Essential reading for anyone who works with people approaching the end of life, but also generally important to read for anyone wanting to know more about the process of dying. Death is such an an avoided topic in our society and as such we greatly fear death. This book highlights the importance of opening up the conversation about death, bringing into the foreground, to enable people to have choices around their dying but also to live as well as possible, even at the very end of life. 

I knew nothing about what death looked like when I started this book, but reading these individual stories has helped me to confront my fears about family members (and, indeed, myself) dying. 
The reflections at the end of each grouping helped me think about the themes and what I would like the end of life to look like, and how to talk about it with my family, both for my wishes and for theirs. 

I was recommend this book by a colleague who, like me, works in healthcare. 

The author presents multiple stories about the lives and deaths that she has been a part of in her role as a palliative care doctor. She offers up talking points at the end which are useful for those who may not have thought much about death and discussing with loved ones their wishes and wants for a good death.

As a health professional and someone who has had experience in death of a very close loved one, I am not sure what I gained from the book other than marvelling at the way different people tackle the eventuality that finds us all.

There are two points in the book that although are for scene-setting did rather surprise me and I felt were worth noting for other readers. Firstly using an abhorrent word to describe a cat that she inherited from a patient; and describing a babies movements as ‘slowing down’ towards the end of pregnancy which is grossly inaccurate and outdated information.

On the whole this was an enjoyable read despite the subject matter and the talking points at the end of each chapter could be useful.

An amazing book that makes you reflect on death and dying and its importance for all aspects of your life.