WINNER OF THE 2015 DRUE HEINZ LITERATURE PRIZE
Selected by Jill McCorkle
This Angel on My Chest is a collection of unconventionally linked
stories, each about a different young woman whose husband dies suddenly
and unexpectedly. Ranging from traditional stories to lists, a quiz, a
YouTube link, and even a lecture about creative writing, the stories
grasp to put into words the ways in which we all cope with unspeakable
loss.
Based on the author's own experience of losing her husband at age
thirty-seven, this book explores the resulting grief, fury, and
bewilderment, mirroring the obsessive nature of grieving. The stories
examine the universal issues we face at a time of loss, as well as the
specific concerns of a young widow: support groups, in-laws, insurance
money, dating, and remarriage. This Angel on My Chest ultimately asks,
how is it possible to move forward with life while "till death do you
part" rings in your ears--and, how is it possible not to?