiet resilience woven into them—a reminder that even in the depths of grief, there can be moments of clarity, of self-discovery, of hope.
This book will break your heart, but it will also remind you of the strength it takes to keep going when everything feels lost. It’s a deeply emotional, intimate portrait of love and loss, and a testament to the ways we find ourselves again—even when we never expected to. Lastly, I want to thank Minerva for sharing your story with such honesty and vulnerability. It must have taken so much courage and strength. Your words will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page
January 25, 2025
What it looks like to lose someone in an instance of a pandemic can only be understood and felt if one has gone through the same or step into the shoes of someone with the same experience.
Fortunately enough, I have only been through the worst this time on stepping into Minerva’s story and getting to live her story one page at a time, while bawling my eyes out.
Living Without Him by Minerva is a poignant and heart-wrenching exploration of love, loss, and the journey toward healing.
The author captures the raw emotions of a her struggles to rebuild her life after the death of her partner, weaving a narrative that is both intimate and universal.
The prose is lyrical, pulling you into the protagonist’s pain, her loneliness, and her quiet resilience.
Minerva’s writing doesn’t shy away from the complexities of grief, making the reader feel every moment of anguish, but also offering glimpses of hope and the possibility of moving forward.
This novel is a tender reminder that even in the deepest sorrow, life has a way of pushing us to find light again. It’s a deeply emotional, beautifully crafted story that will stay with you long after the last page.
Fortunately enough, I have only been through the worst this time on stepping into Minerva’s story and getting to live her story one page at a time, while bawling my eyes out.
Living Without Him by Minerva is a poignant and heart-wrenching exploration of love, loss, and the journey toward healing.
The author captures the raw emotions of a her struggles to rebuild her life after the death of her partner, weaving a narrative that is both intimate and universal.
The prose is lyrical, pulling you into the protagonist’s pain, her loneliness, and her quiet resilience.
Minerva’s writing doesn’t shy away from the complexities of grief, making the reader feel every moment of anguish, but also offering glimpses of hope and the possibility of moving forward.
This novel is a tender reminder that even in the deepest sorrow, life has a way of pushing us to find light again. It’s a deeply emotional, beautifully crafted story that will stay with you long after the last page.
February 6, 2025
I have always been a very emotional person, it however does take a lot to break my heart. But when I did a little research on this book before reading it, I was shattered.
My takeaway honestly from this book is only Minerva's strength and positivity despite all the battles put her way.
It's not easy to write a book, least of all a memoir. As inspiring as this book gets, it also makes you want to stop reading.
Imagine fearing something and realising that all your fears are coming true. This book is that, but I shall love this book for a long time.
There was absolutely nothing about this book that would stop me from recommending it over and over again.
For love, and hope.
My takeaway honestly from this book is only Minerva's strength and positivity despite all the battles put her way.
It's not easy to write a book, least of all a memoir. As inspiring as this book gets, it also makes you want to stop reading.
Imagine fearing something and realising that all your fears are coming true. This book is that, but I shall love this book for a long time.
There was absolutely nothing about this book that would stop me from recommending it over and over again.
For love, and hope.
December 15, 2025
These lines from Living Without Him by Minerva Khajuria hit me like a punch to the gut:
"People and their words became white noise, faint murmurs in the background of the loud chatter in my head."
"I couldn't pretend to be strong anymore. There was a deluge of emotions, old and new, that my body could no longer hold in anymore."
I read these, and for a moment, I just sat there. These aren't just words-they're grief stripped down to its bare bones.
The kind that settles in your chest, making it hard to breathe. The kind that forces you to confront your own pain, your own losses, and all the times you've had to pretend you were okay when you weren't.
Living Without Him is not just a book; it's an experience.
Minerva doesn't just tell her story-she makes you feel every ounce of her heartbreak. Losing her father, then her husband just a year into marriage, she brings us into the suffocating silence of grief, the exhaustion of carrying on when your world has collapsed, and the cruel weight of memories that refuse to fade.
But this book is more than just sorrow-it's about survival.
About the strength it takes to wake up every day and live through the unbearable. About rediscovering yourself when everything you built your life around is gone.
If you've ever loved, lost, or struggled to find meaning in the wreckage, this book will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Pick it up, but be warned-it will break you.
"People and their words became white noise, faint murmurs in the background of the loud chatter in my head."
"I couldn't pretend to be strong anymore. There was a deluge of emotions, old and new, that my body could no longer hold in anymore."
I read these, and for a moment, I just sat there. These aren't just words-they're grief stripped down to its bare bones.
The kind that settles in your chest, making it hard to breathe. The kind that forces you to confront your own pain, your own losses, and all the times you've had to pretend you were okay when you weren't.
Living Without Him is not just a book; it's an experience.
Minerva doesn't just tell her story-she makes you feel every ounce of her heartbreak. Losing her father, then her husband just a year into marriage, she brings us into the suffocating silence of grief, the exhaustion of carrying on when your world has collapsed, and the cruel weight of memories that refuse to fade.
But this book is more than just sorrow-it's about survival.
About the strength it takes to wake up every day and live through the unbearable. About rediscovering yourself when everything you built your life around is gone.
If you've ever loved, lost, or struggled to find meaning in the wreckage, this book will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Pick it up, but be warned-it will break you.
January 26, 2025
Covid-19 claimed hundreds & thousands of lives worldwide, and one of those lives was Minerva’s Abhinav.
One year into their marriage, Minerva found herself a widow at just 32, the loss of her beloved husband to the pandemic shattering her entire world.
Alone with her all-consuming grief, she poured her heart into a memoir, a journey of love, loss, and the fragile thread of hope.
For many, the pandemic left an indelible mark. Hardly anyone escaped without losing someone they held dear. Some chose silence, burying their grief in quiet corners of their hearts. Others, like Minerva, needed to speak it out loud, to preserve the memories and hold onto them just a little longer.
🍂
This book is not a guide on how to navigate life after loss. It is Minerva’s story—the story of her life with Abhinav, the sorrow that followed, and her ongoing journey of healing. It is a collection of her grief, her memories, and the love she continues to honor.
❤️🩹
There were moments when I truly wished that this story was fiction—when I hoped to google it and find no trace of such a tragedy. But it’s not. The ache is real. After finishing the book, I found myself scrolling through the author’s Instagram, hoping somehow to find closure or a glimpse of solace. But as I read her posts, it became unbearably heartbreaking. Eventually, I had to stop.
It’s a heartbreaking story, yet undeniably beautiful. If you decide to pick up this book, I urge you to reach out to Minerva. Let her know how her story touched you, because it will.❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MUST MUST READ❤️🩹
One year into their marriage, Minerva found herself a widow at just 32, the loss of her beloved husband to the pandemic shattering her entire world.
Alone with her all-consuming grief, she poured her heart into a memoir, a journey of love, loss, and the fragile thread of hope.
For many, the pandemic left an indelible mark. Hardly anyone escaped without losing someone they held dear. Some chose silence, burying their grief in quiet corners of their hearts. Others, like Minerva, needed to speak it out loud, to preserve the memories and hold onto them just a little longer.
🍂
This book is not a guide on how to navigate life after loss. It is Minerva’s story—the story of her life with Abhinav, the sorrow that followed, and her ongoing journey of healing. It is a collection of her grief, her memories, and the love she continues to honor.
❤️🩹
There were moments when I truly wished that this story was fiction—when I hoped to google it and find no trace of such a tragedy. But it’s not. The ache is real. After finishing the book, I found myself scrolling through the author’s Instagram, hoping somehow to find closure or a glimpse of solace. But as I read her posts, it became unbearably heartbreaking. Eventually, I had to stop.
