The Widower's Notebook

A Memoir

By: Jonathan Santlofer

Narrated by: Jonathan Santlofer

Written with unexpected humor and great warmth, The Widower's Notebook is a portrait of a marriage, an account of the complexities of finding oneself single again after losing your spouse, and a story of the enduring power of familial love.

"This is deeply moving ... beautifully written and modulated, with a dollop of droll, black humor. It is such an achievement, like running uphill against a strong wind."--Joyce Carol Oates

On a summer day in New York Jonathan Santlofer discovers his wife, Joy, gasping for breath on their living room couch. After a frenzied 911 call, an ambulance race across Manhattan, and hours pacing in a hospital waiting room, a doctor finally delivers the fateful news. Consumed by grief, Jonathan desperately tries to pursue life as he always had--writing, social engagements, and working on his art--but finds it nearly impossible to admit his deep feelings of loss to anyone, not even his to beloved daughter, Doria, or to himself.

As Jonathan grieves and heals, he tries to unravel what happened to Joy, a journey that will take him nearly two years.

*Includes a Bonus PDF of author drawings.

If you purchased the audiobook and did not receive the bonus PDF, please contact customer service.

Honest and Hopeful

"The Widower's Notebook" is the finest book I have read about grief. This is a memoir that often reads as if it were a thriller. It is completely engrossing, and heartfelt without ever being schmaltzy. I've read the book, and listened to it. Each time I was overwhelmed with empathy for Jonathan. At the most unexpected times, I found myself laughing, and then weeping. I felt elevated by this book. It is Santlofer's finest book. His narration of the audiobook is straightforward, and lovely. How he made it through the final chapter without crying I do not know. It is lovely, wonderful, and above all, honest. I recommend it unreservedly.

Grief at the Cellular level

Real, raw, honest, authentic disclosure and conciensness of this unique human experience, grief, grieving. JS is a deeply emotional person, irespective of gender. Almost so personal, felt like a deep conversation with a really good friend. Thank you for deciding to share your notebook; I can tell you as a friend, you have helped me and I am sure many others.
gracias!

Thoughtfully written

great to hear this in the author's own voice. enormously tough subject, artfully and lovenly written

This is a wonderful, truthful book about grief

I believe that this book stands alone in describing grief and the authors journey is quite like my own. Thank you for taking the courage to share your unending journey.

Beautiful!!

Completely absorbing in tale, learning & discovery. Beautifully written & a triumph in its tribute to marriage, family & life