Grief and death are two painful words, and no one should experience them suddenly. This pandemic has made many families go through the pain of losing a loved one. My friend Grace curated a list for such families and she was kind enough to let me use some recommendations in my posts. You can check out the Instagram post here CLICK HERE.

When I was researching books for grief, I could find many international books. But, there were only a handful of books written by Indian authors. I am adding those books below and if you come across more books from Indian authors, don’t forget to drop the name’s in the comments. I will add them to the list.

1. DARKLESS BY TANU SHREE SINGH

The book follows Ani through his daily routine where all his days feel listless and long. The sunshine doesn’t excite him, nor does the thought of playing with his friends. Even his Nani and Dobby the dog can’t get a smile out of him. Life around him seems to have lost all colour. How does Ani get colour back in his life?

2. BOO! WHEN MY SISTER DIED BY RICHA JHA

When Noorie’s sister Zoya dies, everything in Noorie’s world becomes silent. She knows her sister has gone forever. But what’s with Mummy’s silly lies that Zoya will always be around, by their side? And what is she to do about Zoya’s best friend Dhara, who just won’t leave Noorie alone?

3. THE AMMUCHI PUCHI BY SHARANYA MANIVANNAN

Aditya and Anjali love listening to their grandmother’s stories, particularly the scary one about the ghost in the tree. But the night their grandmother passes away, all her stories seem to lose their meaning. Then something happens that is more mysterious and magical than any story. Could their grandmother still be with them after all?

4. GONE GRANDMOTHER BY CHATURA RAO

Nani has gone. Forever. Where? asks Nina. Her mother grapples with answers, but Nina won’t stop asking. Finally, she finds her own answers, through the warmth of memories, the comfort of imagination – and a little bit of natural science! The light touch and tone of the story along with the quietly reflective pictures treat the difficult subject of the loss of a loved one in a sensitive and refreshing way.

5. CHUCHU MANTHU’S JAR OF TOFFEES BY ADHITHI RAO

Chuchu Manthu is the most loving person Preet knows. After his death, Preet wonders if his kindness has disappeared with him. Based on a true story about loss and grief, and compassion in everyday actions.

6. THE GREAT STORY TELLER BY KEN SPILLMAN

Every Day Maya, Arun and Chi gather near the Tree of Life with other forest creatures to listen to The Great Storyteller. One day, The Great Storyteller becomes ill and the stories stop. Sadness descends on the forest and everything seems dull until the animals decide to fill their world with imaginings. A gentle, charming tale of loss, recovery and the restorative power of creativity.

To read more book reviews CLICK HERE

If you are looking for faith-based books about grief & death CLICK HERE

If you are looking for international books about grief & death CLICK HERE

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