Widowland

by Rachel Brougham

I’m fine. That’s what grievers often say when people ask how they’re doing. Except they’re not fine. Rachel Brougham lived a charmed life. She grew up playing sports in a small town in Michigan. She had great friends, found her dream job, and in 2001, met Colin. They were engaged just six weeks later, had a baby, and eventually moved to Minneapolis. Things were great until Colin was killed in a cycling accident just a few blocks from home. In that instant, nearly every aspect of Rachel’s life changed. Widowland explores how grief changes a person, from their brain chemistry to how they think and go on with their lives. In her essays, Rachel shows us that grieving doesn’t always mean we need to be sad. Sometimes it means laughing over washing some of our dead husband’s ashes down the sink, making it through the day by meandering in the nearest Target store or responding to awkward messages on dating apps. Rachel’s story sheds light on the darkness grievers experience after everyone else has moved on, and what those who are in pain wish they could say to those on the outside of it. And for anyone on the outside seeking help with how to support those going through tough times, Widowland is the guide we always needed.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Brougham wrote a book about her most personal grief, the loss of her "person". It was such a complete rendering of the shock, disbelief, fear, longing, anger, questioning of her ability to go on, to be able to raise their son properly. She hit the nail on the head time after time of the emotional roller coaster the survivor goes on, and it sure isn't easy. This book is an excellent read for someone who just experienced a great loss and for those who have been grieving for years. A BIG thank you to Ms Brougham for writing this amazing account of life after the unexpected passing of her " person"!

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for anyone who has experienced extreme grief from loss of a loved one. Rachel is an exceptional writer and you can feel her grief and the deep love she has for Colin. There are some incredibly profound takes on grief that are applicable even beyond the loss of "your person"/your significant other, which I found incredibly helpful and I will be unpacking my thoughts on it for a long time.

[Colombe Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When writing a review about this book it is hard to put into words how the authors voice kept you turning the page, that the story made you laugh and cry within two pages. Because, this story isn't a story this is real life.
Rachel Brougham courageously and beautifully tells the story of loosing her husband in a tragic accident. This is her story about learning to live again and how grief transforms us.