by Linda Collins. Published by Awa Press, 2020. Reviewed by Trish McBride

Loss Adjustment is powerful writing as befits a journalist mother, a New Zealander living in Singapore. It is a raw, raw story, with yet whispers of connection and eventual hope. The deep trauma of having a beautiful, gifted 17-year-old only daughter take her own life. Total shock for her parents, but over the ensuing years a growing understanding, helped by the diaries and writings Virginia had left behind. And the messages — too many and specific to be coincidences. Later by the return to a long-discarded Catholic faith.

Who would read this book? It is painful to read the agony of the parents, then Virginia’s inner world of despair, and could parents who have lived through similar trauma bear to share another family’s? Would friends of a family newly bereaved by a suicide learn something of what may help, and what doesn’t? Certainly, those involved in suicide-prevention would gain much. Also those involved with neurologically-diverse young people for whom academic achievement is just too hard. Anyone brave enough to open their heart to this mother’s story will find their humanity deepened.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 263 September 2021: 27