It’s a heartbreaking story, yet undeniably beautiful. If you decide to pick up this book, I urge you to reach out to Minerva. Let her know how her story touched you, because it will.❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MUST MUST READ❤️🩹
September 7, 2025
I had the honour of reading this before it hit the shelves. Writing about tough experiences is itself quite difficult; but to write it this well, sequence it, and really make the reader feel what it was like is a whole other level. That's exactly what Minerva has done. It takes endless reflection and re-living of those experiences, something that requires courage and sheer stubborn determination - both of which the author is rich in.
In this world of perfection and marketing, it is a rare thing to see people being truly honest about their life experience. These are the kind of books that can help us be a bit more grounded, and especially the way this book proceeds - a bit more hopeful.
In this world of perfection and marketing, it is a rare thing to see people being truly honest about their life experience. These are the kind of books that can help us be a bit more grounded, and especially the way this book proceeds - a bit more hopeful.
April 20, 2025
‘Grief’ is very subjective and affects everyone differently. I read ‘Loss’ by Siddharth Dhanvant Sanghvi few years back and it tore me to pieces. I thought I could never read a book again on the subject. But I guess time heals. And here I was again with Minerva Khajuria’s ‘Living Without Him’. ‘Loss’ was an impulsive pick, but this time I knew what I was getting into. The title itself says it all. And it was every bit true to my expectation.
When I lost Dad in 2018, my world paused, life stopped, and I thought I would never be the same again. Grief hits hard when you lose a parent or a partner. It’s a void that stays forever. In that sense, Khajuria’s story felt starkly personal.
Living Without Him: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope by Minerva Khajuria is a moving account that gives readers a deep and hard glimpse into her personal story following the loss of her husband, Abhinav, to COVID-19, just a year into their marriage. The incident and the following years have been detailed at length in the book that shows one how she coped with the period.
She writes, "Alone and lost in the world, all she is left with is her relentless, all-consuming grief."
This tragedy reopened wounds and brought back memories from earlier losses; including the death of her father and her mother's struggles with mental illness. It wasn’t an easy time, one that she struggled with – physically and psychologically. With poignant quotes that portray her inner challenges, she inspires her readers to grow stronger in the face of loss offering solace and patience to those navigating through grief.
So, when are you picking it up?
👉 Follow IG: @missbookthief_ for book recommendations that are worth your time.
When I lost Dad in 2018, my world paused, life stopped, and I thought I would never be the same again. Grief hits hard when you lose a parent or a partner. It’s a void that stays forever. In that sense, Khajuria’s story felt starkly personal.
Living Without Him: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope by Minerva Khajuria is a moving account that gives readers a deep and hard glimpse into her personal story following the loss of her husband, Abhinav, to COVID-19, just a year into their marriage. The incident and the following years have been detailed at length in the book that shows one how she coped with the period.
She writes, "Alone and lost in the world, all she is left with is her relentless, all-consuming grief."
This tragedy reopened wounds and brought back memories from earlier losses; including the death of her father and her mother's struggles with mental illness. It wasn’t an easy time, one that she struggled with – physically and psychologically. With poignant quotes that portray her inner challenges, she inspires her readers to grow stronger in the face of loss offering solace and patience to those navigating through grief.
So, when are you picking it up?
👉 Follow IG: @missbookthief_ for book recommendations that are worth your time.
December 24, 2025
Losing your partner is not easy, and losing him when you are young is not something you would think will happen to you.
Even though it seems unfair, it does happen.
“Living Without Him” is a book dedicated to Abhinav, the husband of Minerva.
It’s about a recently married young couple building their future and dreams together, but when Abhinav got infected with COVID, that dream came crumbling down along with Minerva.
This book explores being in love, losing the person you love, feeling overwhelmed with emotions, experiencing numbness, handling grief, and trying to live again while ensuring you don’t forget the person you love.
As someone familiar with the death of a partner, I could really relate to Minerva. I felt seen. The quotes I highlighted show how much I appreciated Minerva for keeping the writing raw, blunt, and unfiltered. It’s comforting to know that you are not alone in this, that it does get better, and the coping mechanisms for handling grief really connected with me.
I really loved the book. I know many people enjoy reading books with sad plots, and “Living Without Him” is one of those, but with an extra touch that it’s all based on real life.
Even though it seems unfair, it does happen.
“Living Without Him” is a book dedicated to Abhinav, the husband of Minerva.
It’s about a recently married young couple building their future and dreams together, but when Abhinav got infected with COVID, that dream came crumbling down along with Minerva.
This book explores being in love, losing the person you love, feeling overwhelmed with emotions, experiencing numbness, handling grief, and trying to live again while ensuring you don’t forget the person you love.
As someone familiar with the death of a partner, I could really relate to Minerva. I felt seen. The quotes I highlighted show how much I appreciated Minerva for keeping the writing raw, blunt, and unfiltered. It’s comforting to know that you are not alone in this, that it does get better, and the coping mechanisms for handling grief really connected with me.
I really loved the book. I know many people enjoy reading books with sad plots, and “Living Without Him” is one of those, but with an extra touch that it’s all based on real life.
April 29, 2025
I don't know if ever i'll be able to get over from this book.
December 26, 2024
Living Without Him: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope by Minerva Khajuria is a masterpiece of raw emotion and resilience. It is one of the most heart-wrenching books I have read this year , second only to "It Takes a Village." Both these books have left an indelible mark on my heart, making me cry uncontrollably as I turned their pages.
From the very first chapter, I was overwhelmed with sorrow. My heart ached beyond words, and tears streamed down my face as I felt the author’s pain seep into my soul. Each page was heavy with grief, and as I delved deeper into the story, the sorrow became almost unbearable. The loss, the anguish, and the unbearable grief described in the book felt like they were tearing me apart. I kept wondering—how did Minerva endure such devastating pain?
One of the most heart-wrenching moments was the argument between the author and her mother, both of whom were struggling with their own profound grief. It was a stark reminder of how loss fractures relationships, even when both hearts are equally shattered. Losing her father, relatives, and eventually her husband—it was as if life had stripped away every anchor of stability. The weight of these tragedies turned her into a living shadow of herself, a testament to how grief can hollow out a soul. I can’t even begin to imagine the mental state of someone who has faced so much.
It’s devastating to think how one virus could destroy so many lives, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. This book broke me to my core. Yet, amidst the despair, it also offered hope—a light that shines even in the darkest of times.
By the time I reached the latter part of the book, I found myself in awe of Minerva’s strength. It’s in this part of her journey that you understand why a woman is called "SHAKTI." Despite the unfathomable grief, Minerva found a way to piece herself back together. Her courage, her determination to move forward, and her ability to channel her pain into purpose were nothing short of extraordinary.
Her resilience is a reminder that women possess an immense, untapped strength that can weather even the worst storms. As I read about her plans and the way she rebuilt her life, I felt a deep respect for her indomitable spirit. Her journey also underscores the importance of financial independence—a lifeline that not only ensures survival but also empowers women to reclaim their lives.
The love story between Minerva and her husband was nothing short of a fairy tale. Their connection was pure and soulful, a bond that even death couldn’t sever. I found myself hoping that by 2026, Minerva steps into another beautiful chapter of her life, one filled with joy and renewed hope. ( A part in the book she mentioned about).
This book is not just a story; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of love, and the strength that lies within every woman. It will break your heart, but it will also inspire you to rise, to fight, and to live fully until the very end.
Undoubtedly, Living Without Him is a book of love, loss, and hope. The writing is so brilliant and the story so impactful that you’ll forget the world around you. It’s a reminder that we only have one life to live—and we must live it, no matter how heavy the burdens we carry.
Do yourself a favor~ read this book. It will touch your soul and stay with you forever.
From the very first chapter, I was overwhelmed with sorrow. My heart ached beyond words, and tears streamed down my face as I felt the author’s pain seep into my soul. Each page was heavy with grief, and as I delved deeper into the story, the sorrow became almost unbearable. The loss, the anguish, and the unbearable grief described in the book felt like they were tearing me apart. I kept wondering—how did Minerva endure such devastating pain?
