In Anne Fadiman's book "Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader," the author touches on the profound emotional impact of losing beloved books, which she terms "pen-bereavement." This concept highlights how books can become deeply intertwined with our identities and experiences. Fadiman illustrates that the loss of a cherished book is akin to mourning a personal relationship.
The author explores her own attachments to literature, emphasizing that books often provide comfort and companionship. Fadiman invites readers to consider the significance of their literary connections and the emotional grief that can accompany losing those connections, shedding light on the intense bond between readers and their books.