A Song for Jenny

On 7 July 2005, Julie Nicholson's life was changed forever. Her daughter, Jenny, was killed on her way to work in the London bombings, shaking Julie's beliefs. With heartbreaking honesty and integrity, Julie tells her story of love, tragedy and heartache for the first time.

Jenny Nicholson was travelling to work when a bomb exploded at Edgware Road Tube station. Her mother, Reverend Julie Nicholson, was on holiday in Anglesey at the time and watched the situation unfold on the television before travelling to London to search for her missing daughter. After five terrible days, her daughter's death was confirmed. Struggling to comprehend the tragedy, Julie's sorrow and longing for her beloved daughter turned to rage and anger at the senseless death.

In what will doubtless be considered a landmark grief memoir, Julie Nicholson takes us painstakingly through each moment from when Jenny fails to answer her mobile, to anointing her body.

Devastatingly honest and courageous, Julie tells of her love and loss as only a mother can.

Reviews

"A Song for Jenny is a raw and riveting account of a mother's anguish at her daughter's death" – The Times

"…an extraordinarily moving memoir…" – The Daily Mail

"…an unflinching book…Nicholson takes us into every mother's worst nightmare – the fruitless vigil, the DNA test…" – The Sunday Times

"A Song for Jenny…examines intimately the terrain of that strange hostile land [of grief]: every exhausting hill and dangerous pothole, and conversely, every breathtaking viewpoint" – Scotland on Sunday

About the author

Julie Nicholson’s daughter Jenny, a gifted musician, died in the 7/7 London bombings of 2005. Julie was also priest of two churches in Bristol, St Aidan's and St George's. Eight months after her daughter’s death Julie resigned from her position.

Julie continues to work with the church in a youth arts project.