Not This Widow

Book excerpt: Not This Widow is an intimate and poignant memoir about the sudden death of a much-loved husband and father. After unexpectedly becoming a widow, Dilys Sillah recounts her experience of transitioning from a devoted wife to a young widow thwarted with challenges she could never have imagined. Losing a loved one is gut-wrenching enough, yet this book explores the significant role that culture and tradition play in stifling the grieving process of new widows. Not This Widow, speaks of the unspoken challenges, pressures and traditions forced upon some widows. Complete with four stories from other women who share similar experiences, this book gives voice to many widows whose stories and experiences have gone undocumented and urges us to change the narrative. This book provides practical advice for anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one. It is a powerful story of resilience, steely determination and dignity, giving hope to anyone who has loved and lost too soon.