The Blackbird and the Rainbow
by Chrissie Smith
The Book
About the Book
The Blackbird and the Rainbow is written from the heart and is a frank open and honest account of what its like to lose a child from drug addiction. The experiences are directly relevant to the contents of the book and Chrissie writes in detail about the dreadful day she received the phone call every parent dreads, the intensity and madness of the bereavement period that followed and she looks back honestly at the causes which may have triggered a much loved child to go off the rails. Although the subject matter is painful, heartbreaking and ultimately tragic it is not depressing and is written with humour and positivity. It helps anyone who has lost a child and those who live with the constant fear of future loss as a beloved child slips through the safety net of society and are sinking below the waterline. It is also for any menopausal woman who grieves for the beautiful girl who still lives within them and for isolated people who don’t fit into a neat little strereotype.
About the Author
Chrissie Smith has been a Primary School teacher for over thirty years. She has a Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory and has worked as a volunteer bereavement counsellor with The Wisdom Hospice in Rochester. She also has an Honours degree in English Literature. More importantly though, she is an ordinary wife and mother of three wonderful sons who lost her eldest son to heroin addiction. She writes openly and honesty with warmth and compassion about her son's life and untimely death, the bereavement process and how her training as a counsellor in no way prepared her for the reality of the loss. Chrissie is happily married and lives in Kent. She also spends alot of time in her apartment in beautiful Portmellion, Cornwall where she began writing this beautiful book.
The Author
Read the First Chapter
The first chapter of this marvelous book can be read on the Amazon web site by clicking the link.
Reviews
I have just finished reading 'The Blackbird and The Rainbow' by Chrissie Smith. I was struck by the love, laughter and absolute candidness expressed straight from the heart. Admidst the heartache of losing a beloved son, there is an abundance of humour which has obviously been a saving grace for the family. This book will reach the heart of all who read it. My mother and daughters are reading it too and all are throughly absorbed. Thank you for allowing us to share your experience. Amazon
Thank you for a fantastic book - I thoroughly enjoyed the read, found it very moving and personally uplifting. I recognised a lot of myself in your words, as I'm sure many others will that have been through similar situations with their family. I will certainly be recommending your book to others. Anna Head
I just had to write to say what a powerful, remarkable book. It took me far out of my comfort zone. You opened your heart and took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I travelled with you and found myself relecting on moments of sadness, tears, smiles and even chuckles. So many tender thoughts followed by anger made it such a page turner. I am sure your honesty can give people help when they plunge into depression as their loved ones struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol. Pat Jarrett
Buy the Book
The book is available from Amazon at a costs £13.49 and delivery is free.