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Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home
As a child in the 1950s, Kevin O’Connor knew his house was different than his friends.
A stately, three-story, nineteenth century Victorian. His bed tucked next to a stage in a former ballroom. His uncle and aunt lived with their three daughters on the floor below. A large electric organ in a bay window of the first-floor mortuary business. Stacked caskets and an embalming room in the basement.
Nobody had a house like his.
Set from the 1920s to ‘80s, Two Floors Above Grief is full of fascinating details and anecdotes about life as a funeral home child, brought to vivid life through a compelling collection of letters written by O’Connor and various family members who lived and worked together at the O’Connor Funeral Home in Elgin, Illinois. Blending the twenty-four-hour business of death and its constantly ringing phone with the joy experienced by his families through music, pets, backyard basketball games, co-parenting, faith, and celebrations, O’Connor offers a reflective love letter to the affirmation of family love and embracing life.
A stately, three-story, nineteenth century Victorian. His bed tucked next to a stage in a former ballroom. His uncle and aunt lived with their three daughters on the floor below. A large electric organ in a bay window of the first-floor mortuary business. Stacked caskets and an embalming room in the basement.
Nobody had a house like his.
Set from the 1920s to ‘80s, Two Floors Above Grief is full of fascinating details and anecdotes about life as a funeral home child, brought to vivid life through a compelling collection of letters written by O’Connor and various family members who lived and worked together at the O’Connor Funeral Home in Elgin, Illinois. Blending the twenty-four-hour business of death and its constantly ringing phone with the joy experienced by his families through music, pets, backyard basketball games, co-parenting, faith, and celebrations, O’Connor offers a reflective love letter to the affirmation of family love and embracing life.
342 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2022
233 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 15, 2023
This book has so much potential. I really wanted to like it. But the author spent too much time explaining how buildings were remodeled to accommodate their living quarters. And several of the stories had nothing to do with living in a funeral home - they were just basic coming-of-age stories. I was hoping for more insight into the (I assume) quirkiness of living the funeral home business. There was some of that, but not enough.
November 2, 2023
This memoir was very informative and a bit quirky due to the telling of the unique experiences that can occur when raised above a funeral home. I enjoyed learning more about the author’s upbringing and his relationship with his immediate, extended family, however, I did often get confused with all the names that probably slipped off the author’s tongue easily, burned in his memory. (“Who’s Maureen again? Wait, is his father Bill or Lawrence?”). I thought the infusion of recorded letters into the stories added a special touch and allowed the reader to hear the actual “voices” of those who are since deceased. I thoroughly enjoyed this portion. The inclusion of these artifacts, in sharing the O’Connor’s specific history, was pivotal in connecting emotionally to the “non-relative”, reader – such a precious component to the stories told. I also feel that the retold conversations between his parents (inc. aunt/uncle) and himself were very touching and indicative of the nurturing environment this atypical family system was successful in fostering. The letters also formed a bridge to taking the reader back in time to the tumultuous politics of the 60's and 70's.
Lastly, I appreciated the decision to group the chapters by theme and/or event as opposed to chronological order. I think this facilitated the book to be a memoir about the entire O’Connor family instead of just a memoir of Kevin O’Connor’s life alone. What a beautiful endeavor, to document your family’s history…and personality, for future generations to experience. This project absolutely took a lot of effort, research, and dedication by the author to accomplish; creates a bit of desire within oneself to document more about their own family history - - and maybe even bring back the lost art of letter writing too!!!
Lastly, I appreciated the decision to group the chapters by theme and/or event as opposed to chronological order. I think this facilitated the book to be a memoir about the entire O’Connor family instead of just a memoir of Kevin O’Connor’s life alone. What a beautiful endeavor, to document your family’s history…and personality, for future generations to experience. This project absolutely took a lot of effort, research, and dedication by the author to accomplish; creates a bit of desire within oneself to document more about their own family history - - and maybe even bring back the lost art of letter writing too!!!
January 20, 2023
More of a family story than a story of life in a funeral home. Good, but not what I expected.
