An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination
"This is the happiest story in the world with the saddest ending," writes Elizabeth McCracken in her powerful, inspiring memoir. A prize-winning, successful novelist in her 30s, McCracken was happy to be an itinerant writer and self-proclaimed spinster. But suddenly she fell in love, got married, and two years ago was living in a remote part of France, working on her novel, and waiting for the birth of her first child.
This book is about what happened next. In her ninth month of pregnancy, she learned that her baby boy had died. How do you deal with and recover from this kind of loss? Of course you don't--but you go on. And if you have ever experienced loss or love someone who has, the company of this remarkable book will help you go on.
With humor and warmth and unfailing generosity, McCracken considers the nature of love and grief. She opens her heart and leaves all of ours the richer for it.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it so beautifully lays out loss and longing.
What to Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you without cease. I will call you and I will keep calling until you feel like talking.
Trigger warning: This book ends with the birth of a healthy newborn. Make sure to consider the readiness of your recipient to consider this possibility.