The Presence

by Dannie Abse

A distinguished poet’s moving memoir of his wife, who died in a car accident in 2005. It is both a record of present grief and a portrait of a marriage that lasted more than fifty years.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Poetry, Autobiography

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2007

About the author

Daniel Abse CBE FRSL (1923–2014) was a Welsh poet, author, doctor and playwright. He wrote and edited more than sixteen books of poetry, as well as fiction and a range of other publications. His poetry won him many awards. As a medic, he worked in a chest clinic for over 30 years.

See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dannie_...

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quote:

(Should a) "reader be a new or old widow or widower, one left abruptly not so much in darkness but in a different place and alone as never before, then perhaps the book, like a radio playing in a distant room, may provide at least some frail consoling company. I would like to think so."

Yes, this book has been great company for me. It's also been a lesson in enduring with humility: 50+ years of marriage, ended abruptly. In a shocking moment.

Must also add, the use and discussions of poetry are sublime.

Respect.

[Natassia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreakingly beautiful. Abse is as good a writer as he is a poet. Filled with thoughts on grief and loss, humorous, tender recollections of his wife Joan and their life and other poems he likes. What a special book. It's going to have a place in my heart for a long time.

[Ian Durant · Rating 3 out of 5]

A poignant memoire of bereavement and lost love in the form of fragments which seem appropriate for the poet and his grief.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully sad and a wonderful tribute to his wife and to the often over-looked value of companionship. Love has many facets and this journal covers many that I find the most important. I don't think I could stand being left alone.

Also a fine anthology in its own right...with all the poems featured being placed into the most poignant of contexts.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dannie Abse was a poet and a doctor. His much loved wife Joan was killed in a car crash alongside him. This is his journal of his first year trying to cope alone. It's interspersed with his own and other people's poetry. I found it comforting. Dannie died recently. I hope he found Joan again.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving portait of grief, a marriage and a woman.

Sad and lovely, and beautifully written.

[Art · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful but too depressing