Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience

Everyone at some point in their lives needs consolation to differing degrees. Some will turn to this book because of the title. The amount you take from this work will very much depend on the worldview you hold. Some may find it helpful while others may be put off by a bit too much philosophising while parts come across as overly intellectual. I wouldn't say it's an essential for the bookshelf rather perhaps one to look into and perhaps quote as part of a wider study.

I came to this title following the passing of my father so I was drawn to the listing on Netgalley in my search for a work on grief and surviving difficult times that offered something more than the crass platitudes usually found in books such as turn to your support group of friends and family or do exercise and practice self care.

I thought this book would guide me in seeking solace in art particularly as it describes itself thus "This book is a collection of portraits arranged in historical order , each devoted to a single person in extremity who used the traditions they inherited to seek consolation."However I found it far too stilted and overly intellectual, reading like a work of literary criticism where I found neither consolation nor comfort upon setting down this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review,