Published By: Viking
Pages: 352
Released On: 06/07/2023
Clover Brooks has forgotten how to live.
It might be because she spends her time caring for people in their final days, working as a death doula in New York City.
Or it might be because she has a regret of her own – one she can’t bring herself to let go of.
But then she meets Claudia: a feisty old woman who has one last wish . . .
As Clover begins a new adventure, will she remember how to live her own big, beautiful life?
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
When my dad died in a hospice in 2017 I was overawed by the people working there. They weren’t death doulas like in this book, they were doctors and nurses and carers, but they still comforted people when they passed over to the next life. And I remember afterwards, thinking how amazing it must be to be that person for someone. How unafraid of death and the dying. And whilst I admit I am too emotional to do that job, it’s an industry that I have been interested in and admired ever since.
It’s an interesting concept. People (especially in the UK) still have this fear of death and talking about death. I’ve experienced enough of it over the years that it’s no stranger to me. But it’s the only certainty of any of us. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away, it just makes it something to fear. And I feel it’s important to talk about it. There isn’t anything else that we hide away from. We discuss our most intimate situations but we can’t bare to discuss the one thing we all have in common. So, if the idea feels a bit heavy for you, a fictional book is a great starting point.
For what could potentially be quite a morale lowering book – what with all the death – it’s incredibly life affirming and hopeful and joyful. It’s very strong but also light. This book is like a therapy session – in a good way. It shows you just how important life is and to live life without regrets, but without being too preachy. You’re so invested in Clover’s world that you don’t realise how much good the story is doing for you until it’s finished and you’re alone again.
I know it doesn’t really have any effect on the book itself but I adore the name Clover. It’s not a name I’ve really given any prior thought to, but now I have, I think it’s just glorious. There’s a number of characters but I’ll just pick a few to talk about.
I identified with Clover more than I was expecting to. Not the profession side of it, but the introvert, the love of reading, the not wanting to be close to people in case they leave. She was lovely. Then her client Claudia. She is a wonderful character. So beautiful in heart and soul, a bit cheeky; she reminds me of my late grandmother. She’s just a wonderful creation. Claudia’s grandson Sebastian irked me at first, I found him a bit slimy. But his heart was in the right place. I adored Leo, Clover’s elderly neighbour. He was just gorgeous and I wanted to sit with a cup of tea and listen to his stories. Hugo, although a small role, was an important one and I instantly had a warm feeling about him.
I’ve said before in other reviews that I prefer character development over plot in my reading. And whilst there is a whole lot of plot here, I still think the characters overtake it. The journey they all go on – physically and emotionally – is just beautiful and they felt so human, so real, so like you and me.
I believe this is Mikki’s debut novel and it will definitely stay with me for some time. I can’t wait to see what else she produces.
Books By Your Bedside 