DescriptionThe Unshuttered Heart is a personal memoir written in essays of varying lengths. It tells the story of a sheltered young woman who grows up lonely and feeling out of place. She finally meets another young woman who is also attracted to women and the two begin a passionate relationship. They are happy together, despite her partner’s chronic illness, and Kimberly’s giving up her writing. Kimberly eventually takes on the role of caretaker and solebreadwinner, and is devasted when Erin dies of a colon infection. She tries to navigate her grief in a world that does not recognize lesbian widows. Eventually, with much heartache and work, she refocuses on her dreams.