Review: A Song for Issy Bradley

Beautifully written story of how the Bradley family copes following the loss of its youngest member, 4-year-old Issy. 

I loved the mixed perspectives of all the family members and how the stories weave together as the book culminates, forming a full view. Bishop Ian Bradley begins as a one-note Mormon witness, passing off verse and religious stories for every situation, but Ms. Bray redeems him into a real character as the book progresses. I didn't know much about the Mormon religion prior to reading this book, but Bray provides an overview that doesn't feel like a conversion tutorial. This is an empathetic story about loss and its handling, both by a church community — including the mishandling of information for children —, parents, and different-aged children.

While the topic isn't a light one, Bray's gentle touch eases the reader through.

A Song for Issy Bradley
Carys Bray
Random House, Hardcover, August 2014
 $26
 View the book at Barnes and Noble

Review based on a free copy of this book, courtesy of LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.