One of the most heart-wrenching moments was the argument between the author and her mother, both of whom were struggling with their own profound grief. It was a stark reminder of how loss fractures relationships, even when both hearts are equally shattered. Losing her father, relatives, and eventually her husband—it was as if life had stripped away every anchor of stability. The weight of these tragedies turned her into a living shadow of herself, a testament to how grief can hollow out a soul. I can’t even begin to imagine the mental state of someone who has faced so much.
It’s devastating to think how one virus could destroy so many lives, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. This book broke me to my core. Yet, amidst the despair, it also offered hope—a light that shines even in the darkest of times.
By the time I reached the latter part of the book, I found myself in awe of Minerva’s strength. It’s in this part of her journey that you understand why a woman is called "SHAKTI." Despite the unfathomable grief, Minerva found a way to piece herself back together. Her courage, her determination to move forward, and her ability to channel her pain into purpose were nothing short of extraordinary.
Her resilience is a reminder that women possess an immense, untapped strength that can weather even the worst storms. As I read about her plans and the way she rebuilt her life, I felt a deep respect for her indomitable spirit. Her journey also underscores the importance of financial independence—a lifeline that not only ensures survival but also empowers women to reclaim their lives.
The love story between Minerva and her husband was nothing short of a fairy tale. Their connection was pure and soulful, a bond that even death couldn’t sever. I found myself hoping that by 2026, Minerva steps into another beautiful chapter of her life, one filled with joy and renewed hope. ( A part in the book she mentioned about).
This book is not just a story; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of love, and the strength that lies within every woman. It will break your heart, but it will also inspire you to rise, to fight, and to live fully until the very end.
Undoubtedly, Living Without Him is a book of love, loss, and hope. The writing is so brilliant and the story so impactful that you’ll forget the world around you. It’s a reminder that we only have one life to live—and we must live it, no matter how heavy the burdens we carry.
Do yourself a favor~ read this book. It will touch your soul and stay with you forever.
January 25, 2025
Living Without Him by Minerva Khajuria is a deeply moving and heartbreaking memoir that chronicles the profound grief and resilience of a woman who tragically lost both her father and her husband in quick succession, first to illness and later to the devastating impacts of COVID-19. The book explores not only the emotional trauma of losing loved ones but also the complicated journey of learning to live in the wake of such unthinkable losses.
The memoir begins with Minerva Khajuria recounting her experiences as a young wife who loses her husband to COVID-19 just one year into their marriage. These events bring back the sad memories of how helpless she felt watching her father battle diabetes and finally succumb to it. Her narrative takes readers through the unbearable pain of mourning both of these pivotal figures in her life. What makes her story particularly poignant is the combination of love and loss—she not only mourns her father but also her husband, whose life was cut short by the pandemic before they could fully realize their shared dreams.
Khajuria’s writing doesn’t shy away from the raw emotions associated with grief—anger, disbelief, confusion, and eventually, acceptance. She shares with her readers her vulnerability, reflecting on her emotional and mental battles in the aftermath of these deaths. The memoir becomes a raw account of survival, one that is not merely about moving on, but about finding meaning in a world that has changed forever.
The book also deeply explores themes of love, identity, and resilience. Khajuria’s recounting of her relationship with her late husband is filled with tenderness and longing, while her reflections on her father’s death highlight the complex nature of familial bonds. Through her grief, Khajuria examines the process of rebuilding one's identity and sense of self after the foundation of life is shaken.
Another prominent theme is the journey of healing. The memoir is not just about the losses she endured but also about how she found the courage to continue living in the face of overwhelming heartache. Her healing is not linear, and the book offers an honest, unvarnished look at how grief can reshape a person.
Minerva Khajuria’s writing is raw, honest, and deeply emotional. She does not hide from the darkness of grief, but rather embraces it, allowing readers to experience the full scope of her pain and the gradual path to healing. Her prose offers moments of reflection and introspection that invite the reader to pause and consider their own experiences with loss.
Khajuria’s narrative is both personal and universal. While her story is specific to her own experiences, it speaks to a wider audience who may relate to the themes of grief, loss, and moving forward. Her ability to connect her personal story with universal truths about human resilience is one of the book’s strengths.
This is a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of loss, healing, and the delicate art of living after tragedy.
#MemoirOfLoss #GriefAndHealing #LoveAndLoss #HealingJourney #COVID19Loss #BookReview #LossAndResilience #PersonalGrowthAfterLoss #HealingFromHeartbreak #LifeAfterLoss #StoryOfSurvival
The memoir begins with Minerva Khajuria recounting her experiences as a young wife who loses her husband to COVID-19 just one year into their marriage. These events bring back the sad memories of how helpless she felt watching her father battle diabetes and finally succumb to it. Her narrative takes readers through the unbearable pain of mourning both of these pivotal figures in her life. What makes her story particularly poignant is the combination of love and loss—she not only mourns her father but also her husband, whose life was cut short by the pandemic before they could fully realize their shared dreams.
Khajuria’s writing doesn’t shy away from the raw emotions associated with grief—anger, disbelief, confusion, and eventually, acceptance. She shares with her readers her vulnerability, reflecting on her emotional and mental battles in the aftermath of these deaths. The memoir becomes a raw account of survival, one that is not merely about moving on, but about finding meaning in a world that has changed forever.
The book also deeply explores themes of love, identity, and resilience. Khajuria’s recounting of her relationship with her late husband is filled with tenderness and longing, while her reflections on her father’s death highlight the complex nature of familial bonds. Through her grief, Khajuria examines the process of rebuilding one's identity and sense of self after the foundation of life is shaken.
Another prominent theme is the journey of healing. The memoir is not just about the losses she endured but also about how she found the courage to continue living in the face of overwhelming heartache. Her healing is not linear, and the book offers an honest, unvarnished look at how grief can reshape a person.
Minerva Khajuria’s writing is raw, honest, and deeply emotional. She does not hide from the darkness of grief, but rather embraces it, allowing readers to experience the full scope of her pain and the gradual path to healing. Her prose offers moments of reflection and introspection that invite the reader to pause and consider their own experiences with loss.
Khajuria’s narrative is both personal and universal. While her story is specific to her own experiences, it speaks to a wider audience who may relate to the themes of grief, loss, and moving forward. Her ability to connect her personal story with universal truths about human resilience is one of the book’s strengths.
This is a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of loss, healing, and the delicate art of living after tragedy.
#MemoirOfLoss #GriefAndHealing #LoveAndLoss #HealingJourney #COVID19Loss #BookReview #LossAndResilience #PersonalGrowthAfterLoss #HealingFromHeartbreak #LifeAfterLoss #StoryOfSurvival
February 14, 2025
Living Without Him : A journey of love, loss and hope
Author - Minerva Khajuria
The most powerful, shockingly intimate book I have read this year is Minerva Khajuria's profound personal reflection of her poignant journey of healing.
When I received this book I wasn't expecting this would be such a brilliant writing. How can someone convey their pain? But Minerva did, she penned down her agony, her darkest days are illustrated in pages with utterly beautiful writing.
It will make you forget words the way she painted colourless fear, endless loneliness and this introspective commentary will make you choke and difficult to read equally engrossed at the same time. You wouldn't want to put down the book, you wouldn't want to leave her alone inside the pages of this book and also you will find yourself numb and crushed.
This book is relevant to everyone who lost someone they truly loved, who lost their world.
To be honest, the way Minerva writes about each days, it shows impeccable power of her soul and her strength lies in love with her husband.
This book urges to reader, immense power to read this poignant journey and strength to hold their own heart.
📖
A year into their marriage, Minerva loses her husband to COVID-19, making her a widow at thirty-two and shattering her entire existence. The death triggers harrowing memories of past tragedies: the punishing death of her father, the unexpected deaths of her uncles soon after and her mother’s battles with mental illness―they all come together to haunt her, leaving her at a tragic crossroads. Who has she been all this while, and who is she now? Can she find it in herself to move on with her life? Should she?
