Sanctuary

Memoirist Rapp’s previous work, The Still Point of the Turning World, introduced readers to the author’s terminally ill son, Ronan, and to her process of turning the loss of his life into a reflection of what it means to love and live in the moment. In her newest work, the author reflects further on her grief from her darkest moments, to survivor’s guilt, and eventually to an acceptance that although wounds may not heal, they become a part of us and we are able to continue living. Ultimately, this open and frank reflection centers on what it means to be resilient, finding inspiration from the natural world, historical moments, literary quips, and somatic psychology. Rapp also considers the importance of friendship, and how hers have helped through life’s most difficult times. This memoir, which offers a more matured style than the author’s previous works, is also one of recollection, as Rapp reflects upon her son’s life and death, reliving the defining moments.