Elowen

Elowen is a book about the loss of a baby, written by Will and his wife Amy. It explores the lack of vocabulary and emotional support for parents who have lost a child and how the natural world, particularly the silence and attentiveness of tracking wolves in Sweden, provided solace and helped them to live with their grief. The book challenges the way we think about loss and encourages us to re-evaluate our relationship to the natural world.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Little Toller Books

In the summer of 2017, Will and his wife Amy experienced the devastating loss of their baby, Elowen, just a few days before their due date. Following a traumatic induced birth, they returned to their cottage in the New Forest, grappling with profound grief and struggling to make sense of what had transpired. As Will delved into his emotions, he realized that there was a profound lack of established vocabulary to describe his experience, both for himself and for the people around him. To his dismay, he discovered that there was no word in the English language for a parent who had lost a child. Without the linguistic or emotional framework to support him, Will's grief felt increasingly lonely and alienating.

Elowen, a poignant and lyrical memoir, chronicles Will's journey through the depths of grief over a period of two years. With unflinching honesty, the book explores the darkness that enveloped him, but it also reveals the sources of sustenance that kept him alive. The natural world, particularly the silence and attentiveness of tracking wolves in the forests of Sweden, became his solace and a means of finding a way to live with his loss.

Through his meticulous observations of these elusive animals, Will discovered a profound connection to the wild. He marveled at their beauty and grace, and in the act of searching for them, he began to heal. The wolves, although rarely seen, offered him a sense of peace and tranquility, providing a temporary respite from the overwhelming pain of his loss.

Elowen is not only a remarkable portrait of grief but also an impassioned hymn to the wild. It showcases the restorative power of nature in uncertain times, reminding us of our deep connection to the natural world and the importance of preserving it. The book challenges our preconceived notions of loss and encourages us to re-evaluate our relationship with the natural world.

In addition to its emotional impact, Elowen is a treatise on the human condition. It explores the complexities of love, loss, and resilience, and offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the human mind and heart. Will's journey is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and find meaning in the face of adversity.

Elowen is a profound and uplifting book that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to heal and transform. Through its pages, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing our loved ones, embracing the natural world, and finding solace in the beauty of the unknown.

Dimension: 223 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915068194