August 21, 2023
Have you ever thought about how death affects a family? Does it always mean a loss, or can it bring people together? The questions I pose are aptly answered in “Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home” by Kevin M. O’Connor. O’Connor is a man who had what I would call the privilege of growing up in a unique setting. His dad was an employee of the O’Connor Funeral Home in Elgin, Illinois. He was not just a boy who grew up in the business. He was a boy who grew up living in the business.
Kevin O’Connor’s aunt and uncle started a funeral business, and his parents joined the business a bit later. All this led to a unique situation where a family and business colleague began living under one roof. O’Connor tells his story not in chronological order but chooses to focus on various “chapters” of his life living at 364 Division Street. He grew up on the third floor of an old Victorian house. The first floor was the funeral home while the second was his aunt and uncle, Lawrence and Mildred’s living space.
He shares stories about the early years and culture of each family. The larger chunk of the book is what O’Connor calls “cultivating a culture of one family.” It is here we learn how their Catholic religion drove their actions, how the families grew, and the impact of personal grief on each family member. The author concludes the book with a discussion of what the mortuary business truly is and how transitions in his family have shaped who he is.
The author has an obvious love for his family. He has studied genealogy and embraced what his family history had to offer him. I have studied my own family history and appreciate what he has learned and shared with readers. The memories he shares with us remind me that we all have so much to learn from those who came before us. The need to embrace what our families have sacrificed and worked for to help us know how to love our own families.
I can relate to much of what he shares. The aroma of cigarette smoke, dealing with miscarriages, and being a young person with new ideas that others don’t understand were a part of my own story. O’Connor has crafted a book that reminds us that all families look and live different lives, but those are still the people that love us and will lend an ear or shoulder when we need one.
“Two Floors Above Grief” is a treasure. It is not the average memoir. It is a collection of memories that collectivity tells the story of a family. I would recommend “Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home” by Kevin M. O’Connor to anyone who enjoys genealogy or a lighthearted reading experience.
Kevin O’Connor’s aunt and uncle started a funeral business, and his parents joined the business a bit later. All this led to a unique situation where a family and business colleague began living under one roof. O’Connor tells his story not in chronological order but chooses to focus on various “chapters” of his life living at 364 Division Street. He grew up on the third floor of an old Victorian house. The first floor was the funeral home while the second was his aunt and uncle, Lawrence and Mildred’s living space.
He shares stories about the early years and culture of each family. The larger chunk of the book is what O’Connor calls “cultivating a culture of one family.” It is here we learn how their Catholic religion drove their actions, how the families grew, and the impact of personal grief on each family member. The author concludes the book with a discussion of what the mortuary business truly is and how transitions in his family have shaped who he is.
The author has an obvious love for his family. He has studied genealogy and embraced what his family history had to offer him. I have studied my own family history and appreciate what he has learned and shared with readers. The memories he shares with us remind me that we all have so much to learn from those who came before us. The need to embrace what our families have sacrificed and worked for to help us know how to love our own families.
I can relate to much of what he shares. The aroma of cigarette smoke, dealing with miscarriages, and being a young person with new ideas that others don’t understand were a part of my own story. O’Connor has crafted a book that reminds us that all families look and live different lives, but those are still the people that love us and will lend an ear or shoulder when we need one.
“Two Floors Above Grief” is a treasure. It is not the average memoir. It is a collection of memories that collectivity tells the story of a family. I would recommend “Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home” by Kevin M. O’Connor to anyone who enjoys genealogy or a lighthearted reading experience.
March 23, 2023
I usually do not read self-published memoirs, as I find them generally to be poorly written, badly edited, and simply uninteresting. However, at the behest of a colleague who urged me to read his friend's book, I gave it a go.
As self-published memoirs go, this one is well written stylistically and generally well edited -- I found only about half a dozen mistakes in the book that an editor would have (or should have) caught. But while the subject matter -- two related families growing up in the home that also houses the families' funeral business -- should have given much material for an interesting narrative, much of this book simply fails on this score. For instance, readers are put through a detailed description of how many steps are in each of the house's stairways, a retelling of the family dog running away, the type of food and drink served at family gatherings, and detailed discussion of the funeral arrangements for each member of the family that has passed. In my view, its interest likely does not extend beyond the author's family and friends, and those interested in the history of the location of the book (Illinois).
