Suddenly - Book Review

Danell teNyenhuis Black is a courageous writer who shares her personal story of loss, grief, and recovery for the edification of others. Suddenly: A Widow's Story of Unexpected Loss and Healing presents the author's intensely personal message of loss, which is heartfelt and supportive without being maudlin. She writes from the perspective that widows are part of a sisterhood as well as an extended family.

The author introduces her message with a prologue that includes a short piece she wrote on the first anniversary of her husband's death. Her imaginative writing and interpretation lead the reader to see how the author's hopes and dreams followed an unplanned path. Inspirational and encouraging, the reader is then plunged into "The Worst Day of My Life."

Told in first person, present tense, the story of Patrick's accident is chilling and heart-numbing. Danell includes small backstories about Patrick and their family so the reader feels they are personal friends. Danell relates factual data as well as her fears that all she is learning about an unidentified man killed in a bike accident is not a coincidence.

Danell's story continues as she relates confirmation of her worst fears, notifying her daughters and their large extended family members. Family as a whole and individual family members are a vital part of her story. Readers who have had similar experiences will be able to relate to her many short family backstories. Funeral planning and the aftermath of court hearings of the perpetrator of the accident make saying "goodbye" to her husband, their daughters' father, and a member of a large extended family a heart-wrenching experience.

As years passed, Danell moved forward and tried the online dating scene. Her experiences are often humorous and help the reader realize that life goes on.

As the book reaches a conclusion, the author includes a section about what life is like for a widow during the Holidays and as a single person who must now rely on herself to do all the chores handled by her husband. She chose to be happy and to further her education. Her courage is empowering.