NEXT of KIN
Every expatriate holds a special dread of an unexpected middle-of-the-night phone call. It usually means that a dear loved one is gone and because of the distance from home, there's nothing the expat can do about it. At least, not right away. American Priscilla Lalisse- Jespersen learned that lesson the hard way. Lalisse-Jespersen, author of the novel Stockdale, is back, this time with the account of suddenly losing her father while she was thousands of miles away, living in Paris.
Brimming with love and loss, Next of Kin takes the reader on an emotion -fraught journey, one that ends with acceptance, hope, and ultimately, celebration.
TRAILER
Book Reviews
Dennis, Goodreads
"I really enjoyed the format of this book, lots of great quotes and structure...this is about the author's own life and her experiences. When you feel a connection right from the beginning when she recieves that phone call."
AMAZON Review
“This book is for anyone who has lost a close relative. Enlightening, therapeutic, concise, and fast-paced, Next of Kin pulls at your heartstrings as it stirs your emotions to laughter, to anger, then to tears, all the while broadening your awareness of human nature, even of your blood, their moral fiber for whenever the opportunity of selflessness or personal gain arises. Next of Kin is, in fact, for anyone with a beating heart.”
Havelah, Amazon
“I’m sorry for your loss. He had a good life.”
Tonta, Amazon
“This book reveals the sad reality that often happens in families upon the death of a close family member most often. The author has been able to find the words to talk about these emotions that are not always easy to express and all this speaks to us and makes us understand that the evil never comes from far.”
Rodney, Amazon
"Next of Kin is an accurate portrayal of so many family dynamics where a family member shows their true colors and acts less than family-like. The book tugged at my heart strings and caused me to put a face to the characters.”
Ellen Lebelle, Amazon
“I, too, am an American and have dealt with the conflicting emotions of going home and not belonging. I think all immigrants must have such feelings on such painful trips to the home country. We are far from our families; our vision of the world has expanded; we suffer a cultural shock upon return. It's all beautifully written about in Next of Kin.”
Sab Will, Amazon
“A deeply personal essay and memorial and cathartic sharing all wrapped into one little package. It is a brave public exercise in coming to terms with loss and grief, and the frustration of important things not said. The book ends with a gently positive message, indicating that the author has managed to move past this difficult chapter in her life, and we are left feeling moved and ultimately inspired by the courage of her Alabama father, and of his Paris-based daughter too.”
Sherri H. Chatman, Amazon
“Worth reading! I read your first book, Stockdale, and Loved it and enjoyed reading this one too!”