That being said, there are areas that shine, such as the sensitive way in which a father explains to a child what it means that his mother has suffered a series of miscarriages, as well as a discussion of the effect of the Vietnam War and the student protest movement on the family relationships. The author is a good writer.
This book reinforces my view that self-published memoirs are best read when the reader already has an interest in the person or the subject matter.
As self-published memoirs go, this one is well written stylistically and generally well edited -- I found only about half a dozen mistakes in the book that an editor would have (or should have) caught. But while the subject matter -- two related families growing up in the home that also houses the families' funeral business -- should have given much material for an interesting narrative, much of this book simply fails on this score. For instance, readers are put through a detailed description of how many steps are in each of the house's stairways, a retelling of the family dog running away, the type of food and drink served at family gatherings, and detailed discussion of the funeral arrangements for each member of the family that has passed. In my view, its interest likely does not extend beyond the author's family and friends, and those interested in the history of the location of the book (Illinois).
That being said, there are areas that shine, such as the sensitive way in which a father explains to a child what it means that his mother has suffered a series of miscarriages, as well as a discussion of the effect of the Vietnam War and the student protest movement on the family relationships. The author is a good writer.
This book reinforces my view that self-published memoirs are best read when the reader already has an interest in the person or the subject matter.
January 11, 2024
Miami book fair find where I got to meet Kevin! Always enjoy supporting local writers. I spent a few months working for a funeral home, so I enjoyed hearing Kevin’s family story.
I do wish the book was more narrative at times, and focused more on the life stories than the house descriptions, but overall I enjoyed reading the book.
I do wish the book was more narrative at times, and focused more on the life stories than the house descriptions, but overall I enjoyed reading the book.
December 25, 2022
Extraordinary family connections, shared with love…
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2022
Firstly, I ordered this book because I knew the author from a volunteer event. Secondly, I ordered it because it sounded intriguing.
Until a few weeks ago when I did 23 and me, I knew nothing about my heritage or family history and had never been very curious. Just minutes into this book, I felt hyper-invested in the O’Conner family, of whom I’ve just been introduced. The introduction alone led me to pour over the family tree. Then throughout the read, I kept returning to the family tree to trace the members and keep track of where they were on the tree.
I love a book that paints a picture, and I absolutely felt like I’d been inside the house on Division Street by midway through the book. The detailed description of the woodworking, staircases, stories, made we feel like a docent was walking me through in person.
Some endearing moments were visualizing the sugar bowl flying off the lazy Susan, milk being poured over heads, comparing the grandparents moving journey to that of the Beverly Hillbillies, haircut arguments, Checkers’ train ride, Mildred’s raisin cake, and the description of parents’ lives being a choreographed dance.
Some relatable, but tense moments were the generational misunderstandings between mother and son in regards to activism and the Vietnam War and the time the funeral procession went to the wrong cemetery.
My father passed away in June of 2021 and my stepfather in the fall of 2022. This book helped me feel more grace in their processes of dying. Two special takeaways the author had from his father were the value in chiropractic care and yoga, both of which were ahead of their time. From my dad I took away a love of travel and stepdad a love of politics and education. This book led me to find silver linings in my parentage.
In short, it’s an artfully written tale of two families interconnected more than most, thriving in a mansion under the same roof as funeral parlor, and a decades-long coming out story. Although before reading the book, I would have said no thank you to living above a mortuary, I found myself envious and in admiration of most all aspects of this family. Their connectedness and shared culture was special.
And finally, I love the chapter about serendipity and I love when moments lead us to connections. My serendipitous moment, while reading this book, happened in the Toronto Airport. I was mid-way through the chapter about Catholicism when, on the loud speaker, they started announcing a Catholic mass that was about to take place in the airport. Everyone was invited. Whoa! I’d never heard of a religious service taking place in an airport before, and what are the chances I’d be in that particular chapter when the announcement was made? Thanks for the serendipitous moment. The book was wonderful! I highly recommend it!