Alone and lost in the world, all she is left with is her relentless, all-consuming grief.
Beginning with the tumultuous month when the virus seized her family and the subsequent struggle to save her husband, to going on a journey to unearth a long-buried part of herself that can, maybe, learn to live with all of it, Living Without Him is a deeply felt memoir about one woman’s search for meaning and purpose after tremendous loss and a heartfelt meditation on the unique shades of grieving and recovery.
📖
Author - Minerva Khajuria
The most powerful, shockingly intimate book I have read this year is Minerva Khajuria's profound personal reflection of her poignant journey of healing.
When I received this book I wasn't expecting this would be such a brilliant writing. How can someone convey their pain? But Minerva did, she penned down her agony, her darkest days are illustrated in pages with utterly beautiful writing.
It will make you forget words the way she painted colourless fear, endless loneliness and this introspective commentary will make you choke and difficult to read equally engrossed at the same time. You wouldn't want to put down the book, you wouldn't want to leave her alone inside the pages of this book and also you will find yourself numb and crushed.
This book is relevant to everyone who lost someone they truly loved, who lost their world.
To be honest, the way Minerva writes about each days, it shows impeccable power of her soul and her strength lies in love with her husband.
This book urges to reader, immense power to read this poignant journey and strength to hold their own heart.
📖
A year into their marriage, Minerva loses her husband to COVID-19, making her a widow at thirty-two and shattering her entire existence. The death triggers harrowing memories of past tragedies: the punishing death of her father, the unexpected deaths of her uncles soon after and her mother’s battles with mental illness―they all come together to haunt her, leaving her at a tragic crossroads. Who has she been all this while, and who is she now? Can she find it in herself to move on with her life? Should she?
Alone and lost in the world, all she is left with is her relentless, all-consuming grief.
Beginning with the tumultuous month when the virus seized her family and the subsequent struggle to save her husband, to going on a journey to unearth a long-buried part of herself that can, maybe, learn to live with all of it, Living Without Him is a deeply felt memoir about one woman’s search for meaning and purpose after tremendous loss and a heartfelt meditation on the unique shades of grieving and recovery.
📖
December 16, 2024
COVID altered many lives, but for those who lost loved ones, the impact was immeasurable. Minerva, author of Living Without Him, was building a life of love and hope with her husband when everything was shattered. His loss was not just of a partner, but of their shared future and the version of herself tied to him.
Some books don’t just tell a story—they reach into your soul and stir emotions you didn’t know existed. Living Without Him is one of those books—a raw memoir on grief, loss, and rediscovering oneself. The way she’s sharing her deepest pain and struggles directly, creating an immediate and powerful connection with us. Her recounting of the pandemic’s cruel intrusion, stealing her husband and shattering her life, is hauntingly vivid. You can feel her desperation, exhaustion, and the unbearable weight of helplessness in every word.
But this isn’t just a book about her husband’s death. It’s about the layers of grief that life sometimes piles on us. Minerva writes about her father’s untimely death, the loss of her uncles, and her mother’s mental health struggles with a tenderness that makes you ache for her. And yet, through all this pain, there’s a quiet strength in her words—a resilience that feels both fragile and powerful.
What struck me most was her honesty. Minerva doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, and that’s what makes her journey so relatable. She allows herself to feel every emotion—rage, sorrow, numbness—and in doing so, she gives us permission to feel their own grief without judgment. I loved her process of slow, often painful rediscovering life’s small joys. Her journey to uncover parts of herself that were buried under years of grief and caretaking was inspiring, not because it was easy or triumphant, but because it was real.
The author reminded me that grief is not something you “get over” but something you learn to live with. Minerva’s story is a testament to the fact that even in the darkest times, there is a sliver of light, and sometimes, that’s enough to keep going.
Some books don’t just tell a story—they reach into your soul and stir emotions you didn’t know existed. Living Without Him is one of those books—a raw memoir on grief, loss, and rediscovering oneself. The way she’s sharing her deepest pain and struggles directly, creating an immediate and powerful connection with us. Her recounting of the pandemic’s cruel intrusion, stealing her husband and shattering her life, is hauntingly vivid. You can feel her desperation, exhaustion, and the unbearable weight of helplessness in every word.
But this isn’t just a book about her husband’s death. It’s about the layers of grief that life sometimes piles on us. Minerva writes about her father’s untimely death, the loss of her uncles, and her mother’s mental health struggles with a tenderness that makes you ache for her. And yet, through all this pain, there’s a quiet strength in her words—a resilience that feels both fragile and powerful.
What struck me most was her honesty. Minerva doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, and that’s what makes her journey so relatable. She allows herself to feel every emotion—rage, sorrow, numbness—and in doing so, she gives us permission to feel their own grief without judgment. I loved her process of slow, often painful rediscovering life’s small joys. Her journey to uncover parts of herself that were buried under years of grief and caretaking was inspiring, not because it was easy or triumphant, but because it was real.
The author reminded me that grief is not something you “get over” but something you learn to live with. Minerva’s story is a testament to the fact that even in the darkest times, there is a sliver of light, and sometimes, that’s enough to keep going.
December 31, 2024
Living Without Him by Minerva khajuria is a Heart touching Memoir taking readers through the journey of Love, Loss, Grief and Self-discovery. Revolving around the life of the Author's personal journey of losing her husband in the deadly virus of COVID 19, This book transports us to her Courageous expedition of Finding her strength back again after a devastating grief ridden life incident. Minerva's resonating narration of her husband's death and the events that occurred after that incident were deeply moving and one would be able to feel her pain to the core.
The book is written with utter honesty and reflects the experiences of the author's emotional journey that not only sends shivers down your spine but urges you to contemplate about the extreme effects of the Death of a closed one that can leave you lifeless with no hope to live further. The thing that I absolutely loved about this book was its raw narration, The way the author has presented her life's complexities made the whole reading experience a lot more connectable. Be it, Her Childhood life spent in Jammu, living in a joint family, facing her father's death that left her broken, to moving to different cities for her studies and work and finally meeting the most precious person of his Life, Abhinav; who made her life completely special. Reading This book truly felt like living a person's life who has been defeated by the twists of fate multiple times but shone with full strength by the end.
Overall, Living without him is a beautiful book delving into the realms of Belongingness, Love, Loss, Pain, Hope and Self-discovery. The heart warming connection between the Author and her husband felt like a warm hug and kept me engrossed throughout the book. Minerva's love for her husband and father might never fade with time but her inspiring take to not let the grief overpower her life and coming up with a stronger version of herself by the end made me root for this woman and inspired me to keep the hope alive within always no matter how worse the situations may get. A must read for everyone!
The book is written with utter honesty and reflects the experiences of the author's emotional journey that not only sends shivers down your spine but urges you to contemplate about the extreme effects of the Death of a closed one that can leave you lifeless with no hope to live further. The thing that I absolutely loved about this book was its raw narration, The way the author has presented her life's complexities made the whole reading experience a lot more connectable. Be it, Her Childhood life spent in Jammu, living in a joint family, facing her father's death that left her broken, to moving to different cities for her studies and work and finally meeting the most precious person of his Life, Abhinav; who made her life completely special. Reading This book truly felt like living a person's life who has been defeated by the twists of fate multiple times but shone with full strength by the end.
Overall, Living without him is a beautiful book delving into the realms of Belongingness, Love, Loss, Pain, Hope and Self-discovery. The heart warming connection between the Author and her husband felt like a warm hug and kept me engrossed throughout the book. Minerva's love for her husband and father might never fade with time but her inspiring take to not let the grief overpower her life and coming up with a stronger version of herself by the end made me root for this woman and inspired me to keep the hope alive within always no matter how worse the situations may get. A must read for everyone!
