Cradled All the While: The Unexpected Gifts of a Mother's Death

by Sara J. Corse

Cradled All the While is a beautifully crafted memoir in which the author recounts the story of her mother's death from cancer. In the midst of career and child-rearing, Corse becomes her mother's primary caregiver, but her story is a spiritual journey that will nurture the faith of people of many religious backgrounds. The themes encountered throughout the book parallel the issues dealt with in practical grieving resources; here, however, they are played out in the lives of a real family.

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2004

Reviews

[Thilardiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Corse's work allows the reader to explore her relationship to her dying mother, in the hopes that the audience will use this book to reflect on our own relationships with our dying mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other relatives and friends. The prose is so-so, and there are cliches that could have been avoided but seem to be embraced with an emphasis for placing them at the end of a paragraph or chapter. However, every work has its faults and this book is useful in the contemplation of death and life, and how we live life and our connection to others. This book is incomplete in the sense that it should be paired with other books on death and dying, just as the author read multiple books in dealing with her own mother's death. Read this book with other books on death (and ultimately life), such as Staring At the Sun by Yalom, in order to further your understanding of our response to death. And most of all, live well.

[Martha Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a profoundly moving book. I was able to see myself, my mother, and my daughter and the complexity of our mother/daughter relationships while reading this book. It was beautifully written and provided me with wisdom and comfort. It's a book I'll retain on my bookshelf and refer to from time to time.

[Megan M]

One of my favorite people, Sara J. Corse, gave me this book as a present. I can't wait to read it.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read it for a class on Death, Grief and Loss... but it wasn't too bad! Very moving, though very self-gratifying on the author's part. Doesn't help that she's a psychologist ;-)