In the Wake of Suicide: Stories of the People Left Behind
Abstract
Victoria Alexander's In the Wake of Suicide describes the experience of 13 families who have lost a loved one through suicide. The book creates a compelling argument for an increase in support groups and counseling to assist individuals who are lost in the aftermath of suicide. To the psychiatrist, a patient's suicide can represent a personal failure. It seems impossible to predict, let alone prevent, the final solution of a tormented mind. Unfortunately, the profession that uses all of its skill in protecting the individual contemplating suicide often is unaware of the plight of the survivors. The family and friends of the victim often experience great loss and grief, with little support or counseling. This book will provide valuable insight into the plight of family members following the loss of a loved one to suicide. Alexander, who lost a parent by suicide, captures the essence of the burden survivors must bear and presents a well-written analysis of the grieving process and the long road to acceptance. She refers to three phases: suicide, grief, and storytelling. Her analysis and distillation of the stories from 13 families is excellent and well worth reading. Alexander divides the book into three sections,