ABSTRACT
This book has explored the unique and personal stories of a vulnerable and, to some extent, marginalised group of people, to identify the cultural frameworks through which the experience of losing a loved one may be understood and managed in contemporary British society. As indicated, this exploration presents a view that reflects the interests and concerns or subjectivity of the researcher as much as those of participants. The informal, conversational and interactive approach I took to interviewing enabled my participants’ stories to emerge from our shared encounter. The nature of this encounter thus afforded me access to local worlds and the opportunity to capture and illuminate the profoundly sensitive and intimate experiences that participants shared with me. An ongoing, self-reflexive approach has informed my handling, understanding and presentation of these experiences. As a result, it is hoped that what I have revealed of the nature of bereavement as a social and cultural phenomenon, outweighs what has been obscured of the sheer variety and richness of people’s individual experiences.
