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Grief... A Comedy
A joyful, moving, compulsively readable story about true love, loss and the unexpected surprises that life (and the afterlife) can throw our way.
Grief... A Comedy is the follow up to Larkin’s hit solo show, that critics called “Outstandingly uplifting.” SCOTTISH FIELD
“Leaves you believing joy really can be found after loss.” DAILY MAIL
“A story that could truly change your life.” ENTERTAINMENT NOW
"A gorgeous love story!" FEST MAGAZINE
"Warm, funny, and life-enhancing." TREVOR DOLBY, AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER
___________________________________________________________________________
After marriage, divorce and raising two children, Alison, now in her 50's, was 'kind of' at peace with the idea that love was something that had passed her by.
Then, unexpectedly, she found true love with Bhima, also in his 50's, who had also moved to America thirty years earlier. It was a heady romance. A binding of souls.
Five days after they decided to marry, Bhima suddenly died. Then something even more unexpected happened. Instead of wanting to hide under the bed and never come out, Alison found herself wanting to live - and love - more fully than ever.
This story begins six weeks after Bhima died, when he showed up at Alison's kitchen table determined to help her find love again.
It's imaginary of course. Or is it?
As Alison “people told me that when someone you love deeply dies, you can sense them with you at first. But after a while the connection goes away and they don’t feel nearby anymore. Not so in our case, it seems.”
Alison's friend Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote to Alison saying "your story needs the widest circulation possible because it will bring hope to people who might otherwise condemn themselves to despair. You must do whatever you have to do to make sure this story is told to as many people as possible. And not just in an email to me!”
So, Alison created a solo comedy show, Grief... A Comedy, with music by Emmy award winner Gary Schreiner, and wrote the funny, life-enhancing, completely uplifting story you are about to read.
"I loved the play. Now comes this wise, magical, mysterious, hilarious book that tells us what happened next. It’s a novel! It’s a memoir! It’s Alison Larkin, so who cares!" PHILIP GOLDBERG
"Real, butterflies-in-stomach romance, knock-out funny, poignant & provocative." PHILIP THURSTON
"Groundbreaking. A private audience into how true love survives way beyond death.” LUCY SHUTTLEWORTH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alison Larkin is the bestselling author of The English American, an autobiographical novel about an adopted English woman who finds her birth parents in the USA. She is also an award-winning comedian, producer, the narrator of over 250 audiobooks and founder of Alison Larkin Presents.
As a comedian she headlined at The Comedy Store in LA and spent three years under Hollywood development contract with CBS, Jim Henson Productions and ABC to star in her own sitcom. As an actress she appeared on and off Broadway.
Grief... A Comedy is the follow up to Larkin’s hit solo show, that critics called “Outstandingly uplifting.” SCOTTISH FIELD
“Leaves you believing joy really can be found after loss.” DAILY MAIL
“A story that could truly change your life.” ENTERTAINMENT NOW
"A gorgeous love story!" FEST MAGAZINE
"Warm, funny, and life-enhancing." TREVOR DOLBY, AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER
___________________________________________________________________________
After marriage, divorce and raising two children, Alison, now in her 50's, was 'kind of' at peace with the idea that love was something that had passed her by.
Then, unexpectedly, she found true love with Bhima, also in his 50's, who had also moved to America thirty years earlier. It was a heady romance. A binding of souls.
Five days after they decided to marry, Bhima suddenly died. Then something even more unexpected happened. Instead of wanting to hide under the bed and never come out, Alison found herself wanting to live - and love - more fully than ever.
This story begins six weeks after Bhima died, when he showed up at Alison's kitchen table determined to help her find love again.
It's imaginary of course. Or is it?
As Alison “people told me that when someone you love deeply dies, you can sense them with you at first. But after a while the connection goes away and they don’t feel nearby anymore. Not so in our case, it seems.”
Alison's friend Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote to Alison saying "your story needs the widest circulation possible because it will bring hope to people who might otherwise condemn themselves to despair. You must do whatever you have to do to make sure this story is told to as many people as possible. And not just in an email to me!”
So, Alison created a solo comedy show, Grief... A Comedy, with music by Emmy award winner Gary Schreiner, and wrote the funny, life-enhancing, completely uplifting story you are about to read.
"I loved the play. Now comes this wise, magical, mysterious, hilarious book that tells us what happened next. It’s a novel! It’s a memoir! It’s Alison Larkin, so who cares!" PHILIP GOLDBERG
"Real, butterflies-in-stomach romance, knock-out funny, poignant & provocative." PHILIP THURSTON
"Groundbreaking. A private audience into how true love survives way beyond death.” LUCY SHUTTLEWORTH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alison Larkin is the bestselling author of The English American, an autobiographical novel about an adopted English woman who finds her birth parents in the USA. She is also an award-winning comedian, producer, the narrator of over 250 audiobooks and founder of Alison Larkin Presents.
