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Holding Her Hand: An Afroqueer Grief and Loss Novel
Paperback
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Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Sep 5 2025
Pages: 354
Weight: 0.77
Height: 0.79 Width: 5.00 Depth: 8.00
Language: English
Dawn, an Afroqueer young adult, receives a life-altering call from Nala, a family friend. Nala tells Dawn that their mother, Joan, is sick and needs help at home. Dawn learns that Joan has been falling and broke her wrist, and John, their twin brother, is growing impatient with caring for her. Without hesitation, Dawn packs up and drives to their small hometown. As they travel down the freeway, memories of racist and homophobic experiences flood back, but Dawn focuses on being there for Joan. Upon arrival, Dawn reconnects with Joan, who becomes increasingly open about her life as her health declines due to diabetes.
During Joan's hospital stays, she shares poignant stories with Dawn that resonate deeply.
In the wake of Joan's death, Dawn is engulfed in profound grief. They traverse the stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and eventually acceptance, feeling the weight of loss in every aspect of their life. Struggling at work and in friendships, Dawn loses touch with childhood friends who feel distanced by the changes in Dawn's demeanor due to grief. The departure of Rodolfo hits them hardest; his absence amplifies their isolation and heartache. Dawn recalls Joan's teachings about the value of friendship and starts to re-engage socially by accepting invitations from new friends. Slowly opening up about their struggles brings Dawn closer to others, helping them to feel less alone.
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