AND ALWAYS ONE MORE TIME: A Memoir by Margaret Mandell is a poignant and moving exploration of grief, love, and self-discovery. This memoir is structured as a series of vignettes, allowing the reader to delve into the depths of Mandell’s experiences with a sense of intimacy. Mandell’s ability to eloquently convey her emotions through beautifully crafted prose is truly captivating as we’re shown what is important and meaningful to her.
At 65 years old, Mandell loses her husband of 45 years and is suddenly faced with a future without him. She begins to write letters to him, remembering their life together and pondering what lies ahead. When she begins to date again and a new romantic partner enters the scene, Mandell has to figure out how he can fit into her life and what it means to have loved, lost, and love again.
What truly shines in this memoir are Mandell’s quiet resilience and openness to love despite the ups and downs she faces. Beginning with the death of her husband Herb (and the grief that follows) through finding new love, grappling with her familial relationships, and her journey towards self-acceptance—all of her stories are woven with admirable grace and vulnerability.
What’s more are the charm and humor Mandell can use to convey a moment, bringing lightheartedness to a story that could be weighed down by sentimentality and sap. After all, love is what makes the world go round; it would be easy to fall back on old clichés and lessons. But what makes Mandell’s writing stand out is that she explores love as it relates specifically to her life and allows the reader to be present in an experience they weren’t a part of. The reader is not simply reading about the passing of a man or the woman he leaves behind—they are reading about Herb and Margaret. They are coming to know Mandell’s family, her past, her passions, the pain and healing that come with a new relationship. Mandell is a likable narrator; her empathy and deep love for the people around her shine through with every sentence, as in this passage:
My heart swells with gratitude for this son-in-law who gets my daughter so completely. Who are these men who understand us women so deeply they give us ballast against our own most turbulent moments? Lydia’s steady, unflappable Jake. Herb, the “great tree” that fell. And now John, who says I bring him more happiness than he’s ever known.
Through Mandell’s storytelling, readers are taken on a journey that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, leaving a lasting impact. AND ALWAYS ONE MORE TIME: A Memoir is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and the beauty that can be found in life’s most challenging moments.
~Tess McCumstie for IndieReader