Standing on My Brother's Shoulders: Making Peace with Grief and Suicide
Making Peace: Standing on My Brother's Shoulders is Tara Lal’s account of losing her brother to suicide and finding a way forward through grief. It explores her childhood and family losses, her bond with Adam, and a dialogue with the words he left in his diaries. An afterword discusses recovery and growth after tragedy.
At a glance
- Tara Lal recounts her brother Adam’s suicide and her experience of grief and despair.
- The narrative describes how she engages with the words her brother left in his diaries.
- An afterword by Miriam Akhtar addresses possibilities for recovery and growth after tragedy.
Reference price: $29.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- A first-person account centres on the experience of suicide loss and its effects on family.
- The book combines personal narrative with an afterword focused on recovery and growth.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Watkins Publishing |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 18 November 2020 |
| Edition | New ed |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 282 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1786783568 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1786783561 |
| Weight listed | 278 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.7 x 1.91 x 19.69 cm |
What to know before buying
- The book describes suicide and bereavement, including the author’s brother’s death. Consider whether this subject matter is suitable for the intended reader.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking a personal account of grief after suicide loss.
- Readers interested in family bereavement and reflections on recovery after tragedy.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a clinical guide or step-by-step grief counselling resource. The supplied description presents a personal story and an afterword, not a therapy manual.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
52% 52% - 4 stars
39% 39% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback describes the book as poignant, life-affirming and honest, including praise for the way it frames questions about happiness. That response may suit readers looking for candid personal reflection on loss. The rating distribution is mostly in the upper star categories but also includes lower ratings, and does not explain individual readers’ reasons.
Positive themes
- Readers describe the account as poignant and life-affirming.
- Feedback highlights the book’s honesty.
Frequently asked questions
What is Standing on My Brother's Shoulders about?
Tara Lal tells the story of her brother Adam’s suicide, her grief and her eventual search for a reason to live through engagement with his diaries.
Does the book include material beyond the personal story?
Yes. The description states that it includes an afterword by Miriam Akhtar about possibilities for recovery and growth following tragedy.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 282 pages.
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