March 2, 2025
“It’s strange how you never get accustomed to the idea of death, how it never ceases to shock you, how it somehow unlocks a new level of devastation every time it touches your life.”
Reading Living Without Him felt like facing the devastation of death and grief in its entirety. It’s a poignantly tragic memoir of the author who saw two important men in her life die in the span of seven years. While she was only recovering from the loss of her flawed but loving father, little did she know she was about to face yet another tragedy of losing her husband to Covid-19. This time, it felt unfair, distressing, exhausting, and awfully painful to keep living. With her mother permanently devastated and traumatized with her own past, she had noone to rely on but herself.
What is it about life that makes people so oblivious to death, so much so that it doesn’t feel personal (almost like a dream) until it’s your turn. It’s so easy to throw generalized and void statements like, “move on”, “time heals everything“, “surround yourself with friends and family”, “you’re young, you can start a new life”, and it goes on and on. Surprisingly, nobody knows how to respond to such things unless it happens to them. Nobody knows the depth of grief unless it’s their turn. “you’ve mourned enough; now move on” kind of statements are commonly heard but does anyone wonder, grief has no full stop. It just becomes less and less visible but always carries a place in your heart.
Minerva’s prose is powerful, screams her misery with a writing so vivid, so painful, and yet, so articulate. Each word, each sentence, each chapter forces you to close the book, shed tears, throw yourself on the bed and cry until you’re exhausted, yet you cannot stop coming back to it, to know what happens next, how, and why.
It comes with its fair share of triggers - death, mental health, trauma, abuse, grief, loss, and hopelessness of life.
If you’re going through a rough phase, this might not be the ‘perfect’ pick but it might help you grasp hope when life feels unfair and worthless.
Reading Living Without Him felt like facing the devastation of death and grief in its entirety. It’s a poignantly tragic memoir of the author who saw two important men in her life die in the span of seven years. While she was only recovering from the loss of her flawed but loving father, little did she know she was about to face yet another tragedy of losing her husband to Covid-19. This time, it felt unfair, distressing, exhausting, and awfully painful to keep living. With her mother permanently devastated and traumatized with her own past, she had noone to rely on but herself.
What is it about life that makes people so oblivious to death, so much so that it doesn’t feel personal (almost like a dream) until it’s your turn. It’s so easy to throw generalized and void statements like, “move on”, “time heals everything“, “surround yourself with friends and family”, “you’re young, you can start a new life”, and it goes on and on. Surprisingly, nobody knows how to respond to such things unless it happens to them. Nobody knows the depth of grief unless it’s their turn. “you’ve mourned enough; now move on” kind of statements are commonly heard but does anyone wonder, grief has no full stop. It just becomes less and less visible but always carries a place in your heart.
Minerva’s prose is powerful, screams her misery with a writing so vivid, so painful, and yet, so articulate. Each word, each sentence, each chapter forces you to close the book, shed tears, throw yourself on the bed and cry until you’re exhausted, yet you cannot stop coming back to it, to know what happens next, how, and why.
It comes with its fair share of triggers - death, mental health, trauma, abuse, grief, loss, and hopelessness of life.
If you’re going through a rough phase, this might not be the ‘perfect’ pick but it might help you grasp hope when life feels unfair and worthless.
December 18, 2024
Imagine you found your Perfect, Not so Perfect but YOUR ONLY partner, you thought - yes life is going to be better, together we will win the world, visit the favourite places and live life, King Size. But, destiny had something else written. This is the real story of Minerva.
When I first heard about this book, I could not really believe myself. COVID times had been very difficult for almost all of us and hence, I feel this real life story should reach the maximum people it can.
"Living Without Him" By Minerva Khajuria is a book filled with grief, love and the difficult journey towards rediscovering oneself after profound loss. Love in times like today, is a rare find and sadly people who actually found it have lost it too early.
This is a memoir written with raw emotion, written in the wake of her husband's demise during COVID-19 pandemic.
I will be honest, I knew what the book is about as per the title and book blurb but how many times did I closed the pages and too a deep breathe just to grasp the content of book.
Author has written her heart out, if you are someone who lost a loved one during this period, this book is for you- to give you strength. Minerva has not sugar coated her pain but narrated it with sincere emotions and relatable for anyone who has experienced pain. The honest portrayal of her helplessness, anger, numbness and sorrow can be reflected in the pages.
Beyond her husband's death, author also experienced the pain of losing her father, uncles and which only got compounded by her mother's struggles with mental health. As I kept reading, I understood, the book is not just about the loss but also rediscovering passions, and learning to live with grief.
At its heart, Living Without Him is a tribute—not only to the author’s late husband but also to the enduring power of love. It underscores that grief isn’t a process one “finishes” but a companion one learns to live with.
When I first heard about this book, I could not really believe myself. COVID times had been very difficult for almost all of us and hence, I feel this real life story should reach the maximum people it can.
"Living Without Him" By Minerva Khajuria is a book filled with grief, love and the difficult journey towards rediscovering oneself after profound loss. Love in times like today, is a rare find and sadly people who actually found it have lost it too early.
This is a memoir written with raw emotion, written in the wake of her husband's demise during COVID-19 pandemic.
I will be honest, I knew what the book is about as per the title and book blurb but how many times did I closed the pages and too a deep breathe just to grasp the content of book.
Author has written her heart out, if you are someone who lost a loved one during this period, this book is for you- to give you strength. Minerva has not sugar coated her pain but narrated it with sincere emotions and relatable for anyone who has experienced pain. The honest portrayal of her helplessness, anger, numbness and sorrow can be reflected in the pages.
Beyond her husband's death, author also experienced the pain of losing her father, uncles and which only got compounded by her mother's struggles with mental health. As I kept reading, I understood, the book is not just about the loss but also rediscovering passions, and learning to live with grief.
At its heart, Living Without Him is a tribute—not only to the author’s late husband but also to the enduring power of love. It underscores that grief isn’t a process one “finishes” but a companion one learns to live with.
January 2, 2025
Minerva Khajuria’s Living Without Him is a deeply moving memoir that lays bare the raw and unfiltered emotions of losing her husband, Abhinav, to COVID-19 just a year into their marriage. It is a story of profound grief, resilience, and the strength to rebuild a shattered life.
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From the first page, Minerva’s lucid and personal language draws you into her world, making you feel as if you are sitting beside her, sharing her pain. Her vivid descriptions of hospital scenes struck a particularly personal chord with me. The moments of uncertainty, helplessness, and desperate hope are hauntingly familiar, a reminder of the shared tragedies of the pandemic. I too have lost my father to cancer that spread to the lungs and then a few close ones to COVID.
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The progression of events is depicted with heartbreaking clarity. Minerva balances the weight of her loss with glimpses of the life she and Abhinav built together—a love story that radiates warmth and soulfulness. She does not shy away from exploring the complexities of grief, weaving her past losses and her husband’s death into a tapestry of sorrow that feels universal yet uniquely her own.
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Despite its heavy themes, this book is ultimately about hope. Minerva’s journey to rediscover herself and her purpose is inspiring, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her reflections on financial independence, love, and the quiet strength of women are both empowering and poignant. She stands as an inspiration to me. The questions she asked, her trying to come to normal and realisations are resonating.
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The cover perfectly mirrors the essence of the book, encapsulating its themes of heartbreak, introspection, and hope. For anyone who has experienced loss or seeks to understand the depths of grief, Living Without Him is a must-read. It will break you, heal you, and remind you of the power of perseverance, hope and that life has to go on!
.
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From the first page, Minerva’s lucid and personal language draws you into her world, making you feel as if you are sitting beside her, sharing her pain. Her vivid descriptions of hospital scenes struck a particularly personal chord with me. The moments of uncertainty, helplessness, and desperate hope are hauntingly familiar, a reminder of the shared tragedies of the pandemic. I too have lost my father to cancer that spread to the lungs and then a few close ones to COVID.
