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Wonder and Loss: A Practical Memoir for Writing about Grief
A braided memoir that interweaves the author's personal journey through grief with a guide on how to write about it, this book is both Sam Meekings' raw account of the death of his younger brother and a step-by-step breakdown of the memoir writing process. With a twin focus on how to heal and preserve precious memories whilst exploring the mechanics of writing about the self, Wonder and Loss uses personal story, writing theories, useful strategies and detailed prompts to invite the reader to write alongside Sam on a path that is both painful and profound.
One of the most straightforward approaches to writing memoir put to page, Sam Meekings breaks down the craft of personal narrative into understandable steps and considerations, and provides a sequence of actions and suggestions that are both practical and motivating. Allowing readers to take control of their own stories, this book shares references to related works as well as new theories from the worlds of neuroscience, neurology, psychology and creative writing, translating them into processes writers can use to remember those lost and to rediscover themselves. Compellingly honest and an introspective look at the transformation through grief and loss as it's written, readers will learn to both honour and record the memories of those they mourn, and to rediscover the person they are and can be.
One of the most straightforward approaches to writing memoir put to page, Sam Meekings breaks down the craft of personal narrative into understandable steps and considerations, and provides a sequence of actions and suggestions that are both practical and motivating. Allowing readers to take control of their own stories, this book shares references to related works as well as new theories from the worlds of neuroscience, neurology, psychology and creative writing, translating them into processes writers can use to remember those lost and to rediscover themselves. Compellingly honest and an introspective look at the transformation through grief and loss as it's written, readers will learn to both honour and record the memories of those they mourn, and to rediscover the person they are and can be.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2025
About the author
Sam Meekings
18 books27 followersSam Meekings grew up near the south coast of England. He took an undergraduate degree in Modern History and English Literature at Mansfield College, Oxford University and, later, a Masters degree in Creative Writing at Edinburgh University. In 2005 he moved to China where he worked as a teacher and editor. He recently moved to Qatar with his wife and family to take up a post as Lecturer in poetry and creative writing at Qatar University. In 2006 and 2007 Sam was longlisted for an Eric Gregory Award for poets under 30.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 3, 2025
This book takes the reader on a raw and honest journey as Sam processes the unexpected death of his brother.
Sam shares his thoughts and feelings with unflinching honesty, and the love for his brother is woven throughout the pages, without elevating his brother to perfection.
I think this willingness to accept the reality of the past makes this very relatable. Just because you love and miss someone doesn't mean that everything was perfect when they were alive - and Sam conveys this beautifully.
"The Romans suggested that the heart is the place in which our best memories and thoughts are stored. A kind of safety deposit box a strongbox for secrets.
Luke kept his locked up tight."
Each chapter starts with the authors own writing about loss and the stages of grief. This is then followed by writing prompts for the reader to share their own experience.
I thought Sam's personal sharing was beautifully written and stood strong as a standalone memoir of his grief.
I found the writing prompts well structured and thought out. Whilst I did not work through all the exercises for this review, I know this is something l will go back and revisit.
I lost my father when I was 23 and my mother more recently, and I found some of this very useful on a personal level. I also found it prompted me to better relate my own experiences into the stories I am crafting.
"I say it now, even much too late, because I have come to understand at last what my brother always believed: that words really can transform the world. "
Sam shares his thoughts and feelings with unflinching honesty, and the love for his brother is woven throughout the pages, without elevating his brother to perfection.
I think this willingness to accept the reality of the past makes this very relatable. Just because you love and miss someone doesn't mean that everything was perfect when they were alive - and Sam conveys this beautifully.
"The Romans suggested that the heart is the place in which our best memories and thoughts are stored. A kind of safety deposit box a strongbox for secrets.
Luke kept his locked up tight."
Each chapter starts with the authors own writing about loss and the stages of grief. This is then followed by writing prompts for the reader to share their own experience.
I thought Sam's personal sharing was beautifully written and stood strong as a standalone memoir of his grief.
I found the writing prompts well structured and thought out. Whilst I did not work through all the exercises for this review, I know this is something l will go back and revisit.
I lost my father when I was 23 and my mother more recently, and I found some of this very useful on a personal level. I also found it prompted me to better relate my own experiences into the stories I am crafting.
"I say it now, even much too late, because I have come to understand at last what my brother always believed: that words really can transform the world. "
Displaying 1 of 1 review