Story perspectives

Yiyun Li's Heartbreaking Memoir Explores Grief and Acceptance

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Yiyun Li, Chinese-American author, recounts the deaths of her sons, Vincent and James, by suicide.
Her memoir reflects on their lives and Li's depression, raising questions about influence on suicide views.
Li describes adopting a "radical acceptance" of her circumstances and facing harsh realities.
The audiobook, narrated by Suzanne Toren, conveys Li's analytical view of grief.
Crisis resources include the U.S. Lifeline at 988 and Australia's Lifeline at 13 11 14.

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Story summary

Yiyun Li, Chinese-American author, recounts the deaths of her sons, Vincent and James, by suicide.
Her memoir reflects on their lives and Li's depression, raising questions about influence on suicide views.
Li describes adopting a "radical acceptance" of her circumstances and facing harsh realities.
The audiobook, narrated by Suzanne Toren, conveys Li's analytical view of grief.
Crisis resources include the U.S. Lifeline at 988 and Australia's Lifeline at 13 11 14.