REVIEWS
It is a very thorough piece of work. In Tolkien’s biography it described him as ‘going inside language’. My feeling is that you have ‘gone inside’ and within your topic." Hi Helen, all finished! Along with tears and having to walk away a few times, it is fabulous. I really enjoyed it." |
As a long distance grandchild, parent, and grandparent, this series is extremely relevant. My only living grandparent kept her presence alive for me during our long separations in pre internet days by faithfully writing on a blue aerogram each week. I never doubted her love and reconnection seemed natural when we did meet. This book will be a treasure for others seeking to find their way over the miles. Thanks, Helen." |
When generations of the same family are geographically distant, how can relationships and connectivity be maintained, and even maximised? Helen provides some interesting insights – and options – from the view of grandchildren? She aims to “inform and inspire” and she has certainly achieved both. This topic needs more attention and this book is an important contribution to our understanding.” |
Being a Distance Grandchild is the book we’ve needed for a long time now. Helen Ellis captures the often-unspoken voice of grandchildren growing up far from their grandparents, and she does it with honesty, heart, and hope. This is essential reading for any family navigating life across miles—it proves that distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection.” |
Being a Distance Grandchild fills a long-overdue gap by giving voice to those growing up far from grandparents. Helen Ellis blends research and personal stories to explore identity, belonging and connection. This is a valuable resource for global families and professionals supporting intergenerational relationships across distance." This is the third book in Helen Ellis’s series describing the experiences of families where emigration has parted the generations. The book is the culmination of her experience and academic research. She explores with detailed interviews the effect on individuals having a grandparent geographically distanced – the nuances, challenges and unexpected gifts of the separation. While families usually maintain contact with regular meetings, here bridges have to be made across the world." Helen Ellis’ globally sourced collection of stories from distance grandchildren’s perspectives fills a notable gap in global mobility publications. Her reflections and personal connections to these diverse stories blends the human and the academic and leaves the reader with a clear pathway for successful relationships through the barrier of distance. |
In this newest addition to her Distance Families Series, Helen Ellis draws on her personal experience as a Distance Grandchild and her expertise as a researcher and writer to deliver another insightful contribution to our understanding of intergenerational relationships—this time highlighting the voices of grandchildren. She offers warm, practical strategies that help parents, grandparents, and grandchildren bridge both geographical and emotional distances, fostering connections that are both meaningful and lasting." After reading this latest book by Helen Ellis, celebrating the role of grandchildren, you might regret never having experienced this bond or feel remorse for not nurturing it more while your grandparents were still alive. Drawing from 25 deeply personal interviews with grandchildren around the world, Ellis reveals the profound power and lasting nature of these connections. In a time when loneliness afflicts both the young and the old, and when we all crave meaningful emotional ties, these intergenerational relationships emerge as a vital remedy. Even when family members live continents apart, overcoming the challenges of staying connected is not only possible but also deeply rewarding. A wonderful and timely feel-good read!” Helen’s writing is both familiar and reassuring, skilfully blending academic theory with personal narratives drawn from her own experience and from those she has interviewed. Being a Distance Grandchild gives a much-needed voice to family members often overlooked in conversations about expatriate life. As the mother of a distance grandchild, I found the book offered valuable insight into how my daughter navigates her relationship with her grandparents and how she has been able to create a truly special bond with them — despite the miles between them. |
