Very occasionally the term non-fiction has to stretch itself to accommodate a book that fits into no category at all. Michael Rosen's Sad Book is such a book. It chronicles Michael's grief at the death of his son Eddie from meningitis at the age of 19. A moving combination of sincerity and simplicity, it acknowledges that sadness is not always avoidable or reasonable and perfects the art of making complicated feelings plain. It wasn't made like any other book either; Michael Rosen said of the text, " I wrote it at a moment of extreme feeling and it went straight down onto the page ... Quentin didn't illustrate it, he 'realized' it. He turned the text into a book and as a result showed me back to myself. No writer could ask and get more than that." And Quentin Blake says that the picture of Michael "being sad but trying to look happy" is the most difficult drawing he's ever done... "a moving experience."
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"* "... a masterpiece, beautifully judged, a book of honest grace." Observer * "An outstanding book, head and shoulders over anything else, for any age." Guardian"
Book Description
A heartbreakingly honest account of a father’s grief for his son from the illustrious pairing of two former Children’s Laureates.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
132 of 132 people found the following review helpful
By B. Murray
Format:Hardcover
It took me a couple of reads to realise just how much Blake's illustrations added to the spare, bold text. It was as if Rosen, in his grief, had left some things unsaid and Blake had picked up on this and helped out. I've always liked his illustrations but this book brings out a different side of him - more expressionist - his figures and landscapes (some beautifully economical use of watercolour)seem to bypass the brain and go straight to the solar plexus.
Some people are worried that the bald realism of this book is too much for younger children. But what about those who've already lost someone close to them? Surely they need help in visualising their experience. Ever since my daughter died I've been trying to find ways of telling my autistic son about her. I said all the usual stuff, but he became inconsolable and cried as if heartbroken. I've left it alone for months and then suddenly found this book. I knew it would be perfect for him, as he has SUCH a visual intelligence. It was. He asked me to read it again and again and pointed out aspects of the pictures that I had failed to notice.
My other daughter is a little wary of it, but I feel it will reach her in time.
If you want to help someone deal with loss, please don't be afraid of this book.
Some people are worried that the bald realism of this book is too much for younger children. But what about those who've already lost someone close to them? Surely they need help in visualising their experience. Ever since my daughter died I've been trying to find ways of telling my autistic son about her. I said all the usual stuff, but he became inconsolable and cried as if heartbroken. I've left it alone for months and then suddenly found this book. I knew it would be perfect for him, as he has SUCH a visual intelligence. It was. He asked me to read it again and again and pointed out aspects of the pictures that I had failed to notice.
My other daughter is a little wary of it, but I feel it will reach her in time.
If you want to help someone deal with loss, please don't be afraid of this book.
79 of 79 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Michael Rosens Sad Book is an astonishing achievement.
Poignant, saddening and thought provoking, though do not be fooled, this is not just a childs picture books.
Even the most toughened of adults would find it nigh-on impossible to muster anyhing other than a tear.
Michael Rosen lost his son, Eddie, to meningitis when he was just 19. After the collapse of his marriage, Michael Rosen perhaps lost for a while his familiar cheery side of his other incredible poetry books.
Having met the man myself, I can confirm that despite his setbacks this man is a super guy and has more warmth and softness than anyone else I have ever met.
Poignant, saddening and thought provoking, though do not be fooled, this is not just a childs picture books.
Even the most toughened of adults would find it nigh-on impossible to muster anyhing other than a tear.
Michael Rosen lost his son, Eddie, to meningitis when he was just 19. After the collapse of his marriage, Michael Rosen perhaps lost for a while his familiar cheery side of his other incredible poetry books.
Having met the man myself, I can confirm that despite his setbacks this man is a super guy and has more warmth and softness than anyone else I have ever met.
Sad Book is simply put unlike anything you will ever read. Do not be put off by it being about saddness and depression. As he puts it himself, he is not bad, but sad.
You will not regret this amazingly honest and open book.
54 of 56 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Summary: Covers a lot of important areas in bereavement in an accessible and sensitive way.
Reviewer: West London, works in helping profession, sometimes with bereaved people.
Reviewer: West London, works in helping profession, sometimes with bereaved people.
I was impressed with this book becauses it says or conveys so much in a digestible, insightful and empathic way. It's the best 'introduction to bereavement' I've come across and manages to get the emotional tone just right - some hope, some humour, some tips, but an acknowledgement that the sadness can be overwhelming at times (and doesn't go away in a hurry). Particularly useful for people who have lost children, or adult children as the author lost his son at 18, but relevant to most bereavements. Illustrations are great too and contribute a great deal to the impact and perceptiveness. Consider this a 'group review' because some people I know who are struggling with bereavement thought a lot of the book too - and felt understood.
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4.4 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
A very sad story about coping with the death of a child but written sensitively and
even humorous in places.
even humorous in places.
Published 1 month ago by Vivlia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thoughtful
I bought this for a young family who lost their father and it has been read and appreciated by each family member.
Published 1 month ago by Mrs. E. Goddard
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must-read
A deeply affecting piece of work. I never cry at anything, but this made me choke my words as I read it
Published 3 months ago by Nariman Massoumi
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sad book
IT is a sad book, I love quentin blake illustrations, this book is sad, & haunting, maybe a bit old for my 4yr old, but he will grow into it.
Published 3 months ago by Natasha
5.0 out of 5 stars
just what we needed
great book for talking about feelings school liked it too we are going to buy them one. daughter is 9 .
Published 3 months ago by Jean
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sensitive & poignant
After having lost my own son at the same age as Michael Rosen did, the book resonates with me - sadness in a book....
Published 4 months ago by Al
5.0 out of 5 stars
Comfort in simplicity
This book is excellent value and an ideal gift for anyone who has suffered bereavement and coming to terms with loss. Read more
Published 5 months ago by nutella
5.0 out of 5 stars
The sad book
An incredibly moving book that deals with a difficult subject. The narrative and illustrations work beautifully together. Mum London E5
Published 6 months ago by Mum London E5
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sad Book
This is a lovely gentle book about loss that cuuld appeal to any age. A very personal take on bereavement but not maukish.
Published 8 months ago by C. Mcgowan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Michael Rosen's Sad Book
Beautifully written, poignant. Could have been written just for me. All of which added to the fact that the book arrived exactly as described, in excellent condition and in good... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Viv @ blueartsfly
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