DADDY BLACKBIRD

The true story of a family surviving and thriving after loss by suicide

Daddy Blackbird Flying

LAUNCHING 10 OCTOBER 2024

Pre-order on Kindle from Amazon today and paperback copies available from 10 October. Read a selection of complimentary chapters from the three sections:

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HISTORY

From amazing adventures to a shocking succession of tragedies, these were the days before our family changed forever.

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HORROR

As each catastrophic moment unfolded, I describe the complexities of loss by suicide, one challenging chapter after another.

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HOPE

By finding strength in myself, my children and my community, I was able to ready myself for better, happier times ahead.
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Full synopsis

“We’ve found him. He’s not alive. And it’s clear he has done it to himself.”

These were the fifteen unforgettable words uttered by the police officers who delivered the shocking news that my husband, Steve, had taken his own life.

No warning. No signs. No note left behind. No explanation given.

Caroline Roodhouse

Loss by suicide is like grief with a microphone. Everything is amplified. Louder, sharper, deafening at times.

Over the years, Caroline has discovered that time cannot heal a catastrophic loss like this. It just dampens the noise a little. All the sorrowful sounds of bereavement continue to be heard through every moment and milestone of life. Yet, the sweet singing of the blackbird can be heard when the storm passes too.

In this book, Caroline reflects on her most personal thoughts, experiences and learnings, and those of her young children, to give a voice to those left behind.

Whether you’re suffering directly from loss, you’re supporting a friend, relative or colleague whose loved one had died by suicide, or you’re struggling with your own mental health, Daddy Blackbird is an honest and relatable story that can offer you hope beyond the horror.

Quote

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.

Emily Dickinson

"This is a book that speaks volumes about the experiences of being bereaved by a traumatic loss, and yet leaves the reader speechless in awe. An amazing real life story of resilience, humbleness and raw emotion.”

Amandip Sidhu
Multi Award Winner
Compassionate Leader and Founder of the charity, Doctors in Distress

"Daddy Blackbird is incredibly sad, yet very important and powerful - the disbelief, the impact, the questions - these are all relatable and common for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. This is a detailed, raw and moving story that will touch many people.”

Carolyn Moody MBE
Multi Award Winner, Fosterwiki Ambassador, shared Lives Carer, Mental Health and Trauma Informed Care Advocate, Champion of Child and Carers Voices

“This is a gripping story, and I've no doubt that Daddy Blackbird will be an incredibly useful resource for anyone touched by suicide.”

Russ Magnall
Trainer, coach, mentor, former police commander and author of ‘Safe and Sound: Secrets of the World’s Most Resilient People’

"This is a remarkable book that testifies to inspirational strength in the face of unthinkable suffering. Let Caroline take your hand and walk you through her journey of loss and recovery. It will definitely move you. It will probably change you. It might even save you."

Dave Crofts
Writer, poet, friend, cheerleader, communications consultant

“There are few people in the world who selflessly choose to turn their suffering into something good and helpful for others. Caroline generously and sensitively shares the horrific details of the kind of loss that many can only imagine, while others can painfully relate to.

While emotionally challenging at times, Daddy Blackbird is effortless to read. It takes us on a heart-wrenching rollercoaster ride of emotions, clearly maps out every one of those ups and and downs, brings new insight, advice and realisations at every turn and ends in a hopeful place grown from unimaginable suffering.”

Emily Fulleylove
Former doctor turned wellbeing coach and co-host of The Fully Well Doc podcast

“Deep and authentic insight into an unimaginable journey of utter devastation towards resilience and hope. This book has such broad appeal and provides tremendous value to multiple different audiences. Particularly captivating was how Caroline supported her girls with the loss of their father. A profound example of the importance of teaching children how to understand and navigate emotions.”

Rachel Vecht
Founder of Educating Matters, parent educator and former school teacher

“Reading this story provided much comfort to me. There were so many ‘yes, I felt like that too’ moments which made me feel much less alone in my grief.

Caroline doesn’t shy away from the taboo subjects like anger, which I had struggled to find honest accounts of elsewhere. The suggestions for moving forwards are practical yet achievable but also provide that much needed hope.

Ultimately this book made me feel heard and I know this will become one of those valuable resources to help others through the ripples following loss by suicide. Thank you Caroline for being our voice.”

Jodie Cooper
Warrior woman, double parent and fellow suicide loss survivor

“So much of this story could literally be me! For anyone unfortunate enough to be in our position, this book offers comfort and hope.

For those curious, but without lived experience it provides painful insight and probably a new found appreciation for how shit it is at times!”

Hannah Pearsall
Head of wellbeing, mental health first aid instructor and wellbeing coach

“A powerful, important and deeply moving book. In sharing her journey from horror to hope so candidly and sensitively, Caroline sticks two fingers up to stigma and shame; there is simply no space for those demons any longer when it comes to suicide.

 I believe that this book will start courageous, compassionate, potentially ife-saving conversations. Thank you, Caroline, for channelling your pain into these words - words that will help so many.”

Rose Rowkins
Suicide prevention trainer, awareness advocate

Muddy Steve
Caroline and Steve Roodhouse
Caroline Roodhouse
Caroline Roodhouse
Caroline Roodhouse

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