As a comedian she headlined at The Comedy Store in LA and spent three years under Hollywood development contract with CBS, Jim Henson Productions and ABC to star in her own sitcom. As an actress she appeared on and off Broadway.
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Published June 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 30, 2025
First book to make my cry in 2025.
Alison tells the story with such love and humor, I feel like I knew and loved Bhima myself. More impressively, however, was how in the face of his death she was able to not only maintain that voice but amplify it. This book was funny and sad and, although cliche, makes you really take stock of your life and generate a sense of gratitude. Alison and Bhima have a beautiful love story that I will not soon forget
Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this lovely book
Alison tells the story with such love and humor, I feel like I knew and loved Bhima myself. More impressively, however, was how in the face of his death she was able to not only maintain that voice but amplify it. This book was funny and sad and, although cliche, makes you really take stock of your life and generate a sense of gratitude. Alison and Bhima have a beautiful love story that I will not soon forget
Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this lovely book
June 5, 2025
How do you write about grief without getting swallowed by it? Grief… A Comedy pulls off the nearly impossible: it finds real, warm, laugh-out-loud light in the shadow of profound loss.
Alison’s story is both intimate and universal. In the wake of a life-changing love and a devastating loss, she begins to experience moments that blur the line between memory, imagination, and something more. What follows is a deeply human, often hilarious exploration of how we continue to live, love, and even laugh when the unthinkable happens.
This book stands out not just because it’s about grief, but because it dares to treat grief as a living, evolving, and sometimes absurd companion. There’s an existential undertone—the kind that wonders what any of this means, and how we go on—but it’s delivered with such sharp wit and compassion that you never feel lost in the heaviness.
Instead, you feel seen.
What makes Grief… A Comedy truly special is its voice: brave, funny, vulnerable, and emotionally honest in a way that’s both disarming and healing. Whether it’s an unexpected conversation or a too-real moment of navigating life post-loss, the book reminds us that to grieve is to have loved—and that love doesn’t end. It simply changes shape.
If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost suddenly, or questioned the rules of what’s “real,” this story will stay with you. It’s not just a book—it’s a permission slip to keep going, messily and meaningfully.
Thank you Netgalley and Alision! #AlisonLarkinPresents #NetGalley
Alison’s story is both intimate and universal. In the wake of a life-changing love and a devastating loss, she begins to experience moments that blur the line between memory, imagination, and something more. What follows is a deeply human, often hilarious exploration of how we continue to live, love, and even laugh when the unthinkable happens.
This book stands out not just because it’s about grief, but because it dares to treat grief as a living, evolving, and sometimes absurd companion. There’s an existential undertone—the kind that wonders what any of this means, and how we go on—but it’s delivered with such sharp wit and compassion that you never feel lost in the heaviness.
Instead, you feel seen.
What makes Grief… A Comedy truly special is its voice: brave, funny, vulnerable, and emotionally honest in a way that’s both disarming and healing. Whether it’s an unexpected conversation or a too-real moment of navigating life post-loss, the book reminds us that to grieve is to have loved—and that love doesn’t end. It simply changes shape.
If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost suddenly, or questioned the rules of what’s “real,” this story will stay with you. It’s not just a book—it’s a permission slip to keep going, messily and meaningfully.
Thank you Netgalley and Alision! #AlisonLarkinPresents #NetGalley
May 22, 2025
How do you write about grief without getting swallowed by it? Grief… A Comedy pulls off the nearly impossible: it finds light—real, warm, laugh-out-loud light—in the shadow of devastating loss.
Alison’s story is at once intimate and universal. After falling deeply in love later in life, she loses Bhima—her soulmate—just five days after they decide to marry. But instead of sinking into despair, she hears him at her kitchen table. Imaginary? Maybe. But what follows is a deeply human, often hilarious exploration of how we keep loving, living, and even laughing when the person we love most is gone.
This book stands out not just because it’s about grief, but because it dares to treat grief as a living, evolving, and at times absurd companion. There’s an existential undertone here—the kind that asks what any of this means, and why we go on—but it’s delivered with such sharp wit and compassion that you never feel lost in the heaviness. Instead, you feel seen.
What makes this book truly special is its voice: brave, funny, vulnerable, and full of the kind of emotional honesty that’s both disarming and healing. Whether it’s a conversation with a dead fiancé or a too-real moment of navigating the world post-loss, Grief… A Comedy reminds us that to grieve is to have loved—and that love doesn’t end when someone dies. It just changes shape.
If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost suddenly, or questioned the rules of what’s “real,” this book will stay with you. It’s not just a story—it’s a permission slip to keep living.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book!
Alison’s story is at once intimate and universal. After falling deeply in love later in life, she loses Bhima—her soulmate—just five days after they decide to marry. But instead of sinking into despair, she hears him at her kitchen table. Imaginary? Maybe. But what follows is a deeply human, often hilarious exploration of how we keep loving, living, and even laughing when the person we love most is gone.