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The progression of events is depicted with heartbreaking clarity. Minerva balances the weight of her loss with glimpses of the life she and Abhinav built together—a love story that radiates warmth and soulfulness. She does not shy away from exploring the complexities of grief, weaving her past losses and her husband’s death into a tapestry of sorrow that feels universal yet uniquely her own.
.
Despite its heavy themes, this book is ultimately about hope. Minerva’s journey to rediscover herself and her purpose is inspiring, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her reflections on financial independence, love, and the quiet strength of women are both empowering and poignant. She stands as an inspiration to me. The questions she asked, her trying to come to normal and realisations are resonating.
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The cover perfectly mirrors the essence of the book, encapsulating its themes of heartbreak, introspection, and hope. For anyone who has experienced loss or seeks to understand the depths of grief, Living Without Him is a must-read. It will break you, heal you, and remind you of the power of perseverance, hope and that life has to go on!
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March 9, 2025
'Living Without Him : A Journey Of Love, Loss And Hope' by Minerva Khajuria is a raw, deeply personal memoir that delves into the complexities of grief, love, and resilience. At just 32, Minerva faces an unimaginable tragedy - the loss of her husband to COVID - 19. As she navigates this sudden and devasting loss, she is also forced to confront the echoes of past traumas, including the early loss of her father and the mental health struggles of her mother.
The memoir is both a heartbreaking account of personal suffering and a deeply reflective exploration of what it means to survive and heal.
What makes "Living Without Him" particularly powerful is it's honesty. Khajuria does not attempt to sugercoat grief or present a neat, linear journey towards healing. Instead, she immerses the reader in the chaos of loss - the unanswered questions, the weight of memories, and the loneliness that follows. Her writing is poignant and evocative, capturing the overwhelming nature of grief while also offering moments of quiet strength and resilience.
The memoir stands out for it's intimate portrayal of widowhood, a subject often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream narratives. Through minerva's eyes, we see the silent struggles of losing a spouse so young - the identity crises, the societal expectations, and the slow, painful process of rediscovering oneself after being defined by a shared life.
Yet, amidst the sorrow, "Living Without Him" is also a testament to hope. Khajuria does not offer easy answers, but she does offer a path forward - one marked by self-discovery, acceptance, and the courage to keep living even when the weight of loss seems unbearable.
This book is a must-read for anyone who has experienced profound grief or wishes to understand the depths of loss and resilience. It is not just a memoir; it is a meditation on love, memory, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Must read♥️♥️
The memoir is both a heartbreaking account of personal suffering and a deeply reflective exploration of what it means to survive and heal.
What makes "Living Without Him" particularly powerful is it's honesty. Khajuria does not attempt to sugercoat grief or present a neat, linear journey towards healing. Instead, she immerses the reader in the chaos of loss - the unanswered questions, the weight of memories, and the loneliness that follows. Her writing is poignant and evocative, capturing the overwhelming nature of grief while also offering moments of quiet strength and resilience.
The memoir stands out for it's intimate portrayal of widowhood, a subject often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream narratives. Through minerva's eyes, we see the silent struggles of losing a spouse so young - the identity crises, the societal expectations, and the slow, painful process of rediscovering oneself after being defined by a shared life.
Yet, amidst the sorrow, "Living Without Him" is also a testament to hope. Khajuria does not offer easy answers, but she does offer a path forward - one marked by self-discovery, acceptance, and the courage to keep living even when the weight of loss seems unbearable.
This book is a must-read for anyone who has experienced profound grief or wishes to understand the depths of loss and resilience. It is not just a memoir; it is a meditation on love, memory, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Must read♥️♥️
March 2, 2025
“There were signs everywhere, as my life was crumbling in the face of irony, but I was determined to look the other way and coerce myself into fantasizing about a reality that was never going to be.”
It’s very hard to review a memoir, because it is so much more personal to the author than a fictitious story. It takes a lot of courage to publish a story about an important part of your life.
This is, without a doubt, my best book so far of 2025 and it’s going to take some beating (not that it’s a competition). I was immediately intrigued first and foremost by the title because I love a memoir but do also often mull the boundaries inherent in writing such a piece.
Living Without Him is a journey through grief, loss, and a quest for recovery. Minerva, a newly married woman, loses her husband, Abhinav two years of marriage. This was the ominous time of COVID-19 when health complications were on the rise and the value of life was determined by a divine toss. In these circumstances, Abhinav was suffering from the virus that eventually affected his lungs. When the situation aggravated, Abhinav was put into ventilation. Minerva had put up a great fight but all came to an end when Abhinav gave up.
This beautifully illustrated book is a story portraying sadness and grief. It is written carefully and honestly by an author who took her own suffering and used it to support others to understand that sadness is real and we do not need to hide it. This tale is about loss and is told in a way that illustrates raw pain and beautiful memories of the person who passed away. The message in the book is about being sad because something unbearable happened to cause sadness and it is okay to be vulnerable and show the sadness. I believe this is such an important message. Everyone, young and old, must allow themselves time and space to express their feelings.
December 19, 2024
Love and grief are two sides of the same coin—where one brings light and joy, the other can leave us shattered and in darkness. This memoir is a raw and heart-wrenching portrayal of both.
In Living Without Him, Minerva Khajuria takes us through the most devastating chapter of her life—losing her husband, Abhinav, to COVID-19 just a year into their marriage. It’s a story not just of loss but of reliving old wounds from her past, facing her deepest fears, and finding herself at a crossroads where love, pain, and hope collide. Her bond with Abhinav is beautifully captured—a perfect example of opposites attracting, two halves completing each other, only to be cruelly torn apart by fate.
This memoir consumed me. It’s deeply moving and heartbreaking, and I found myself crying more than once as Minerva’s words pulled me into her world. The writing is vulnerable and intimate, giving a detailed glimpse into her outward struggles and inner turmoil. I felt like I was walking beside her, witnessing her grief and the painful process of picking up the shattered pieces of her life.
Life is unfair, and Minerva’s story reminds us of this brutal truth. After enduring tragedy in her childhood, one would think life might spare her, but fate had other plans. Yet, this book isn’t about inspiration—it’s about reflection. You’ll see your own grief mirrored in her words, and perhaps, like me, you’ll pause and feel the weight of your own heartbreak.
I finished this in just 2–3 days despite its heavy themes, unable to put it down. It’s a must-read for anyone who has loved, lost, or tried to rebuild their life after unimaginable pain. This book broke my heart but also reminded me of the courage it takes to keep moving forward. I loved every bit of it.
4.5 ⭐️
In Living Without Him, Minerva Khajuria takes us through the most devastating chapter of her life—losing her husband, Abhinav, to COVID-19 just a year into their marriage. It’s a story not just of loss but of reliving old wounds from her past, facing her deepest fears, and finding herself at a crossroads where love, pain, and hope collide. Her bond with Abhinav is beautifully captured—a perfect example of opposites attracting, two halves completing each other, only to be cruelly torn apart by fate.
This memoir consumed me. It’s deeply moving and heartbreaking, and I found myself crying more than once as Minerva’s words pulled me into her world. The writing is vulnerable and intimate, giving a detailed glimpse into her outward struggles and inner turmoil. I felt like I was walking beside her, witnessing her grief and the painful process of picking up the shattered pieces of her life.
Life is unfair, and Minerva’s story reminds us of this brutal truth. After enduring tragedy in her childhood, one would think life might spare her, but fate had other plans. Yet, this book isn’t about inspiration—it’s about reflection. You’ll see your own grief mirrored in her words, and perhaps, like me, you’ll pause and feel the weight of your own heartbreak.
I finished this in just 2–3 days despite its heavy themes, unable to put it down. It’s a must-read for anyone who has loved, lost, or tried to rebuild their life after unimaginable pain. This book broke my heart but also reminded me of the courage it takes to keep moving forward. I loved every bit of it.
