What a beautiful book about grief and loss. Alexandra Fuller never disappoints! And it was so great to listen to this in her voice.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am leaving this review of my own accord.

This is one of the most beautiful memoirs I’ve ever encountered. I couldn’t ask for better writing, narration, reflection, and the list goes on. I would go so far as to say I have even found one of my new favorite authors.

This work in particular has a special place in my heart, being that my grandmother and mother have both worked through the loss of a son/brother at a formative point in my life. I felt that this book is more of a companion to an object, as well as a mirror and a safety blanket. There’s something special in the conversations of uncertainty, anguish, and learning that we get from this book.

I’m not going to forget this read any time soon.

Ms. Fuller tells us that by age 60, 1 in 10 people will experience the death of a child. This book gutted me. I was born in the same town where Ms. Fuller lives. I have similar, if not verbatim conversations with my own child. The thought of losing my child is unberable. Putting this grief into beautiful words is a gift from Ms. Fuller to the reader. I read the audio, which Ms. Fuller narrates with alternating hilarious and heartbreaking tones.

4.5 rounded to 5 stars

“Let the weather come, and come. I will stand.”

Alexandra Fuller is an “auto-read” author for me. Anything they write, I will read.

The story of Fi (pronounced “fee”) is of Fuller’s son who passes away unexpectedly in his early twenties. The author takes us through their grief in Wyoming, New Mexico, and Alberta, while trying to juggle her new relationship with a woman, and with her two remaining children. It is raw, emotional, and beautiful. The audiobook is narrated by Fuller, themself. Their voice and tone really makes the story come alive, and connects you to her pain, that much more.

Worth the read if you can handle the emotions.

(I received this ALC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you.)

Fi is the nickname of Alexandra Fuller's son, Fuller, who died unexpectedly at a young age. This book is the story of how the author navigated the grief of losing him. At times it's funny and irreverent, at times the pain and grief are palpable and raw, and at all times, the writing is beautiful and emotional. A powerful memoir.