It’s an unescapable burden that threatens everyone’s life, whether trapped in the shadows of the brain or a looming cloud in the distance. Heartache. Stemming from personal trauma, tragedy, break-ups and loss, it is a bleed that deserves to be discussed – with Richard beard, Max Porter and Cathy Rentzenbrink joining us at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2017 to do just that.

Sharing the healing power of words to begin the recovery process, drawing influence from family, loss and strength, they have all found themselves turning to the process of writing and discussion to make sense of tragedy and heartache. Literature as a cathartic release has prompted many books to be written on the subject, whether self-help books or a discussion on how to make sense or tragedy. Below, our Communications Intern Laura Jamieson recommends five books that offer a different view on the human experience and recovery from heartache. each offering a different view on the human experience and recovery from such experiences.

‘H Is For Hawk’ by Helen MacDonald

Variety describe Rabbit Hole as ‘an intensely emotional examination of grief, laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion and searing honesty.’

‘Bough Down’ by Karen Green

Wall Street Journal, Green offers a refreshingly alternative approach to prose and poetry in regards to tragedy. An extract can be read online at BOMBmagazine.

‘The Thing About Jellyfish’ by Ali Benjamin

New York Times describes Benjamin’s work as ‘For grieving kids who are struggling to come to terms with their losses, and seeking a path to peace and conciliation.’

‘High Fidelity’ by Nick Hornby

The Telegraph describes the book as ‘like listening to a great single. You know it’s wonderful from the minute it goes on, and as soon as it’s over, you want to hear it again’. Indeed, it is a rare, finely crafted piece of literature to speak about love and heartbreak directly to men; Hornby’s High Fidelity was a hit when published in 1995 and is a classic still relevant to men – and women – today.

‘A Manual for Heartache with Richard Beard, Max Porter and Cathy Rentzenbrink’ will take place on Friday 26 May, 2pm at the Adnams Spiegeltent, Chapelfield Gardens. Buy tickets now.