A Quarter Glass of Milk

The Rawness of Grief and the Power of the Mountains

By: Moire O'Sullivan

Narrated by: Emma Lowe

When Moire O'Sullivan's husband, Pete, took his own life, she was left with a stark choice: to weep forever over the glass of milk that had just spilt or get on with the quarter that was still remaining.

As Moire charts the first harrowing year after Pete’s death – the shock, the loneliness and the difficulties of single parenting two young children – she also experiences glimpses of hope and acceptance as she trains to become a mountain leader. The people she meets through the mountains, as well as the peace and wild beauty of the Mournes, help Moire discover her inner strength and prove she is not alone in her struggles.

A year on from Pete’s death, Moire takes on a circuit of the Mournes: a winter run that reflects the dark struggles her husband went through, but which also shows the power of nature, and the healing support of community.

©2021 Moire O’Sullivan (P)2021 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

'A really beautiful book about loss and grief and hope and community and the power of our surroundings.' (BBC Radio Ulster’s John Toal Show)

'An insightful story of grief and also renewal.' (Highland Radio, Around the Northwest with John Breslin)

'A beautiful and humbling read, showing how nature can play an incredible role in supporting wellbeing and mental health. It will undoubtedly prove helpful to anyone who is suffering with their own depression or grief.' (Irish Mountain Log)