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2022
Firstly, I ordered this book because I knew the author from a volunteer event. Secondly, I ordered it because it sounded intriguing.
Until a few weeks ago when I did 23 and me, I knew nothing about my heritage or family history and had never been very curious. Just minutes into this book, I felt hyper-invested in the O’Conner family, of whom I’ve just been introduced. The introduction alone led me to pour over the family tree. Then throughout the read, I kept returning to the family tree to trace the members and keep track of where they were on the tree.
I love a book that paints a picture, and I absolutely felt like I’d been inside the house on Division Street by midway through the book. The detailed description of the woodworking, staircases, stories, made we feel like a docent was walking me through in person.
Some endearing moments were visualizing the sugar bowl flying off the lazy Susan, milk being poured over heads, comparing the grandparents moving journey to that of the Beverly Hillbillies, haircut arguments, Checkers’ train ride, Mildred’s raisin cake, and the description of parents’ lives being a choreographed dance.
Some relatable, but tense moments were the generational misunderstandings between mother and son in regards to activism and the Vietnam War and the time the funeral procession went to the wrong cemetery.
My father passed away in June of 2021 and my stepfather in the fall of 2022. This book helped me feel more grace in their processes of dying. Two special takeaways the author had from his father were the value in chiropractic care and yoga, both of which were ahead of their time. From my dad I took away a love of travel and stepdad a love of politics and education. This book led me to find silver linings in my parentage.
In short, it’s an artfully written tale of two families interconnected more than most, thriving in a mansion under the same roof as funeral parlor, and a decades-long coming out story. Although before reading the book, I would have said no thank you to living above a mortuary, I found myself envious and in admiration of most all aspects of this family. Their connectedness and shared culture was special.
And finally, I love the chapter about serendipity and I love when moments lead us to connections. My serendipitous moment, while reading this book, happened in the Toronto Airport. I was mid-way through the chapter about Catholicism when, on the loud speaker, they started announcing a Catholic mass that was about to take place in the airport. Everyone was invited. Whoa! I’d never heard of a religious service taking place in an airport before, and what are the chances I’d be in that particular chapter when the announcement was made? Thanks for the serendipitous moment. The book was wonderful! I highly recommend it!
January 30, 2024
A lovely memoir of an unusual but happy home life. This book paints a picture for the reader of a world most of us couldn't possibly be familiar with. I enjoyed it very much.
May 23, 2023
Captivating Story
"Two Floors Above Grief" is a captivating memoir that takes readers on a journey through his childhood in a distinctive home—a nineteenth-century Victorian house that also served as a funeral home. Set from the 1920s to the 1980s, the memoir is filled with intriguing details and anecdotes about life as a funeral home child, providing a unique and intimate perspective on family, love, and embracing life.
The author's personal connection to the subject matter is evident as he shares his experiences growing up in this unconventional setting. From his bed nestled next to a stage in a former ballroom to the presence of a mortuary business on the first floor, O'Connor vividly portrays the distinctiveness of his home and the impact it had on his upbringing. The inclusion of letters written by O'Connor and various family members adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked together in the O'Connor Funeral Home in Elgin, Illinois.
Through the blending of the funeral home's twenty-four-hour business of death and the joys experienced by his families, O'Connor skillfully captures the intricate balance between grief and celebration, providing a poignant and reflective exploration of family dynamics and the affirmation of love. The memoir delves into various aspects of life, such as music, pets, backyard basketball games, co-parenting, faith, and celebrations, offering a multifaceted view of the families' experiences and the resilience they displayed.
"Two Floors Above Grief" is a captivating memoir that takes readers on a journey through his childhood in a distinctive home—a nineteenth-century Victorian house that also served as a funeral home. Set from the 1920s to the 1980s, the memoir is filled with intriguing details and anecdotes about life as a funeral home child, providing a unique and intimate perspective on family, love, and embracing life.