This book stands out not just because it’s about grief, but because it dares to treat grief as a living, evolving, and at times absurd companion. There’s an existential undertone here—the kind that asks what any of this means, and why we go on—but it’s delivered with such sharp wit and compassion that you never feel lost in the heaviness. Instead, you feel seen.
What makes this book truly special is its voice: brave, funny, vulnerable, and full of the kind of emotional honesty that’s both disarming and healing. Whether it’s a conversation with a dead fiancé or a too-real moment of navigating the world post-loss, Grief… A Comedy reminds us that to grieve is to have loved—and that love doesn’t end when someone dies. It just changes shape.
If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost suddenly, or questioned the rules of what’s “real,” this book will stay with you. It’s not just a story—it’s a permission slip to keep living.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2025
Alison's book takes a true look at grief and life in a bold and new approach. Instead of playing the victim of some of life's brutal moments (first husband loosing all their money for instance), she shows how she finds peace/joy in her life when meeting Bhima. From there, you get to follow along as she falls in love with Bhima and the after... where some would say she starts to live again post Covid.
While I don't want to focus on the plot line because I want there to be some surprising parts to the book, the few plot lines I want to mention: 1. the book is mostly focused around the death of Bhima. And the retelling of her life to him (KEY POINT HERE).
The only reason I ranked this four stars is because I don't think everyone will enjoy the way she talks about death... she talks about it from a humanistic point of view and openly about the parts that happen after death (like being alone).
What I do love about this book are some of the great lines that really show how different it is to live once someone has passed... one of my favorites is "I've got to carry on living, and there are these rules one must abide by if one wants to be considered sane".
A must read if you want a more open approach to grief and less self helpish.
While I don't want to focus on the plot line because I want there to be some surprising parts to the book, the few plot lines I want to mention: 1. the book is mostly focused around the death of Bhima. And the retelling of her life to him (KEY POINT HERE).
The only reason I ranked this four stars is because I don't think everyone will enjoy the way she talks about death... she talks about it from a humanistic point of view and openly about the parts that happen after death (like being alone).
What I do love about this book are some of the great lines that really show how different it is to live once someone has passed... one of my favorites is "I've got to carry on living, and there are these rules one must abide by if one wants to be considered sane".
A must read if you want a more open approach to grief and less self helpish.
May 24, 2025
Books like these aren't what I typically would read, but this was a work that kept me engaged enough to finish it within a week (new personal record!). "Grief... A Comedy" offers great commentary on grief, and of course how everyone deals with it in their own way. But this story also offers a relatable perspective of grief that gives me a heartwarming feeling by the end of it when connecting it with my own. In particular, I know this quote will resonate with me for a while when thinking of those close to me who have also passed on recently.
"When someone we deeply love dies, a part of who they were becomes a part of who we are now."
The love story in here is something else too, which made it heartbreaking for me as well. But of course as shown in the book, true love like that will never truly end.
Definitely read this if you are able to.
TLDR: Thank God for Desmond Tutu.
"When someone we deeply love dies, a part of who they were becomes a part of who we are now."
The love story in here is something else too, which made it heartbreaking for me as well. But of course as shown in the book, true love like that will never truly end.
Definitely read this if you are able to.
TLDR: Thank God for Desmond Tutu.
June 1, 2025
I was lucky enough to win this book through a Goodreads Giveaway, and it turned out to be a unique and heartfelt read.
Grief… A Comedy tells the story of a woman navigating the overwhelming waves of grief after losing her husband, blending romance, humor, and self-help into one tender and quirky narrative. Alison Larkin approaches the topic of loss with love, vulnerability, and a surprising dose of humor, showing how laughter and lightness can coexist with pain.
While the book is romantic in tone, it’s much more than a love story. It’s also a thoughtful exploration of how we process death, how we redefine ourselves after a loss, and how grief isn’t something to “get over” but something to live with. The story is peppered with beautiful lines and tender moments that linger long after you close the book.
It may not be a life-changing read for everyone, but it offers a gentle perspective on healing. If you’re going through something tough or need a new way to look at grief, this book can bring both comfort and smiles.
Grief… A Comedy tells the story of a woman navigating the overwhelming waves of grief after losing her husband, blending romance, humor, and self-help into one tender and quirky narrative. Alison Larkin approaches the topic of loss with love, vulnerability, and a surprising dose of humor, showing how laughter and lightness can coexist with pain.
While the book is romantic in tone, it’s much more than a love story. It’s also a thoughtful exploration of how we process death, how we redefine ourselves after a loss, and how grief isn’t something to “get over” but something to live with. The story is peppered with beautiful lines and tender moments that linger long after you close the book.
It may not be a life-changing read for everyone, but it offers a gentle perspective on healing. If you’re going through something tough or need a new way to look at grief, this book can bring both comfort and smiles.
