The World Looks Different Now

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. I have heard about soldiers committing suicide but Margaret Thomson shares her story of her son Kieran who was twenty-two-years-old and a medic in the army, who took his life.
There was a lot I didn't realize before reading this book. Margaret Thomson shared her story and shined a light on many issues that people face today. It is a story that I wished never happened but it is a story that happens way too often so bringing awareness might make a difference. After reading the book I understand more and I understand the title, The World Looks Different Now. Not having been through what she and her family went through, the world looks different now to me because I am more aware of what goes on.

So touching.

Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

Wow, what a rollercoaster of emotions I experienced reading this! A very poignant book written in the eyes of a grieving mother of a son who committed suicide. No emotion or topic was forbidden when writing this, it was honest and authentic. I have not experienced the loss of a child, however being a mother, through the eyes of the author I could relate to her response.

Kieren, the eldest child of a family presents with many challenges that I can relate to, as one of my daughters also struggled through school and went undiagnosed for years with issues that definitely impacted her ability to learn. The frustration Margaret expresses in regards to this, I get it. As a parent you just want the very best for your children. The saying, 'A parent is only as happy as their saddest child', is so apt. Parenting is the hardest and most challenging 'job' we are blessed with, in fact it is a privilege to be blessed with children, but sometimes it would be so easy to pull up stumps and say enough! Margaret and her husband did anything but this and this novel demonstrates the unwavering love and dedication they had to try and do the very best for their son.

Unfortunately, even with all these factors, the unfortunate suicide of Kieren left many unanswered questions as I imagine suicide would do. Margaret gives a raw and honest account of her experience going through the grief and processing of her son's death.

Heart wrenching yet so utterly honest, I recommend this book whole heartedly. I will give a warning that obviously due to the content, it may trigger some people, but i believe that this would be understandable and people are going into this book knowing the content is surrounding a suicide.

I believe this has also given me an insight to loss that will give me a better understanding on how I might possibly handle a similar situation should it ever arise. Thanks for your bravery in putting this on paper!