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The Empty Cradle
There are few things in life more shocking than a parent killing their child. Numerous reasons have been offered by adults who have carried out such a heinous act, ranging from mindless acts of violence to serious mentally debilitating conditions. What is perhaps the most shocking and disturbing aspect of the following cases are the ones where a parent murders infant children and even babies.
It is surprising just how common 'filicide' - the deliberate act of killing a son or daughter - actually is.
Regrettably, the following truly disturbing cases are not exhaustive and may not even contain the worst cases of filicide, which might escape unreported in the more isolated areas of our country. But these are cases of parents murdering their own flesh and blood that can be deemed utterly, earth-shatteringly shocking. Reader discretion is advised.
It is surprising just how common 'filicide' - the deliberate act of killing a son or daughter - actually is.
Regrettably, the following truly disturbing cases are not exhaustive and may not even contain the worst cases of filicide, which might escape unreported in the more isolated areas of our country. But these are cases of parents murdering their own flesh and blood that can be deemed utterly, earth-shatteringly shocking. Reader discretion is advised.
328 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2018
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April 2, 2025Book Review: The Empty Cradle by W.G. Davis
Overview
The Empty Cradle by W.G. Davis is a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the complexities surrounding perinatal loss. This heartfelt narrative delves into the emotional turmoil faced by parents who experience the death of a child before or shortly after birth, providing a compassionate and insightful perspective on a subject that is often shrouded in silence.
Content and Themes
The narrative unfolds through the experiences of various families, each grappling with the profound sense of emptiness and sorrow that accompanies the loss of an infant. Davis’s writing is sensitive and empathetic, capturing the raw emotions and struggles of those who have faced such heartbreaking circumstances.
Key themes include:
Grief and Healing: The book emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing grief. Davis explores different coping mechanisms and the various stages of mourning, highlighting that healing is a personal journey that takes time.
The Impact of Loss on Relationships: Davis addresses how the death of a child affects not only the parents but also their relationships with each other and their extended families. The book provides insights into the challenges couples may face as they navigate their grief differently.
Societal Silence and Stigma: The Empty Cradle sheds light on the societal tendency to overlook or minimize the pain of perinatal loss. Davis advocates for open conversations about this difficult topic, encouraging readers to break the silence and offer support to those affected.
Hope and Resilience: Amid the heartache, the book also offers messages of hope and resilience. It underscores the strength of the human spirit and the capacity to find meaning and purpose in life after loss.
Writing Style
W.G. Davis’s prose is heartfelt and accessible, making complex emotions relatable to readers. The narrative is structured in a way that intertwines personal stories with broader reflections on grief and loss, creating a powerful emotional resonance. The author’s empathetic voice invites readers to connect deeply with the experiences shared, fostering a sense of understanding and compassion.
Conclusion
The Empty Cradle is a significant contribution to the discourse surrounding perinatal loss, providing comfort and validation to those who have experienced similar tragedies. W.G. Davis’s thoughtful and compassionate approach makes this book a valuable resource for grieving parents, as well as for friends and family seeking to understand the depth of such a loss. This poignant narrative serves not only as a reflection on grief but also as a guiding light toward healing and hope. It is a must-read for anyone touched by the experiences of loss and longing, offering both solace and understanding in the face of unimaginable sorrow.
Overview
The Empty Cradle by W.G. Davis is a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the complexities surrounding perinatal loss. This heartfelt narrative delves into the emotional turmoil faced by parents who experience the death of a child before or shortly after birth, providing a compassionate and insightful perspective on a subject that is often shrouded in silence.
Content and Themes
The narrative unfolds through the experiences of various families, each grappling with the profound sense of emptiness and sorrow that accompanies the loss of an infant. Davis’s writing is sensitive and empathetic, capturing the raw emotions and struggles of those who have faced such heartbreaking circumstances.
Key themes include:
Grief and Healing: The book emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing grief. Davis explores different coping mechanisms and the various stages of mourning, highlighting that healing is a personal journey that takes time.
The Impact of Loss on Relationships: Davis addresses how the death of a child affects not only the parents but also their relationships with each other and their extended families. The book provides insights into the challenges couples may face as they navigate their grief differently.
Societal Silence and Stigma: The Empty Cradle sheds light on the societal tendency to overlook or minimize the pain of perinatal loss. Davis advocates for open conversations about this difficult topic, encouraging readers to break the silence and offer support to those affected.
Hope and Resilience: Amid the heartache, the book also offers messages of hope and resilience. It underscores the strength of the human spirit and the capacity to find meaning and purpose in life after loss.
Writing Style
W.G. Davis’s prose is heartfelt and accessible, making complex emotions relatable to readers. The narrative is structured in a way that intertwines personal stories with broader reflections on grief and loss, creating a powerful emotional resonance. The author’s empathetic voice invites readers to connect deeply with the experiences shared, fostering a sense of understanding and compassion.
Conclusion
The Empty Cradle is a significant contribution to the discourse surrounding perinatal loss, providing comfort and validation to those who have experienced similar tragedies. W.G. Davis’s thoughtful and compassionate approach makes this book a valuable resource for grieving parents, as well as for friends and family seeking to understand the depth of such a loss. This poignant narrative serves not only as a reflection on grief but also as a guiding light toward healing and hope. It is a must-read for anyone touched by the experiences of loss and longing, offering both solace and understanding in the face of unimaginable sorrow.
October 31, 2017
Old cases, horrible editing, waste of money and time
This book is NOT worth the money being asked to pay. If I would have read it within the three day return period, I'd have certainly returned it.
The editing is ABSOLUTELY terrible. There is punctuation missing so you get lost in a world of confusion when reading a sentence that should have a long dash. Then, as you're reading along, suddenly you get a sense of deja vu when you realize you've rad this entire paragraph on the previous page - oh, but wait! This one is just a LITTLE bit different.
Then your trading along again and...wait, what? This doesn't make sense. Shouldn't this paragraph go back on THIS page over here?
Yep! It's a complete disaster! There was only one case i think I'd never heard of, and it was one of the fathers, and those are shorter stories.
So personally, this book was a complete waste of time and money and reading it gave me a huge headache. But, if you like those kinds of torturous things, go for it! 😀
This book is NOT worth the money being asked to pay. If I would have read it within the three day return period, I'd have certainly returned it.
The editing is ABSOLUTELY terrible. There is punctuation missing so you get lost in a world of confusion when reading a sentence that should have a long dash. Then, as you're reading along, suddenly you get a sense of deja vu when you realize you've rad this entire paragraph on the previous page - oh, but wait! This one is just a LITTLE bit different.
Then your trading along again and...wait, what? This doesn't make sense. Shouldn't this paragraph go back on THIS page over here?
Yep! It's a complete disaster! There was only one case i think I'd never heard of, and it was one of the fathers, and those are shorter stories.
So personally, this book was a complete waste of time and money and reading it gave me a huge headache. But, if you like those kinds of torturous things, go for it! 😀
June 13, 2017
.
I chose this book because at first glance I thought it was about the lady in Texas who had drowned her children. I had never really neEd the rest of the story. I was surprised to find it had many more stories in it including stories of men who also killed their children. I found it to be a thorough account of many I had read before with more detailed accounts of the crime than I had read before. I will look for more books than this author.
I chose this book because at first glance I thought it was about the lady in Texas who had drowned her children. I had never really neEd the rest of the story. I was surprised to find it had many more stories in it including stories of men who also killed their children. I found it to be a thorough account of many I had read before with more detailed accounts of the crime than I had read before. I will look for more books than this author.
October 24, 2017
Brief but ok
Decent..would not recommend . Very fast over view of a few cases , half of which are cases that have been over reported in the media throughout the years. Just ok .
Decent..would not recommend . Very fast over view of a few cases , half of which are cases that have been over reported in the media throughout the years. Just ok .
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews