Braun, Noel: No Way to Behave at a Funeral

This is the story of Noel who lost Maris, his beloved wife of 42 years, to suicide following years of struggling with depression. The abrupt ending of a life by suicide can be the most catastrophic of events for those left behind. Survivors experience intense pain and massive guilt. Grief banishes survivors to a place so removed from the normal hurly-burly of everyday life that they feel close to madness. Somehow they have to claw their way back. Noel accepted there was no way around his anguish and met suffering head on. His pain allowed him to discover the richness within him and to grow in wisdom which he hopes might be of benefit to others. Maris' death did not shut her out of Noel's life. She remains a very real presence. This is a love story with a difference. 'An involving account of the devastation, guilt and pain commonly experienced by people bereaved by suicide. It is a moving love story and a tale of resilience, offering reassurance and a sense of hope to others similarly bereaved.' - Barbara Hocking, OAM Executive Director, SANE Australia 'Noel Braun gives us the honour of travelling his suicide grief journey after the loss of his beloved wife Maris. He lets us walk with him and understand the devastation that suicide brings and his road of learning to find hope again.' - Michelle Linn-Gust, PhD., President-Elect, American Association of Suicidology 'Noel takes us into his innermost thoughts, feelings and emotions as he describes, with incredible love and candour, 'losing' his Maris. Noel's story is immensely powerful and the depth and duration of his grief is testament to his enduring love for Maris.' - Kate Friis, Counsellor and Psychotherapist

Noel Braun commenced his working life as a country schoolteacher then moved into a corporate career, which took him from Melbourne to Perth and Sydney. He has had a lifelong passion for writing and wrote the first words of his novels fifty years ago. After a busy career and raising a family of four, he has found the time in retirement to fulfill his long-held ambition to see his work in print.Noel has published two previous novels: Friend and Philosopher and Whistler Street. He has published a memoir, No Way to Behave at a Funeral, which describes his grief journey following the death by suicide of his wife Maris, and three explorations of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela: The Day was Made for Walking, I Guess I'll Just Keep on Walking and Keep Pressing On, Brother.Noel has taken his time with his third novel, No Comfort on a Chilly Night. He commenced the first draft twenty years ago and wrote four other books in the meantime. He is working on other manuscripts. He lives in the Snowy Mountains where he is involved with the community. He is a keen walker and enjoys getting out in the national parks surrounding his home.