“A Time of Living Graciously” is a slender volume containing some of Brigid Lowry’s thoughts about ageing and death. It’s a gentle volume, and one that many people will find thought-provoking.
Depending on how you read it, it’s an extended non-fiction essay or, if you prefer to consider each chapter separately, a number of brief essays on the same topic. Either way, Lowry adopts a kind tone, which many will find appealing. There’s nothing new here, but Lowry presents her thoughts in a way that is kinder and less demanding than many self-help books.
The book is subtitled “Reflections on Growing Older”, and I felt this did it something of a disservice, as it seemed misleading. Quite a few of Lowry’s reflections seemed to be about death. Notably, preparing oneself mentally, emotionally, and legally for the fact that it’s closer than ever. This is a pretty important issue for people as they age, and many will find that Lowry’s gentle but direct tone makes it approachable.
Then, too, Lowry barely touches on other issues. For example, the way other people interact with you when they start perceiving you as old, and how that impacts your self-image.
However, Lowry is clearly not trying to be comprehensive here. This is a collection of her personal thoughts and experiences, entwined with some gleaned from friends. I don’t think it’s intended to provide answers. It’s intended to make you think and to perhaps shape the later stages of your life thoughtfully.
I’m not in the age range this is primarily aimed at, but I can see it on the horizon. I found this volume interesting and absorbing. Some of it is relevant to all ages, particularly sections encouraging you to communicate with those you love and to be discerning about what you worry about. Others – like looking back on a life (hopefully) well lived – are more specifically aimed at those who are older. Even those might help younger people think about how they want to shape their remaining years.
This collection of thoughts is engaging and interesting, though older people may find it resonates more strongly than younger people do. The tone is friendly and approachable, and it’s an easy read despite sometimes confronting subject matter. It provides a good launching pad for readers to think through their own attitudes, experiences, and hopes.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading A Time of Living Graciously by Brigid Lowry. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing that joy.
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, across all genres. There’s not much I won’t at least try. I’ve been an enthusiastic book reviewer for years. I particularly enjoy discovering writers new to me, and sharing good writing with others.
My career has included time spent writing and editing technical documents, but it’s fiction that really moves me. I’ve reviewed for a number of different outlets over the years, and have been a judge in literary competitions.
I’m now raising little bookworms of my own, which brings a whole new kind of joy to sharing books.
More of my reviews can be found on my review blog www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog .
Brigid Lowry’s collection ‘A Time of Living Graciously’ offers an interesting read on growing older and the often-unspoken topic of dying. With honesty, warmth and a sense of humour, the author explores the realities of ageing – from aching joints, grey hair, body changes and the bigger questions of how we should live our lives as we age.
This book is perfect for reading a chapter or two then pausing to reflect on the message rather than rushing through it. It’s a warm and honest book with wisdom and encouragement, making it a valuable read for anyone living with the challenges of growing older. The book would also be a great read for those with ageing relatives to get a glimpse of the hurdles old age brings.
“May I find peace with my life. May I embrace my moments as joyful ones. May I live fully in the present for I will never be this young again.”
I have just finished reading this book and I thought, geeze I am in the age bracket of what Brigid Lowry the author was talking about.
She gives us the insights in the book of ageing and deaths. and other interesting topics. Each short chapter has a topic like for example Which one of us has Dementia, Things I have Realised, Live the Way you want to. Interesting I have to say.
With her reference to Dementia, made me think of my mum who succumbed to the disease when she was 79. She only survived till age 81 so it was quick for her due to a fall. It always scares me, what if I get dementia so I live my life now, doing so much for my brain that it is now overloaded with things rolling around up there. My dr said to me after my TIA, keep that brain busy so I do.
She speaks of hoping she passes quickly and I think everyone would like it that way. My dad got up one morning, did a few errands and came home, lay on his bed and left us with a smile on his face. Now if I was to pass, that’s how I would love to go, it’s peaceful but then I also would want to know when I do die.
Death is a strange thing to be thinking about. Never thought about it when younger but as you reach your late 60s, things stir in you especially when you lose friends that are either much older or just a tad younger than me.
Brigid mentions the afterlife and if it exists. I like to think, something happens as I do have inklings of spirits visiting me. I am not frightened by it when it happens, but it makes me believe that you are around somewhere but not in human form etc. I just know that I always say to my husband I hope I know when I have died and can visit you all in spirit form.
I kind of worry though that if he dies before me, what happens to me when I die. No family near me at all, will anyone know that I haven’t left the house here at the over 50s we live at. Honestly, this getting older makes you think, maybe too much.
Also, what is old these days? We have people here 85+ and they walk around as if they are in their 60s. I am 69 and have feet problems and need a walking stick when out and about so feel like their age. This is when I have to giggle to myself otherwise, I would go nuts.
The way I think of it, I did nearly die when I was 2 1/2 years old and I remember clearly my parents sleeping next to my cot in hospital and they always told me that the Dr. said that I wasn’t going to make it to the morning. Well I proved them wrong, woke up in the morning standing in the cot and jabbering away to them and they woke up and I do remember seeing lots of tears and I got stacks of hugs. Even though I was only 2 1/2 I can remember waking up.
Brigid has written this story from her heart with some humour and things to maybe think about also. Has made me think more about my life now. Off to write a bucket list and clean out photos that I can pass on now while I still know who they are and where it was taken.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Freemantle Press for sending me this book to read. It certainly was an enjoyable read and makes you take more stock of your life.
A Time Of Living Graciously by Brigid Lowry is a very quick read. Made up of lots of very short chapters its very easy to read. Its pretty much telling us to focus on the positive and dont stress over the stuff you have no control over.
My Mum was a real Pollyanna and would always focus on the positive. No matter what she could find a positive spin for everything. She lived to age 77years and even though her last 7 years were a battle with cancer she never complained and never lost that positive spirit. She was always a delight to be around. At her funeral one lady said to me “Your Mum as amazing. She never bitched about anyone or anything and that is so very rare” I felt proud and thought thats what I hoped people would say when my time comes.
Thinking about when your life is over is another thing this book asks you to think about and what you hope people would say about you at your service. If you want people to say nice things then you need to be living that way now and give people those wonderful memories.
This is a really interesting book with certain things to make you think and hopefully give you a brighter outlook on the life that you have left.
‘A Time of Living Graciously – Reflections on Growing Older’ – written by Brigid Lowry and published by Fremantle Press was a perfect book to have by your bed to read a short chapter each night.
Chapters such as -Being here now – Your Story – Loss – Making a List – Courage – Ageism – Time – make it thoughtful and insightful to read. Each chapter starts with a quote which I loved. For example, at the start of the Funny Happy Silly chapter is this quote – “The secret to living well and longer is to eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure’ – Tibetan saying.
It is full of wit and wisdom and would make a lovely gift for friends, colleagues and family. In today’s busy world I looked forward to reading my chapter each night. Recommend you picking it up and embracing it.