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There are currently 24 member reviews
for Heartbreak
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Janice P. (South Woodstock, VT)
A Helpful Grasp of Grief
Chances are that if you're reading this review, it's because you, too, are struggling to cope with some type of loss.
After "three decades of togetherness… I would be facing an uncertain future without the partner I'd had since I was 18 years old," Florence Williams begins her unique, very readable blend of memoir and research into every kind of grief—from divorce, or social rejection or isolation, to the death of a loved one. Wisely she is focused less on rehashing her own past and more on what might helps her, and us, to move forward.
In particular, Williams explores the mind-body connection, the physiology of attachment and loss or rejection, whether with infant animals or adult humans. Why does it hurt so much, and what can we do about it? In many cases, she shows us, even the scientists who study it have been driven by a personal need to know. Beyond that, there's the case to be made (and Williams makes it very strongly) that heartbreak can pose an existential threat, on every level.
This is not a facile "self help" guide but a deep look into the ways that we experience and respond to grief, drawing together the insights of medicine, psychology, sports, philosophy and even literature. Our age, gender, personality and genetics play a part; so does our culture. It's up to the reader to decide what to take away from this book, but at the very least, I found it helpful to learn more about the ways that my unique struggle is nonetheless entirely natural. And that some risks are worth taking, understanding more fully what is at stake.
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Stephanie K. (Glendale, AZ)
A Heartbreaker to Read and Mull Over
This book about love lost in the form of rejection and subsequent divorce is a timely and compassionate approach to heartbreak. I think most every adult alive, male or female, divorced or not, can identify with being told to take a hike and the effects this has on them mentally, physically and spiritually. Having been both a bookseller as well as a library assistant, I can truthfully say that this book belongs as a welcome addition to any professional or personal shelf. The author not only deftly steers us through the shoals of her own breakup, she also helps us to see the why and how of relationship toxicity and the way we may most quickly and efficiently recover from such devastation. Her honesty concerning her own mistakes and misgivings is refreshing and encouraging. Read this book to learn how to become functional and whole again following a bad breakup.
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Donna M
Heartbreak
The author’s journey to understand her own pain after her marriage ended led her to examine the substance of heartbreak itself. She studied the scientific research into heartbreak’s affect on emotional and physical health as well as the process of healing, and she participated in various forums and programs as speaker and/or participant. I didn’t finish reading Heartbreak. Some studies of our response to heartbreaks confirmed what we already know, and the methodologies used in the animal research were often disturbing in themselves. Readers may find some of her insights personally valuable, but I didn’t find the value of her journey or research enough to carry me to the end of the book.
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Cindy C. (Withee, WI)
A journey through divorce and beyond
As someone who has been through a divorce, I found the book interesting and could relate to some of what the author said. On the other hand, I expected it to talk more generally about the health issues and scientific research related to all forms of heartbreak and grief. I also felt that even though the author made the science understandable for the most part, there were times I thought it kind of bogged down the story. If someone is on this journey, the book is probably worth their time as they might gain some insights of their own. But I don't think it is for the average reader.
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Janet T. (Northbrook, IL)
Memoir and investigation
I was interested in this account of working through sadness and loneliness after a long marriage, though after reading more than half of the book, I decided that I wasn't ready for the last 100 or so pages. I think someone closer to her situation might find her research and consultations helpful. The mix of personal story and science was effective, but my interest waned.
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Ariel F. (Madison, WI)
Heartbreak? We all have experienced it!
I found the topic to be of interest.But it took me an extensive amount of time to get into the book. I was very interested in the story, but sometimes got bogged
down by the medical/scientific details.
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Ashleigh P. (Round Hill, VA)
More divorce memoir than heartbreak science
What was likely a well intentioned and overarching take on heartbreak, this book read more like a divorce memoir than the expected non-fiction book with anecdotes. I have never experienced traumatic heartbreak or a divorce and therefore found most of the specifics irrelevant or uninteresting. And this book was very divorce focused whereas I think "heartbreak" is much more relatable and broad. While the author did a nice job structuring the chapters with various elements (quotes, anecdotes, dialogue with a bit of plot) the "science" piece was severely lacking. It felt more like a stream of consciousness than a structured "scientific journey". That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed many relatable aspects of the author's personality which shined throughout the book.
