Book excerpt: Honaard (gerontology, St. Thomas University, New Brunswick) combines sociological theory with the stories of widows. By allowing widows to tell of their own experiences and describe their feelings, she explains how the sense of loss essentially alters a person's entire biography. Specific attention is given to the changes affecting relationships with men, family ties, finances, community, and religion. The diversity of widows' experiences is stressed, and a sense of hope is cultivated throughout.