Reviewed by Susan van der Walt for Readers' Favorite
We don't always know why someone commits suicide, but it always leaves friends and family reeling from shock and many unanswered questions. But even more, they must deal with the stigma of mental illness and suicide. Marci Glidden Savage experienced the loss of a husband killing himself - not once, but twice. And No One Saw It Coming is her story. It starts with her as a teenager dating her first husband, Paul, her second marriage, and her grief about losing both. Marci's story is authentic, and she shares her raw feelings of pain, anger, and disbelief. We also see how her friends and family share her grief and support her in practical ways, like providing food, cleaning the house, and helping to arrange the memorial services.
Marci Glidden Savage's story gripped my heart intensely, not only because it is so difficult to comprehend the pain and despair of a person that will lead them to commit suicide, but also because of the tragedy of a woman who has to deal with it twice. Since suicide is on the rise worldwide, it is crucial to understand the heartache that suicide survivors are going through. But even more, to know that there are not always signs that a person is suicidal, and often no one can see it coming. I loved the simple cover in black and gray and the clear chapter heading telling readers what to expect in each chapter. The narrative draws you in and flows through the events meaningfully. The formatting and simple language make for easy reading. I admire Marci for her courage to delve deep into her pain and share her journey with grief, which she sees as an actual person that will always be with her. Readers will also find helpful information about depression and resources on where to go for help at the end of the book.