A Broken Heart Still Beats After Your Child Dies brings together poetry, fiction and essays curated by a psychotherapist and a journalist who have each faced the death of a child. Organized chronologically and thematically, the anthology guides readers from the immediate shock of loss to the ongoing legacy of grief.
Selections range from classic to contemporary authors—Mark Twain, Isabel Allende, William Shakespeare, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anne Tyler—paired with biographical introductions that highlight each writer’s personal connection to bereavement. Themes include the first moments of tragedy, the turbulence of sorrow, and the steps toward rebuilding a sense of wholeness.
With authentic voices and powerful imagery, this collection offers validation and compassion for those navigating child loss. It serves as both a source of comfort for bereaved parents and a resource for mental health professionals and counselors.
- Thematic, chronological structure
- Poetry, essays and fiction
- Biographical context for each selection
- Contributions from classic and modern writers