In her book 'An Attempt to Organize My Love,' Dutch author Christien Brinkgreve grapples with the complexities of a 40-year marriage that was marked by both love and unhappiness. As she sorts through her home—a reflection of her relationship, now perceived as dark and neglected—she faces the uncomfortable necessity of clearing out the past. This process is not just physical but emotional, as she acknowledges that the discontent in her marriage existed long before her husband passed away.

Brinkgreve's narrative dives deep into her own introspection, revealing the layers of grief that accompanied the end of her husband's life. She explores her feelings of loss, not just in terms of his death but for the emotional connection that had faded long ago. Through the lens of her home and memories, she confronts the truth of her marriage's beginning, confronting difficult realities that had been buried. The honest examination leads her to a clearer understanding of her life and her relationships.

The book, therefore, serves not only as a memoir of loss but also as a broader commentary on love, vulnerability, and the complicated nature of long-term partnerships. It highlights the importance of self-reflection and the courage required to confront painful truths in order to move forward in life, even amidst the sadness left in the wake of her marriage's end.