The loss of a loved one confronts us with the modern social imperative summed up in the phrase "complete your mourning." This phrase aligns with the psychological version, which, under the term "working through grief," systematizes and homogenizes an idealized standardization of the "closure" of the mourning process, as a "goal" to be achieved.

Vinciane Despret approaches without any prejudice the stories of people who have lost their loved ones, thus allowing the creation of a free space within their conversations. She learns from the way the living she meets become capable of welcoming the presence of those who depart.

One story led to another. "I have a friend who wears her grandmother's shoes so that the latter continues to roam the world. Another friend started climbing one of the highest mountains accompanied by her father's ashes to share with him the most beautiful sunrises. A close person of mine, on the eve of his deceased wife's birthday, prepares her favorite meal, etc."

The author, wandering as a philosopher or rather epistemologist, as a psychologist, but also as a social scientist (anthropologist), explores yet another possibility, another unexpected scientific "subject." She shows us how to escape the dilemma between "this belongs to imagination" and "it is simply true and real." ● Vinciane Despret is a philosopher (University of Liège).