Iona Winter

In the hushed silence since the book launch, I imagine many things…

Perhaps In the shape of his hand lay a river merely serves as a reminder, of the deep and lasting grief that accompanies the suicide of a loved one. Or perhaps the rawness contained within serves as a touchstone, for the timeless nature of profound grief. 

The suicide bereaved know this place intimately. We cannot rid ourselves of this coexistence, and why would we even try to, when we have  experienced love. My deepest love and gratitude to those who have met me in this place, without fear.

I’ve endeavoured to give voice to an experience that is often wordless, avoided and silenced in our society. As such, it is no surprise that this collection has been released into that very same silence. 

But I trust that In the shape of his hand lay a river has gently arrived, into hands that know the rhythms of deep and lasting grief without flinching, in conscious awareness of grief’s ebbs and flows, and in the necessity at times for retreat.

Me te aroha, Iona x

In the shape of his hand lay a river is available in good bookstores now, and via Elixir & Star Press: books-elixirandstar@proton.me.