The author's personal connection to the subject matter is evident as he shares his experiences growing up in this unconventional setting. From his bed nestled next to a stage in a former ballroom to the presence of a mortuary business on the first floor, O'Connor vividly portrays the distinctiveness of his home and the impact it had on his upbringing. The inclusion of letters written by O'Connor and various family members adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked together in the O'Connor Funeral Home in Elgin, Illinois.
Through the blending of the funeral home's twenty-four-hour business of death and the joys experienced by his families, O'Connor skillfully captures the intricate balance between grief and celebration, providing a poignant and reflective exploration of family dynamics and the affirmation of love. The memoir delves into various aspects of life, such as music, pets, backyard basketball games, co-parenting, faith, and celebrations, offering a multifaceted view of the families' experiences and the resilience they displayed.
January 21, 2023
This book is a part of my family history. My mother was the oldest daughter of Lawrence and Mildred. I have so many memories of going to the house to visit my grandparents staying there going to the 3rd floor apartment and visiting with my Aunt and Uncle (they were my godparents). There was a couple parts in the book that brought back the memory when I would stay there for weeks in the summer I would sleep in the same room as my mom and sisters slept in. You know when you are young that stuff doesn’t seem like a big deal but now that I am an adult it really makes you think.
Another one Kevin brought up the last St Patrick’s day party we had in the barn and the snow storm at the time my husband and I lived in a town in southern Illinois and we made that trip to that party and to spend time with the extended family was fun.
I remember something my Grandpa Larry use to say to us kids about death. “Don’t celebrate the dead they are no longer here celebrate there life” as a granddaughter of a funeral director I always remember that and always try and do that as friends and family members pass on. I always remember them and the talks, time together. Thanks Kevin for writing this and sharing our history to others.
Another one Kevin brought up the last St Patrick’s day party we had in the barn and the snow storm at the time my husband and I lived in a town in southern Illinois and we made that trip to that party and to spend time with the extended family was fun.
I remember something my Grandpa Larry use to say to us kids about death. “Don’t celebrate the dead they are no longer here celebrate there life” as a granddaughter of a funeral director I always remember that and always try and do that as friends and family members pass on. I always remember them and the talks, time together. Thanks Kevin for writing this and sharing our history to others.
December 2, 2022
I enjoyed reading this memoir by a person born the same year I was. O’Connor’s story is filled with tales of two families blended together on the two floors above a mortuary run by his Dad and Uncle. There were so many national and world events woven into this narrative viewed from the Midwest that I had also experienced from California and after 1979 from Hoboken, NJ. As The author weaves stories together it presents the life shared by two families, a life of love and grief, holidays and accomplishments, marriages and children, as well as the unique challenges of being “Two Floors Above Grief.”
December 15, 2023
great journey to another family
I really enjoyed being a part of Kevin’s family as I read this book. It was a great visit getting to know his parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and all. To part of such a loving group and to see all the interconnections was eye opening. I loved reading his mother’s letters and the supportive environment of his home. I recommend it particularly if it helps you reflect on your own family. Thanks Kevin for sharing the journey.
I really enjoyed being a part of Kevin’s family as I read this book. It was a great visit getting to know his parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and all. To part of such a loving group and to see all the interconnections was eye opening. I loved reading his mother’s letters and the supportive environment of his home. I recommend it particularly if it helps you reflect on your own family. Thanks Kevin for sharing the journey.
February 3, 2023
I enjoyed two floors above grief. It’s a memoir not of the author himself, but of an extended family that not worked and lived together successfully, despite the inevitable tensions that occur in such a situation. Definitely worth a read.
June 11, 2023
Was nice to read this book about Elgin, IL. I live here and enjoyed reading about a local family and business.
February 14, 2023
Engaging Memoir for Readers. I love memoirs. I especially enjoy organized trips to another time and place through an author's personal memories and stories. O'Connor transports us not to one time--but to decades of history, including his extended family, his historic family home, and perspectives and views of historical highlights that occurred over the years. So often, I look at an old house and think, "What stories could those walls tell?". The author told the stories of his unique historical home and his family's history in such a well-organized, well-researched, and documented manner. The pages bring his family, their funeral home house, and his memories to life for readers with themed chapters and an easy-to-read writing flow.