May 11, 2025
Archbishop Desmond Tutu told Alison to write this love story, so what’s not to love?! The short, easy chapters made it difficult to not read “just one more chapter,” so it was a quick, satisfying read. The love and tragedy and humor and heartbreak and sadness and elation is a beautiful portrait of real life and real love. Alison knows grief and heartbreak, but the love remains. I love this book. Did I mention it’s a love story? You’re going to love it!
November 8, 2025
larkin somehow turns what is objectively a tragic story into a narrative that left me feeling hopeful. she is so funny, and her voice really shines through in this. her descriptions of loss and grief are so profound but so simple. i think this juxtaposition works really well to get her point across while remaining fun to read. i’ve never had so much fun reading about grief.
i thought i was going to dislike this book when she first brought up her adoption. i haven’t read her first book where she discusses it in depth, but describing how being given up as an infant affects her psyche to this day rubbed me the wrong way. but then i realized maybe the call was coming from inside the house. i haven’t engaged with my own adoption from the perspective that larkin uses. i don’t like when a book holds up a mirror and goes “look that’s u! engage with urself.” no!!! my psyche is simply none of my business. but also it’s great and i love it etc. her adoption story isn’t particularly horrible or devastating, but it is still such an ever present part of her life and this book.
idk man i just really liked this.
**thank you to netgalley for providing me with an ARC**
i thought i was going to dislike this book when she first brought up her adoption. i haven’t read her first book where she discusses it in depth, but describing how being given up as an infant affects her psyche to this day rubbed me the wrong way. but then i realized maybe the call was coming from inside the house. i haven’t engaged with my own adoption from the perspective that larkin uses. i don’t like when a book holds up a mirror and goes “look that’s u! engage with urself.” no!!! my psyche is simply none of my business. but also it’s great and i love it etc. her adoption story isn’t particularly horrible or devastating, but it is still such an ever present part of her life and this book.
idk man i just really liked this.
**thank you to netgalley for providing me with an ARC**
July 4, 2025
Grief...A Comedy
By Alison Larkin
"Your story deserves a wide audience because it will bring hope to those who might otherwise resign themselves to despair. You must do whatever it takes to ensure this narrative reaches as many people as possible. And not just in an email to me!" — Archbishop Desmond Tutu
What could be more compelling than a story that Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whom Alison affectionately refers to as "Arch," inspired the author to share? In fact, when she informs him of her endeavor, he responds with glowing encouragement, saying, "You have put a smile on the face of God."
Grief: A Comedy is a beacon of hope for anyone who has experienced loss. As an English teacher, I find joy in the paradox of oxymorons, & the title exemplifies this beautifully. Grief & comedy are not typically paired, yet the remarkably talented Alison Larkin weaves them together seamlessly. This book elicits both laughter & tears, showcasing the interplay of opposites in our human experience.
For those of us who have yet to find true love as we grow older, this story offers a glimmer of hope. It encourages us to appreciate the people we truly cherish. It inspires us to embrace each day with purpose & meaning. Ultimately, Alison discovers love, but her time with Bhima is heartbreakingly brief. Just five days after their engagement, she loses him. Rather than surrendering to sorrow, she shares her journey, leaving behind a legacy for all who are navigating their own personal grief journey—one that honors her profound connection with Bhima.
Once I began reading, I found it impossible to stop. Upon finishing, I immediately sought out the audiobook to experience Alison's story in her own voice. With her comedic talents she takes the reader on a profound journey that encourages the rest of us to cherish the time we have left and the people with whom we spend it.
Alison notes, "People told me that when someone you deeply love passes away, you can sense their presence for a while. But eventually, that connection fades, and they no longer feel near. Not in our case, it seems."
This encapsulates Alison's narrative: a powerful love that endures beyond death.
She finds herself yearning to live—and love—more fully than ever before. This is a story everyone should experience; its impact is so profound that it feels transformative.
By Alison Larkin
"Your story deserves a wide audience because it will bring hope to those who might otherwise resign themselves to despair. You must do whatever it takes to ensure this narrative reaches as many people as possible. And not just in an email to me!" — Archbishop Desmond Tutu
What could be more compelling than a story that Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whom Alison affectionately refers to as "Arch," inspired the author to share? In fact, when she informs him of her endeavor, he responds with glowing encouragement, saying, "You have put a smile on the face of God."
Grief: A Comedy is a beacon of hope for anyone who has experienced loss. As an English teacher, I find joy in the paradox of oxymorons, & the title exemplifies this beautifully. Grief & comedy are not typically paired, yet the remarkably talented Alison Larkin weaves them together seamlessly. This book elicits both laughter & tears, showcasing the interplay of opposites in our human experience.
For those of us who have yet to find true love as we grow older, this story offers a glimmer of hope. It encourages us to appreciate the people we truly cherish. It inspires us to embrace each day with purpose & meaning. Ultimately, Alison discovers love, but her time with Bhima is heartbreakingly brief. Just five days after their engagement, she loses him. Rather than surrendering to sorrow, she shares her journey, leaving behind a legacy for all who are navigating their own personal grief journey—one that honors her profound connection with Bhima.
