There are an estimated 258 million widows worldwide. Demystifying Grief is a primer for women who’ve lost their partners, an accessible handbook on the physical, emotional, and behavioral effects of grief, and how to survive and heal. In June 2018, Diane Kirby’s life partner of forty-six years died suddenly and unexpectedly. In the aftermath, she discovered that the death of one’s partner is a traumatic, painful, and incredibly solitary experience, particularly in a death-denying society.

Divided in two parts, this book deals first with survival, for when grief is fresh, all one can do is simply exist; this section covers the most common reactions to grief, such as grief fog, triggers, and touchstones. The second part deals with healing, for there comes a time when grievers want to do more than just survive; this section covers topics such as grief work, rituals, and growth. Applying social science and personal experience, this author has written a smart, concise, and compassionate guide, delving into the deeply necessary what, why, and how of grief.