4.5 ⭐️
January 25, 2025
How do you even begin to describe a book that tears your heart apart and still manages to put it back together, piece by piece? Living Without Him by Minerva Khajuria is exactly that—a raw, gut-wrenching memoir about love, unimaginable loss, and the fight to rediscover life when everything you once knew is gone.
Minerva shares an intimate and heartfelt account of her journey through grief, narrating the sudden loss of her husband, Abhinav, to COVID-19 just a year after they were married. It’s not just about his death—it’s about the tidal wave of grief that followed, pulling her back into memories of earlier losses, like her father’s death, and forcing her to confront pain that most of us would rather bury. Reading this was hard, but wow, was it worth every tear.
What sets this book apart is its honesty. Minerva does not sugarcoat anything. She lets you feel the weight of her grief, the crushing loneliness, and the way well-meaning words from others often miss the mark. It’s raw and unfiltered, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
But this isn’t just a story about loss. It’s also a story about strength. Slowly but surely, Minerva finds her way forward. She doesn’t pretend it’s easy, but her journey shows how resilience can come from the most broken places.
If you’ve ever experienced loss, or even if you haven’t, this book will touch your soul. It’s not just a memoir; it’s an experience, one that will leave you thinking about life, love, and the incredible strength we all have buried within us.
And lastly, thank you, Minerva, for taking us into your world. Sharing something so deeply personal with the world mustn’t have been easy, but once again, it reflects the strength and grace with which you carry yourself, no matter what life throws at you. 🤎✨
January 27, 2025
Everyone faces grief at some point in their lives. At some time or another, we all lose someone close to us—whether it’s a parent, family member, friend, spouse, or anyone we never expected to lose so suddenly. Reading Living Without Him brought back fresh memories of my mother. The raw emotion and honesty in the book brought to the surface memories that I had buried deep in my heart and mind. I could vividly recall my mother taking her last breath as I whispered to her that I would be okay, while also reflecting on the pain the author herself went through when she lost both her husband and father. I have always been drawn to reading real stories from around the world, but reading about grief and coming to terms with it was particularly difficult, as it unearthed my own sadness and grief that I had long suppressed.
One thing I especially admire about the author in this book is her writing and narrative style. For someone writing her first book, this is truly an accomplishment. There’s one paragraph about love that deeply moved me. It beautifully captures the pure love the author had for her husband:
“It wasn’t the kind of love you typically see in the movies, yet it truly swept me off my feet. It wasn’t the kind of love that made your heart race, but rather one that slowed your heartbeat to a steady rhythm you wished would never end. It was the kind of love that, on the surface, might seem ordinary and mundane, but when you looked closely, it was breathtakingly exhilarating. It was a love I didn’t even know existed, but from the moment I found it, I knew it was everything I had ever wanted.”
It took me some time to finish this book, but when I did, I knew in my heart that despite how challenging it was, I loved reading it.
One thing I especially admire about the author in this book is her writing and narrative style. For someone writing her first book, this is truly an accomplishment. There’s one paragraph about love that deeply moved me. It beautifully captures the pure love the author had for her husband:
“It wasn’t the kind of love you typically see in the movies, yet it truly swept me off my feet. It wasn’t the kind of love that made your heart race, but rather one that slowed your heartbeat to a steady rhythm you wished would never end. It was the kind of love that, on the surface, might seem ordinary and mundane, but when you looked closely, it was breathtakingly exhilarating. It was a love I didn’t even know existed, but from the moment I found it, I knew it was everything I had ever wanted.”
It took me some time to finish this book, but when I did, I knew in my heart that despite how challenging it was, I loved reading it.
January 1, 2025
I am closing the year 2024 with this book and this was full of raw and emotional recordings done by the author, herself, about the days she has spent before and after the major loss of her life during the pandemic.
The author is a commoner like us and all the emotions and expressions she has penned down in this book are the one I had felt too.
I had faced all the difference she has pointed out between a person living and losing him when I lost my father, swipe the annotations to know the same as I am still amazed how beautifully she has written down all her melancholic events bit by bit that a reader can easily understand the depth of her pain and sufferings. I was a teenager when I had lost my father yet the emotions are exactly same and when I came across Minerva 's book, I instantly felt a connection with the loss as I had seen my mother going through different phases after my father had passed away.
Losing spouse is one the biggest and unbearable loss, only the people who have suffered can understand the scenario mentioned in the book, I could correlate with the words Minerva has written down in the book as I was growing up, when I entered the womanhood I could understand the mental strength that a woman needs to have after her biggest loss.
I knew I would cry reading this and from page one your words were so true and mesmerizing that it took me back to my own lane of memories.
I am so proud of you 🫂💗 and lots of love and strength to you dear for the upcoming future.
This was definitely the best way to preserve your affection for Abhinav for ever and ever ✨
Thank you Minerva for letting us know Abhinav and your story.
The author is a commoner like us and all the emotions and expressions she has penned down in this book are the one I had felt too.
I had faced all the difference she has pointed out between a person living and losing him when I lost my father, swipe the annotations to know the same as I am still amazed how beautifully she has written down all her melancholic events bit by bit that a reader can easily understand the depth of her pain and sufferings. I was a teenager when I had lost my father yet the emotions are exactly same and when I came across Minerva 's book, I instantly felt a connection with the loss as I had seen my mother going through different phases after my father had passed away.
Losing spouse is one the biggest and unbearable loss, only the people who have suffered can understand the scenario mentioned in the book, I could correlate with the words Minerva has written down in the book as I was growing up, when I entered the womanhood I could understand the mental strength that a woman needs to have after her biggest loss.
I knew I would cry reading this and from page one your words were so true and mesmerizing that it took me back to my own lane of memories.
I am so proud of you 🫂💗 and lots of love and strength to you dear for the upcoming future.
This was definitely the best way to preserve your affection for Abhinav for ever and ever ✨
Thank you Minerva for letting us know Abhinav and your story.
March 2, 2025
Living Without Him by Minerva resonates deeply with anyone who has faced the painful aftermath of losing someone important in their life.What stands out most in this novel is the personal journey of the protagonist, whose grief feels raw and real, almost as if you were walking alongside her through every heartache.
The author’s writing draws you in with its vulnerability, making you reflect on your own experiences with love and loss.Minerva doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of grief there’s no rush to fix things and instead, the story unfolds at a pace that allows the protagonist to heal and rediscover herself. What I appreciated most was the authenticity of the emotional progression, where pain isn’t easily swept away, and healing doesn’t come in perfect, neat packages.
The narrative doesn’t just dwell on sorrow it also highlights moments of quiet strength and the small victories that emerge when you least expect them. This mixture of heartache and hope left a lasting impression, offering a gentle reminder that while losing someone can feel like losing a part of yourself, there’s always the possibility of rediscovery and growth. This story, in its simplest form, is about finding your way again after losing someone and ultimately after losing yourself.The way the book explores grief, healing, and self discovery is so raw and real. You feel every emotion the protagonist goes through loss, heartbreak, and eventually, the slow process of rebuilding. It's not just about surviving without someone it's about rediscovering who you are in the process.
This book is wow, what a beautiful yet heart-wrenching journey.
The author’s writing draws you in with its vulnerability, making you reflect on your own experiences with love and loss.Minerva doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of grief there’s no rush to fix things and instead, the story unfolds at a pace that allows the protagonist to heal and rediscover herself. What I appreciated most was the authenticity of the emotional progression, where pain isn’t easily swept away, and healing doesn’t come in perfect, neat packages.
The narrative doesn’t just dwell on sorrow it also highlights moments of quiet strength and the small victories that emerge when you least expect them. This mixture of heartache and hope left a lasting impression, offering a gentle reminder that while losing someone can feel like losing a part of yourself, there’s always the possibility of rediscovery and growth. This story, in its simplest form, is about finding your way again after losing someone and ultimately after losing yourself.The way the book explores grief, healing, and self discovery is so raw and real. You feel every emotion the protagonist goes through loss, heartbreak, and eventually, the slow process of rebuilding. It's not just about surviving without someone it's about rediscovering who you are in the process.
This book is wow, what a beautiful yet heart-wrenching journey.
March 3, 2025
Living Without Him by Minerva Khajuria is an incredibly personal and emotionally charged memoir that hits close to home for anyone who lived through the COVID-19 pandemic. The grief and loss Khajuria experiences, losing her husband to the virus just a year into their marriage, feels so relatable because of the shared collective trauma we all endured during that time.
For many of us, the pandemic was a period of uncertainty, loss, and heartbreak—whether through the death of loved ones, the emotional toll of isolation, or the overwhelming sense of helplessness. Khajuria’s story taps into these universal feelings, making her pain and struggle something we can all understand, even if our own experiences were different.
What makes Living Without Him even more powerful is how Khajuria intertwines her grief with the echoes of past losses: her father's death, the passing of her uncles, and her mother's battles with mental illness. These moments resonate deeply, especially in a time when so many people were grappling with loss on various levels. The emotional rawness of her journey, finding meaning and purpose after such profound grief, is something that speaks to the resilience many of us discovered within ourselves during the pandemic.
This memoir isn't just about one woman’s struggle; it’s a reflection of the shared experience of loss, healing, and trying to move forward in a world forever changed by the pandemic. It's a reminder that while grief can be all-consuming, the process of healing and finding yourself again is a personal but universal journey we can all relate to.
For many of us, the pandemic was a period of uncertainty, loss, and heartbreak—whether through the death of loved ones, the emotional toll of isolation, or the overwhelming sense of helplessness. Khajuria’s story taps into these universal feelings, making her pain and struggle something we can all understand, even if our own experiences were different.
What makes Living Without Him even more powerful is how Khajuria intertwines her grief with the echoes of past losses: her father's death, the passing of her uncles, and her mother's battles with mental illness. These moments resonate deeply, especially in a time when so many people were grappling with loss on various levels. The emotional rawness of her journey, finding meaning and purpose after such profound grief, is something that speaks to the resilience many of us discovered within ourselves during the pandemic.
This memoir isn't just about one woman’s struggle; it’s a reflection of the shared experience of loss, healing, and trying to move forward in a world forever changed by the pandemic. It's a reminder that while grief can be all-consuming, the process of healing and finding yourself again is a personal but universal journey we can all relate to.
December 22, 2024
Some books touch your heart, but Living Without Him by Minerva Khajuria pierced mine.
Living Without Him by Minerva Khajuria is a beautifully written memoir that delves into the depths of grief, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Author raw and unfiltered narrative takes readers on an emotional journey through the loss of her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The book begins with the devastating loss of her husband, a tragedy that unraveled Minerva’s world in unimaginable ways. Every word she writes is a cry from the soul—a cry for love lost, a life shattered, and the sheer struggle to keep going when everything feels broken.
With each new chapter, I felt like I was standing in Minerva’s shoes, grappling with the same suffocating grief, anger, and heartbreak. Her words have a way of making you feel her journey—not just the pain, but the haunting memories of her past, the love she shared with her husband, and the bittersweet ache of remembering what’s gone.
What made this book truly extraordinary was Minerva’s ability to make me feel the complexity of her emotions as if they were my own. Minerva doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She questions life’s randomness, the unfairness of it all, and yet she finds small moments of strength to keep moving forward.
Living Without Him is not just a memoir - It’s a story about survival, about finding shards of meaning amidst the chaos. If you read this book, You’ll cry for Minerva, for yourself, and for all the invisible battles people carry.
Living Without Him by Minerva Khajuria is a beautifully written memoir that delves into the depths of grief, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Author raw and unfiltered narrative takes readers on an emotional journey through the loss of her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The book begins with the devastating loss of her husband, a tragedy that unraveled Minerva’s world in unimaginable ways. Every word she writes is a cry from the soul—a cry for love lost, a life shattered, and the sheer struggle to keep going when everything feels broken.
With each new chapter, I felt like I was standing in Minerva’s shoes, grappling with the same suffocating grief, anger, and heartbreak. Her words have a way of making you feel her journey—not just the pain, but the haunting memories of her past, the love she shared with her husband, and the bittersweet ache of remembering what’s gone.
What made this book truly extraordinary was Minerva’s ability to make me feel the complexity of her emotions as if they were my own. Minerva doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She questions life’s randomness, the unfairness of it all, and yet she finds small moments of strength to keep moving forward.
Living Without Him is not just a memoir - It’s a story about survival, about finding shards of meaning amidst the chaos. If you read this book, You’ll cry for Minerva, for yourself, and for all the invisible battles people carry.
March 17, 2025
Some books don't just tell a story; they seep into your bones, leaving you raw and reflective. Living Without Him is one such book. It’s not just a memoir—it’s a reckoning with grief, identity, and the unbearable weight of loss. Reading it felt like being pulled into Minerva’s world, where love is as profound as loss, and survival is as complicated as remembering.
At its core, this book is an exploration of what it means to continue when everything that defined your life has been taken from you. Minerva’s grief is not a quiet, poetic sorrow—it is raging, messy, and relentless. She doesn’t sugarcoat pain or offer easy resolutions. Instead, she takes you through the suffocating days of watching a loved one slip away, the loneliness that follows, and the haunting realization that grief is never just about one loss—it’s about every loss you’ve ever had to endure.
What struck me the most was the honesty. There is no attempt to wrap suffering in a neat, palatable package. Instead, Minerva confronts it head-on, allowing the reader to sit with the discomfort, the questions, and the uncertainty. The way she writes about grief—as something that doesn’t just leave scars but reshapes you entirely—resonated deeply.
This book reminded me that mourning is not just about missing someone; it's about redefining yourself in their absence. It asks difficult questions: Who am I without the people who made me? How do I move forward without betraying the past? And perhaps most painfully, do I even want to?
January 2, 2025
COVID-19 is the name that gives us shivers, the name that reminds us of our loved one which we have lost, a name that gives us goosebumps every time we think about it. COVID-19 has taken so many lives that even today every time we hear of it, we still feel the pain. Running around for hospital beds and oxygen cylinders is still in our memory as fresh as it could be.
'Living Without Him' by Minerva Khajuria is a heart-wrenching story of Minerva and Abhinav. A newly wedded couple who faced this drastic phase of pandemic. The pain Minerva has expressed in the story is agonizing and you will be crying uncontrollably throughout the reading journey. Her struggle, her helplessness, and her dilemma cannot be explained in words. She not only lost the love of her life but also her father and her uncle. She has seen her mother battling with mental illness. With all this, she stood strong to face the deadly virus. Her journey is an example of hardship and determination. Her journey toward healing internally, and moving ahead in life is also worth praising.
Yes, Abhinav is an important part of her life, but her journey toward survival and acceptance is what taught me a great lesson in life.
I am extremely touched and happy to receive this book. Thank you, Minerva, for making me a part of this amazing reading journey.
Highly recommended 👍🏻👍🏻
'Living Without Him' by Minerva Khajuria is a heart-wrenching story of Minerva and Abhinav. A newly wedded couple who faced this drastic phase of pandemic. The pain Minerva has expressed in the story is agonizing and you will be crying uncontrollably throughout the reading journey. Her struggle, her helplessness, and her dilemma cannot be explained in words. She not only lost the love of her life but also her father and her uncle. She has seen her mother battling with mental illness. With all this, she stood strong to face the deadly virus. Her journey is an example of hardship and determination. Her journey toward healing internally, and moving ahead in life is also worth praising.
Yes, Abhinav is an important part of her life, but her journey toward survival and acceptance is what taught me a great lesson in life.
I am extremely touched and happy to receive this book. Thank you, Minerva, for making me a part of this amazing reading journey.
Highly recommended 👍🏻👍🏻
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