A HOLE IN THE WORLD Finding Hope in Rituals of Grief and Healing

Singer-songwiter Amanda Held Opelt gives a somber yet lyrical portrayal of her own journey through grief, equipping listeners with some excellent tools to face life's challenges. Opelt discusses rituals marking death across a variety of cultures, such as the Irish tradition of keening and the Jewish observance of sitting Shiva; the practice of wearing dark clothing, thereby setting mourners apart; and the now curious customs of the Victorians. Opelt's warm vocal tones openly recount her own painful encounters with grief, including the anguish of multiple miscarriages and the heartbreak of losing her only sibling, Christian writer Rachel Held Evans. Whether one listens straight through or stops to contemplate each chapter, Opelt's sincere narration style shines in this stellar production. S.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2022]