This Book Looks at the Historical Details of Running a Business--and Running a Family. Most of us did not grow up operating a family business inside the walls of a funeral home. The author shares a unique story with personal memories and views of life, death, family, and history, making this an interesting read. While this novel tells pieces of the author's life story, it offers much more insights into his home and middle-American upbringing and the dynamics behind running a not-so-often-discussed family business.
Would I Recommend Two Floors Above Grief by Kevin O'Connor? The author pulled me into his home and his family's story from the very first pages. I have volumes of my own unorganized family history on a shelf in my office and thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the amount of research and time the author put into this memoir. Glimpses into running a funeral home business bring a blend of life, death, grief, and happiness that also offers opportunities for discussion and reflection. If you enjoy reading memoirs, this one provides a unique view and perspective of the author's family, history, and memories.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
This Book Looks at the Historical Details of Running a Business--and Running a Family. Most of us did not grow up operating a family business inside the walls of a funeral home. The author shares a unique story with personal memories and views of life, death, family, and history, making this an interesting read. While this novel tells pieces of the author's life story, it offers much more insights into his home and middle-American upbringing and the dynamics behind running a not-so-often-discussed family business.
Would I Recommend Two Floors Above Grief by Kevin O'Connor? The author pulled me into his home and his family's story from the very first pages. I have volumes of my own unorganized family history on a shelf in my office and thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the amount of research and time the author put into this memoir. Glimpses into running a funeral home business bring a blend of life, death, grief, and happiness that also offers opportunities for discussion and reflection. If you enjoy reading memoirs, this one provides a unique view and perspective of the author's family, history, and memories.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
February 28, 2023
This is the account and meanderings of a man raised in a unique multi-family dwelling that sounds wonderful!
This book is a detailed story, covering over two decades, that he researched and discovered many things he did not remember or even know.
He describes in detail things about his residences, his family and extended family, religion, self-discovery, and the ups and downs of those years.
In creating this publication, he hopes to inspire others to do the same. He feels it adds to family connection and unity, in exploring one’s past history.
He brought out many important points that are truly lacking and important to correct in these new generations raised with so much technology. Yet, technology aids in research and in making one’s life easier. There are blessings and challenges in each generation.
This was an interesting, quite well-written book but for me, there was too much detail and some unneeded repetition.
I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating.
This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review
This book is a detailed story, covering over two decades, that he researched and discovered many things he did not remember or even know.
He describes in detail things about his residences, his family and extended family, religion, self-discovery, and the ups and downs of those years.
In creating this publication, he hopes to inspire others to do the same. He feels it adds to family connection and unity, in exploring one’s past history.
He brought out many important points that are truly lacking and important to correct in these new generations raised with so much technology. Yet, technology aids in research and in making one’s life easier. There are blessings and challenges in each generation.
This was an interesting, quite well-written book but for me, there was too much detail and some unneeded repetition.
I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating.
This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review
February 6, 2023
Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home is written by Kevin M. O'Connor. I love books where I can learn about people, family and events in their lifetime. This is a well written memoir of two families that lived above a funeral home. I myself do not think that I could live above a funeral home.
The author does a great job in recounting his lifetime. The main focus of his memoir is the 1950’s and 1960’s. I loved that he also focused on major historical events that happened during this time period. I really enjoyed getting to know the O’Connor family. The way the author writes about his family - I felt like I knew them deeply.
The book is well written and informative. The author’s writing style flows nicely. Reading his work made me feel like I was sitting down with a friend for coffee. Thank you to the author, publisher and IRead Book tours - all thoughts are my own.
The author does a great job in recounting his lifetime. The main focus of his memoir is the 1950’s and 1960’s. I loved that he also focused on major historical events that happened during this time period. I really enjoyed getting to know the O’Connor family. The way the author writes about his family - I felt like I knew them deeply.
