Review of Room for Two by Abel Keogh
6:00 AM - Posted by Unknown - 3 comments
Abel Keogh's book, Room For Two, is the touching story of a young husband, whose mentally ill wife takes her own life and that of the unborn little girl she is carrying. This book chronicles the young husband's struggle to understand the horror of her suicide and to forgive her, whom he adored, for killing not only herself, but their little girl.

His writing is so exceptional that he allows the reader to be a part of his healing, as he tries desperately to move forward after this devastating interlude. His writing style is not lyrical, but somehow he is so skilled that he allows the reader to be a silent part of his life, without causing them any sense of discomfort, as though they were watching events that should be too private for others to see.

I came away from this book with a deepened sense of compassion for those whose mates have committed suicide, something with which I had no experience.

From the backliner we read:

"Sweetie, I'm home." I tried to put as much kindness into my voice as possible. I didn't want to have another argument - at least not right away.

Silence.

"Sweetheart?"

A gunshot echoed from our bedroom, followed by the sound of a bullet casing skipping along a wall.

Everything slowed down.

***

When a life is destroyed, when guilt says you played a role in its destruction, how do you face the days ahead?

Twenty-six-year-old Abel Keogh chooses to ignore the promptings he receives concerning his wife's mental illness, and now he feels he is to blame for her choices. If only he had listened . . .

At some point in our lives, each of us face devastating afflictions and must eventually cope with loss. Regardless of how it happens, the outcome is still the same - we are left isolated, alone, wondering what we could have done differently, and where we can turn for peace.

This is Abel's story in his own words. His search for peace and the miracle that follows is proof that love and hope can endure, despite the struggles and tragedies that shape each of our lives.

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Cedar Fort (August 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599550628
ISBN-13: 978-1599550626
Average Customer Review:
5.0 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews)
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #216,141 in Books

Purchase Room for Two here.

Until next time,

Muriel Sluyter


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3 comments:

    Unknown said...

    This book takes us back in our hearts to determine things we could to be better. Abel's frank and open discussion of what happened in his marriage and life is a lesson to us all.

    Thanks for reviewing it, Mom.

  1. ... on July 23, 2008 at 7:27 PM  
    2. Abel Keogh said...

    Muriel,

    Thanks for the reivew. I'm glad you enjoyed the book. Thanks for being part of this tour.

    Abel

  2. ... on July 28, 2008 at 3:46 PM  
    3. Tristi Pinkston said...

    This was truly a touching book. Thanks for the review, Muriel!

    And I'm stealing your Quote of the Day. That's too good.

  3. ... on July 30, 2008 at 11:38 AM  
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