Once I began reading, I found it impossible to stop. Upon finishing, I immediately sought out the audiobook to experience Alison's story in her own voice. With her comedic talents she takes the reader on a profound journey that encourages the rest of us to cherish the time we have left and the people with whom we spend it.
Alison notes, "People told me that when someone you deeply love passes away, you can sense their presence for a while. But eventually, that connection fades, and they no longer feel near. Not in our case, it seems."
This encapsulates Alison's narrative: a powerful love that endures beyond death.
She finds herself yearning to live—and love—more fully than ever before. This is a story everyone should experience; its impact is so profound that it feels transformative.
May 8, 2025
From Alison Larkin, an English American writer, producer, prolific audiobook narrator (aided by her ability to capture multiple accents and genders), standup comedian, podcaster, and voice actor, comes a wonderful new book titled Grief...a Comedy, based on her second solo show. Her earlier show (and subsequent book), The English American, chronicled her relocation to the US to find her birth mother and her move to NYC to become a standup comedian (sometimes on the same lineup as Marc Maron and Dave Chappelle, back in the day) and actress, while this one explores new territory.
In her fifties, Alison wondered why she had never been in love, even though she had been married and raised two children, and why her quest to find her soulmate hadn't been successful. But everything changed when she met Bhima--over a New York Times crossword puzzle-who had relocated from India to the US decades ago, and they struck up a beautiful relationship filled with love, humor, and stimulating conversation. The two families hit it off as well, and Alison and Bhima joyfully agreed they should get married.
But just four days later, their plans were irreparably destroyed by Bhima's sudden death . . . or were they? A few weeks later, Bhima just as suddenly reappeared in Alison's life, and their relationship continued as brilliantly as ever. The difference was that now Bhima was committed to helping Alison find another soulmate for the rest of her journey through life. And that he just might be a figment of Alison's imagination. But does it really matter?
I thoroughly enjoyed the couple's loving banter, even when there were some occasional cultural issues to resolve. I also appreciated the fact that Larkin found a way to move forward again and to continue to shoot for her goals of living her life, rather than just getting through it, and making the world a better place. And who can resist a book where Archbishop Desmond Tutu plays a brief but important role?
Despite the title, this is a life-affirming, upbeat book, and one that will only require a bit of your time (around 200 pages long). I sped through it, enraptured by what I found on each page.
My review was based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
In her fifties, Alison wondered why she had never been in love, even though she had been married and raised two children, and why her quest to find her soulmate hadn't been successful. But everything changed when she met Bhima--over a New York Times crossword puzzle-who had relocated from India to the US decades ago, and they struck up a beautiful relationship filled with love, humor, and stimulating conversation. The two families hit it off as well, and Alison and Bhima joyfully agreed they should get married.
But just four days later, their plans were irreparably destroyed by Bhima's sudden death . . . or were they? A few weeks later, Bhima just as suddenly reappeared in Alison's life, and their relationship continued as brilliantly as ever. The difference was that now Bhima was committed to helping Alison find another soulmate for the rest of her journey through life. And that he just might be a figment of Alison's imagination. But does it really matter?
I thoroughly enjoyed the couple's loving banter, even when there were some occasional cultural issues to resolve. I also appreciated the fact that Larkin found a way to move forward again and to continue to shoot for her goals of living her life, rather than just getting through it, and making the world a better place. And who can resist a book where Archbishop Desmond Tutu plays a brief but important role?
Despite the title, this is a life-affirming, upbeat book, and one that will only require a bit of your time (around 200 pages long). I sped through it, enraptured by what I found on each page.
My review was based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
June 7, 2025
What a wonderful book told with heart and humor. Allison is a gifted writer and comedian, and she taps into both gifts to bring this story of love and loss and hope to life. She doesn't diminish grief, she explores it.
There is no sugarcoating of the pain of grief, yet there is beauty in the use of language and the story is filled with people who, for the most part, are sweet and relatable. I enjoyed going to the coffee shop with Allison and seeing the Bobs - there are several - and the other regulars who become dear friends.
The first part of the book that focuses on the love story between her and Bhima is sweet and funny and touching. It made me smile to follow them from first awkward moments to this is it - the love they both had been searching for their whole lives. And I so appreciated the fact that it was the love relationship that was paramount in the telling, without any graphic sex scenes.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Even though some of the subject matter is dark and heavy, there is plenty of light and humor to appreciate, as well as a great deal of wisdom.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy.
There is no sugarcoating of the pain of grief, yet there is beauty in the use of language and the story is filled with people who, for the most part, are sweet and relatable. I enjoyed going to the coffee shop with Allison and seeing the Bobs - there are several - and the other regulars who become dear friends.