The book is well written and informative. The author’s writing style flows nicely. Reading his work made me feel like I was sitting down with a friend for coffee. Thank you to the author, publisher and IRead Book tours - all thoughts are my own.
February 16, 2023
I found Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home by Kevin M. O'Connor to be a pretty good read. It was interesting to read about the author’s upcoming living above a funeral home. Though living in a business that brings so much sadness, I love how he was able to show the happy times growing up, as well. All throughout the book, I was able to get to see through his eyes of events that unfolded during this time, particularly during the mid twentieth century. I found the story was fascinating and I loved getting to know him and his family. It was interesting to meet everyone in his life at the time and what it was like for them all. I believe that the book would definitely be a treasure for the family historians in his family.
I am giving Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy memoirs, family histories, and learning about others experiences. I found the author, Kevin M O’Connor to be a talented writer and would love for him to release more books in the future.
I received a paperback copy of Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy memoirs, family histories, and learning about others experiences. I found the author, Kevin M O’Connor to be a talented writer and would love for him to release more books in the future.
I received a paperback copy of Two Floors Above Grief: A Memoir of Two Families in the Unique Place We Called Home from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
April 10, 2024
Equal parts memoir of a family engaged in the funeral home business, a history of their origins, experiences of growing up in the unique shared family space, and an homage to the written word based upon the saved letters shared between family members.
While at times the author gets caught up in minutia and details his words certainly create a vision of the home, the times, and the lives of those who experienced life. He also encourages readers to research and find their own family’s histories and share them.
While at times the author gets caught up in minutia and details his words certainly create a vision of the home, the times, and the lives of those who experienced life. He also encourages readers to research and find their own family’s histories and share them.
August 26, 2024
This memoir is a wonderful tribute to a very interesting family and a unique living arrangement; However I would have liked to learn a bit more about the intricacies of the business of running a Funeral Home.
I love how Kevin writes with tenderness and appreciation of his family and the lives they led. Although the numerous names did get a bit confusing, it was not difficult to get the gist of the story.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope lots of potential memoir writers will be inspired to follow Kevin's encouragement and write their own story.
I love how Kevin writes with tenderness and appreciation of his family and the lives they led. Although the numerous names did get a bit confusing, it was not difficult to get the gist of the story.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope lots of potential memoir writers will be inspired to follow Kevin's encouragement and write their own story.
December 7, 2025
Two Floors Above Grief is a touching and unique memoir. Kevin O’Connor shares what it was like growing up in a Victorian home that was also his family’s funeral business. The story is full of interesting details, family letters, and warm memories that show both the challenges and joys of living “two floors above grief.”
It’s heartfelt, honest, and surprisingly uplifting a beautiful reminder of the strength of family and finding life even in unusual places.
It’s heartfelt, honest, and surprisingly uplifting a beautiful reminder of the strength of family and finding life even in unusual places.
July 5, 2024
It was a nice history of their family. It was not what I was expecting. I thought it would be vignettes about the customers they served. Would have been nice to include photos of the house after hearing the description.
July 22, 2024
An inspiring story
An amazing story about the experience of living in an extended family. I liked the detailed descriptions of the defining factors in Kevin's life, including the funeral home. The inspiration for this book was family letters, and were fascinating.
An amazing story about the experience of living in an extended family. I liked the detailed descriptions of the defining factors in Kevin's life, including the funeral home. The inspiration for this book was family letters, and were fascinating.
June 19, 2024
Didn't complete.
August 14, 2025
A heartfelt and unique memoir that beautifully captures a childhood where joy and grief lived side by side. Warm, vivid, and deeply human , an unforgettable read.”
April 7, 2024
Goodreads giveaway winner / free book review:
Most won’t like all the details about the renovations but I loved the details.
Kindle e-book on IOS.
Used Spoken content accessibility tool with English Australian female voice Matilda Premium to listen to this book.
Most won’t like all the details about the renovations but I loved the details.
Kindle e-book on IOS.
Used Spoken content accessibility tool with English Australian female voice Matilda Premium to listen to this book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews