Funeral Readings and Poems

by Becky Brown (editor)

This elegant, slim volume of writing is full of carefully chosen classic poetry and prose which is by turn moving, thought provoking, comforting and sorrowful.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gilt edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is edited by Becky Brown.

Helpfully divided into different sections, Funeral Readings and Poems faces up to the enormity of death and loss as well as the deep emotions that ensue. There are many famous poems here such as ‘Crossing the Bar’ by Alfred, Lord Tennyson and ‘How do I Love Thee?’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, as well as lesser known contributions from poets such as Edna Vincent Millay and letters sent by Cassandra Austen.

Genres: Poetry, Classics

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Riley Buikema · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this the past few days because my grandpa passed this spring. Many of these poems and readings have really touched me and or made me cry. Worth a read for anyone dealing with grief that isn’t in the mood for a whole long dense book about grief. Nice to consume in bite sized nuggets

[Maria Papantuono · Rating 5 out of 5]

cried, multiple times.

[ZackReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found that a fair amount of the texts in this book have served their purpose of being capable of what the title details, being able to assist those in the grieving and healing process during or after a funeral. A solid split between readings I found nice and unique, and others which were a bit too stereotypical for a funeral, especially for one who was special to you.

Good collection and worth the money spent on it.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book in a small, independent bookstore. I felt like I should buy something so I went with this. If you are a person who regularly does funerals, this is a great book to keep handy as it is a collection of poems/readings for them.

[Liam Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This organization of literature for funerals is excellent, the poems and other readings that were chosen were amazing, my favorites are Dirge without Music by Edna St. Vincent Millay and Music, When soft voices die by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The poems can be sad however they are beautiful in a sense of how they can make you feel as if the loved ones you have lost are always right around the corner and always with you.

[romeo. · Rating 3 out of 5]

very split, mostly due to the relatively vast types of bereavement poetry and excerpts. some were cliché, many of the same sentiments were repeated in a manner too alike each other. there were a decent amount of standout lines, and i may visit some of these poems again.

[cloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favourites were 'funeral blues' (w.h. auden - i've always loved this poem), 'to l.h.b.' (katherine mansfield), 'death is nothing at all' (henry scott holland), quote from 'in the mountains' (elizabeth von arnim), and 'in blackwater woods' (mary oliver). the cover of this one is gorgeous

[Mila Sommer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking and healing

[catherine ✩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

some rlly good ones in here

[Becky Weeks · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some great ones included but I feel like some great ones were also left out, so while I love this book and idea behind it, I’m torn on the stars.

[JA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pocket size

[Emily Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly morbid? Sure. A cute collection of poems and excerpts re: death? Yes. 4/5 stars.

[cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection.

[Jessi B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely collection, some of which I have left highlighted to be used at my own funeral.