The first part of the book that focuses on the love story between her and Bhima is sweet and funny and touching. It made me smile to follow them from first awkward moments to this is it - the love they both had been searching for their whole lives. And I so appreciated the fact that it was the love relationship that was paramount in the telling, without any graphic sex scenes.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Even though some of the subject matter is dark and heavy, there is plenty of light and humor to appreciate, as well as a great deal of wisdom.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy.
August 31, 2025
Grief: A Comedy by Alison Larkin was an absolute joy to read. Larkin is relatable and funny, with an outlook on life after the death of her husband that is both refreshing and inspiring. She writes with honesty about grief, but also with wit and grace, reminding us that laughter and loss can coexist.
What I especially loved is how she closes with the final song from her one-woman show of the same name—a celebration of life, resilience, and gratitude. The last lines have stayed with me:
“And if grieving is the price we pay
For the deep love that we feel
Then grief is just part of the deal
Yes, grief is just part of the deal.”
For me, that sums up the heart of this book perfectly. This isn’t the life she thought she’d have, but she finds humor, perspective, and joy even in the midst of sorrow. I came away feeling uplifted, understood, and thankful.
I highly recommend this book for anyone navigating loss, or for readers who enjoy memoir-style storytelling that blends humor with wisdom.
Thanks to NetGalley and Alison Larkin Presents for the opportunity to read this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.
What I especially loved is how she closes with the final song from her one-woman show of the same name—a celebration of life, resilience, and gratitude. The last lines have stayed with me:
“And if grieving is the price we pay
For the deep love that we feel
Then grief is just part of the deal
Yes, grief is just part of the deal.”
For me, that sums up the heart of this book perfectly. This isn’t the life she thought she’d have, but she finds humor, perspective, and joy even in the midst of sorrow. I came away feeling uplifted, understood, and thankful.
I highly recommend this book for anyone navigating loss, or for readers who enjoy memoir-style storytelling that blends humor with wisdom.
Thanks to NetGalley and Alison Larkin Presents for the opportunity to read this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review.
May 27, 2025
I loved this book! It left me feeling so hopeful. And it's had a real affect on me in several ways. For example, I am sure I will, never again, let past trauma stop me from being open to true love. No matter what, I won't be scared of it.
And it shows that it really is possible to find joy no matter what. It's so funny and a super quick, light page turner - which is my kinda book, but this time the author really has written a book you can't put down about something that feels real and matters. I mean you really can't put it down.
It made me think about a lot of things - including the relationship that continues long after someone has died.
I loved the banter between Alison and Bhima and the love story both before and after he comes back kept me up. I have never read anything quite like this. It's a divine love story. Literally. The love jumps off every page. A must read. Or listen. The audiobook is not out yet, but I plan to listen when it is.
And it shows that it really is possible to find joy no matter what. It's so funny and a super quick, light page turner - which is my kinda book, but this time the author really has written a book you can't put down about something that feels real and matters. I mean you really can't put it down.
It made me think about a lot of things - including the relationship that continues long after someone has died.
I loved the banter between Alison and Bhima and the love story both before and after he comes back kept me up. I have never read anything quite like this. It's a divine love story. Literally. The love jumps off every page. A must read. Or listen. The audiobook is not out yet, but I plan to listen when it is.
June 14, 2025
Being a young widow myself, I truly believe everyone's grief is both different and valid. So while Larkin's experience doesn't necessarily reflect my own, I enjoyed reading her story. I didn't necessarily love the structure (her talking to her deceased fiancee and retelling him their love story) because magical realism isn't my thing..... But the story itself was a good one. She goes back in time and reflects on her own adoption and reuniting with her birth parents, fast-forwards to her post-divorce life, and then recounts her meeting & falling in love with Bhima... and then updates him on her life after his passing. For a story about death, this is not a depressing read so don;'t let that scare you off. This is a quick read and insight into one woman's later-in-life love and too-early-in-life loss.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Alison Larkin for allowing me to read this incredible piece of work in exchange for an honest review.
I am finding this hard to review to be honest. This is because it is a book you just need to read. This highlights a grieving woman who writes her experience after tragedy strikes. It is written so you know very quickly what that tragedy is, and goes back and forward.
This is non-fiction, but is written in such a way that it could be literary fiction. I was questioning this in a couple of points throughout (a good thing to question).
But all in all, Alison and Bhima were so incredibly well written (Alison being the author). He was written creatively and yet so realistic. I felt quite deeply for Bhima and his thoughts.
This was enchanting, real, loving, creative, and heartbreaking all at the same time. What else can i say?
I am finding this hard to review to be honest. This is because it is a book you just need to read. This highlights a grieving woman who writes her experience after tragedy strikes. It is written so you know very quickly what that tragedy is, and goes back and forward.
This is non-fiction, but is written in such a way that it could be literary fiction. I was questioning this in a couple of points throughout (a good thing to question).
But all in all, Alison and Bhima were so incredibly well written (Alison being the author). He was written creatively and yet so realistic. I felt quite deeply for Bhima and his thoughts.
This was enchanting, real, loving, creative, and heartbreaking all at the same time. What else can i say?
June 13, 2025
thank you NetGalley for the ARC 🫶🏻
i love love love memoirs. give me all of them, i want to know about everyone's lives and the stories they have to tell.
this book was way different than i expected it. for me, sometimes it felt kind of fictional even. Alison tells such a romantic and tragic story, it really had me feeling all the feelings and wanting to know more about her life.
i know that the title has 'a comedy' in it, but this was the part that took me by surprise. i loved the writer's style, the comedy, and also that the book even felt kind of whimsical.
i love love love memoirs. give me all of them, i want to know about everyone's lives and the stories they have to tell.
this book was way different than i expected it. for me, sometimes it felt kind of fictional even. Alison tells such a romantic and tragic story, it really had me feeling all the feelings and wanting to know more about her life.
i know that the title has 'a comedy' in it, but this was the part that took me by surprise. i loved the writer's style, the comedy, and also that the book even felt kind of whimsical.
November 16, 2025
I hate to give a bad review of this because it is such a raw and vulnerable story of the author's grief after the love of her life died, and who am I to judge how someone grieves? Larkin tells the story of how she and Bhima met and the journey of their relationship, up to his untimely death and beyond, as she works to process how to continue on without him. At times, I was confused by the timeline because the story was told in a way that made it hard to follow.
I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.
I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.
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December 2, 2025Unfortunately, I am DNFing this book. I received it as an ARC months ago and have picked it up multiple times to try getting into it, but unfortunately, it is just not holding my attention the way that I hoped it would. I really enjoyed the concept of this book. I think that Alison and Bhima's relationship is endearing. I think it is maybe the execution or the writing style that is not holding my interest.
June 17, 2025
I was very impressed by this book! This is not my normal choice of genre but the humorous side of the story caught my attention. The author had me enthralled with the conversations with her deceased love. I truly enjoyed this book very much and I highly recommend Grief…A Comedy, and any other writings by author Alison Larkin! I can not wait to read her book The English American!
August 7, 2025
A wonderfully sweet story that made me laugh and cry. If you've ever lost a loved one, you need to read this book. And, if you're one of the lucky few who hasn't, you need to read this book. It will entertain you while making you feel deeply the power of love. Alison's creativity in telling her story is inspiring!
June 11, 2025
Brilliant, tender, vulnerable and funny! Listening to this book maybe even better. The author narrates the book and I’ve seen her perform parts of the story and it was quite entertaining, touching and funny.
May 24, 2025
quick, upbeat, and interesting book by a very interesting person. very well written and equally funny and thought-provoking. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
June 3, 2025
Loved this book! Could not put it down! It was funny, touching, and had me in tears...tears of joy in the end. Alison is a wonderful story teller, and hopefully has more stories to tell!!!
September 16, 2025
Funny, heartfelt, sorrowful, hopeful.
July 4, 2025
Grief...A Comedy
By Alison Larkin
"Your story deserves a wide audience because it will bring hope to those who might otherwise resign themselves to despair. You must do whatever it takes to ensure this narrative reaches as many people as possible. And not just in an email to me!" — Archbishop Desmond Tutu
What could be more compelling than a story that Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whom Alison affectionately refers to as "Arch," inspired the author to share? In fact, when she informs him of her endeavor, he responds with glowing encouragement, saying, "You have put a smile on the face of God."
Grief: A Comedy is a beacon of hope for anyone who has experienced loss. As an English teacher, I find joy in the paradox of oxymorons, & the title exemplifies this beautifully. Grief & comedy are not typically paired, yet the remarkably talented Alison Larkin weaves them together seamlessly. This book elicits both laughter & tears, showcasing the interplay of opposites in our human experience.
For those of us who have yet to find true love as we grow older, this story offers a glimmer of hope. It encourages us to appreciate the people we truly cherish. It inspires us to embrace each day with purpose & meaning. Ultimately, Alison discovers love, but her time with Bhima is heartbreakingly brief. Just five days after their engagement, she loses him. Rather than surrendering to sorrow, she shares her journey, leaving behind a legacy for all who are navigating their own personal grief journey—one that honors her profound connection with Bhima.
Once I began reading, I found it impossible to stop. Upon finishing, I immediately sought out the audiobook to experience Alison's story in her own voice. With her comedic talents she takes the reader on a profound journey that encourages the rest of us to cherish the time we have left and the people with whom we spend it.
Alison notes, "People told me that when someone you deeply love passes away, you can sense their presence for a while. But eventually, that connection fades, and they no longer feel near. Not in our case, it seems."
This encapsulates Alison's narrative: a powerful love that endures beyond death.
She finds herself yearning to live—and love—more fully than ever before. This is a story everyone should experience; its impact is so profound that it feels transformative.
