Ashes in the Ocean: A son’s story of living through and learning from his father’s suicide

by Sebastian Slovin

Vernon Slovin was a legend—one of the best swimmers in his home country of South Africa, and for a time in the world. He prided himself on being the best—in sports, business, and life. He had it all, a big home, athletic prestige, fancy clothes and cars, and a beautiful wife and family. Everything was going his way until it all came tumbling down. He lost everything, including his own life. In the wake of his suicide he left his wife and two young children.
In this riveting memoir, Vernon’s son, Sebastian Slovin chronicles his experience of living in the shadow of a suicide, and his journey to uncover why his father took his own life. A pilgrimage that led him around the world and eventually back to himself.
Ashes in the Ocean is a powerful story about facing one’s fears and choosing a different path.

Genres: Grief

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2018

About the author

Sebastian Slovin grew up in La Jolla, California and traveled extensively as a professional bodyboarder. Through his travel, Sebastian developed a deep love and appreciation for our natural world, and at the same time was drawn to the practice of yoga. As a young boy, he lost his father to suicide, which would later deeply inspire his path in life. He holds a BA in Environmental Policy from San Diego State University and an MA in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego. He and his wife, Sonya, founded Nature Unplugged, which focuses on cultivating wellness through healthier relationships with technology and a deeper connection to nature. When he is not writing or working on Nature Unplugged, Sebastian enjoys swimming, bodysurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddling (pretty much all things) in the wild Pacific Ocean. For more information visit www.sebastianslovin.com and www.natureunplugged.com

Reviews

[Kathleen Pooler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes in the Ocean is a poignant story of the loss of Sebastian Slovin’s father to suicide. With unflinching honesty, Slovin demonstrates the impact suicide has on a person, particularly a son.

Through deep introspection, Slovin explores why his father chose suicide and reveals his own tendency toward suicidal thoughts, at one point believing that he is destined for the same fate. By facing the truth and researching his own fears, he shows his bravery and courage. It is through this grueling soul-searching process that the reader witnesses Slovin’s transformation and healing from a place of darkness to a place of wholeness. He touches upon every emotion of living, loving and healing in the aftermath of a devastating loss.

His writing is engaging and flows seamlessly through his many stages of grief and healing.

This memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power we all have within to heal from grief and loss. I highly recommend it to anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide, to anyone who works in the mental health field or to anyone who wants to understand the dynamics of suicide and the impact on loved ones.

[Sreevarsha Sreejith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing someone you love is hard enough. It is especially hard when it is by their own hand. Such an event can cause unresolved feelings of anger and guilt in those who are left behind. This is precisely the topic that Sebastian Slovin attempts to tackle in Ashes in the Ocean.

A more detailed review is available on https://sreevarshasreejith.blogspot.c....