The Book of My Son Reuben: A Psychologist on the Loss of His Child

"I wish I had not had to write this book because then my lovely son  Reuben would still be alive," says David Cohen. "He was adorable,  formidably intelligent, a loving son, a loving brother. He died far too  young. He had the bad luck to have two grandparents who had addictive  personalities. His efforts to resist the lure of drugs failed. And so  did I."

The Book of My Son Reuben is a personal account of how  psychologist David Cohen coped – and did not cope – with the death of  his son, Reuben. Offering a unique perspective on the experience of  parental loss, it offers a personal and analytical exploration of sorrow  and guilt, and of what research tells us about trauma and grief.

Illustrated  throughout with David Cohen’s personal insight into how he continues to  navigate his loss, this honest book provides a deeper understanding of  loss for parents who have experienced it, as well as those who support  them. The book remembers the many parents who have lost children  throughout history and chapters weave personal perspectives with the  latest research. It examines the experience of sudden deaths, the  failures of society in preventing children from dying, the role of  social media, how the loss of a child impacts fathers, siblings and  relationships, and the usefulness – or otherwise – of bereavement  therapies.

A tribute to Reuben’s life, this sensitive volume is  for those who have experienced loss and want to gain better  understanding of their experience, as well as psychologists,  psychotherapists and counsellors working with families.