By Alison Larkin
"Your story deserves a wide audience because it will bring hope to those who might otherwise resign themselves to despair. You must do whatever it takes to ensure this narrative reaches as many people as possible. And not just in an email to me!" — Archbishop Desmond Tutu
What could be more compelling than a story that Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whom Alison affectionately refers to as "Arch," inspired the author to share? In fact, when she informs him of her endeavor, he responds with glowing encouragement, saying, "You have put a smile on the face of God."
Grief: A Comedy is a beacon of hope for anyone who has experienced loss. As an English teacher, I find joy in the paradox of oxymorons, & the title exemplifies this beautifully. Grief & comedy are not typically paired, yet the remarkably talented Alison Larkin weaves them together seamlessly. This book elicits both laughter & tears, showcasing the interplay of opposites in our human experience.
For those of us who have yet to find true love as we grow older, this story offers a glimmer of hope. It encourages us to appreciate the people we truly cherish. It inspires us to embrace each day with purpose & meaning. Ultimately, Alison discovers love, but her time with Bhima is heartbreakingly brief. Just five days after their engagement, she loses him. Rather than surrendering to sorrow, she shares her journey, leaving behind a legacy for all who are navigating their own personal grief journey—one that honors her profound connection with Bhima.
Once I began reading, I found it impossible to stop. Upon finishing, I immediately sought out the audiobook to experience Alison's story in her own voice. With her comedic talents she takes the reader on a profound journey that encourages the rest of us to cherish the time we have left and the people with whom we spend it.
Alison notes, "People told me that when someone you deeply love passes away, you can sense their presence for a while. But eventually, that connection fades, and they no longer feel near. Not in our case, it seems."
This encapsulates Alison's narrative: a powerful love that endures beyond death.
She finds herself yearning to live—and love—more fully than ever before. This is a story everyone should experience; its impact is so profound that it feels transformative.
June 21, 2025
This audiobook is absolutely extraordinary on many levels and really is a must listen for many reasons.
Not only is it a gorgeous love story, it read by the author Alison Larkin who also happens to be an A-list audiobook narrator. I've listened to all her Jane Austen audiobook narrations and I loved the audiobook of her last novel The English American.
But this is the best book I have ever heard her narrate. It is her story. And it's a true one. After marriage and divorce, and avoiding true love all her life, she's raised two kids narrating audiobooks. We hear about that in the book! After her kids leave for college, she's lonely working by herself in her studio all day and she decides to start on-line dating - then she meets the love of her life, a man from india who falls in love with her, and she with him, pretty much at first sight.
The love between these two endearing characters is so clear - and when he dies it comes back even stronger when he shows up and tells her he is there to help her find love again. Larkin is well known for her ability to do many accents and I love the scene where Bhima tells her she must put him in an audiobook one day and but when she does she must promise him she won't make him sound English or American, she must promise to do her voice exactly as it is. And she does. And it is extraordinary hearing the conversations between them especially knowing this actually happened to the narrator of the audiobook!. The chapters are short. I wanted it to go on and on. This one is very special indeed. It made me think about love and it gave me hope and filled me with a kind of joy. I loved it.
Not only is it a gorgeous love story, it read by the author Alison Larkin who also happens to be an A-list audiobook narrator. I've listened to all her Jane Austen audiobook narrations and I loved the audiobook of her last novel The English American.
But this is the best book I have ever heard her narrate. It is her story. And it's a true one. After marriage and divorce, and avoiding true love all her life, she's raised two kids narrating audiobooks. We hear about that in the book! After her kids leave for college, she's lonely working by herself in her studio all day and she decides to start on-line dating - then she meets the love of her life, a man from india who falls in love with her, and she with him, pretty much at first sight.
The love between these two endearing characters is so clear - and when he dies it comes back even stronger when he shows up and tells her he is there to help her find love again. Larkin is well known for her ability to do many accents and I love the scene where Bhima tells her she must put him in an audiobook one day and but when she does she must promise him she won't make him sound English or American, she must promise to do her voice exactly as it is. And she does. And it is extraordinary hearing the conversations between them especially knowing this actually happened to the narrator of the audiobook!. The chapters are short. I wanted it to go on and on. This one is very special indeed. It made me think about love and it gave me hope and filled me with a kind of joy. I loved it.
July 9, 2025
A warm, touching memoir about grief and loss. The author is a comedian, so she had plenty of funny anecdotes along the way to somehow make a book about grief, charming.
June 1, 2025
A deeply personal story of finding true love in her 50s. Bhima, her fiancé, moved to America from India thirty years ago and Larkin was born in America but raised England, returning and settling in New England to raise her children. Now she and Bhima are focused on a future together until his sudden and unexpected death shatters their dreams.
Larkin is a professional narrator and does a wonderful job telling her own story.
Larkin is a professional narrator and does a wonderful job telling her own story.
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