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Digital Reads Reviews

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One of the most heartbreaking stories ever told. Dylan had a brain tumor, was operated on, and had undergone chemotherapy. Removing the tumor had caused the normal brain tissue also to be excised. The Dylan they knew no longer was the same. He was quiet with vacant eyes. And the tumor was growing. A chance of treatment which may prolong life was a radiotherapy in America. The hospital objected, wanted Dylan to pass away in dignity. Mom agreed. Dad wanted to fight, and the matter went to the courts.

Clare Mackintosh went a step further showing us what would happen if the courts had decided one way or the other. Their lives post either decision were shown. The story was based on hope and written with a deep poignancy. Dylan was present in every word of the book, his essence could be felt at every corner. Nobody in this world can say what would be the right decision. Both the decisions would hurt the parents.

Clare has shown the NICU authentically, I could feel that I was standing right next to the parents. The atmosphere of the hospital in the first half was perfect. I got to know that the author had to make this difficult decision for her critically ill son. I have no words for the courage it must have taken for the parents to switch off the ventilator.

There are many things I want to say about this book, but the emotions in my heart stop me. I don’t have the words to write the review. A brilliantly emotional book which also showed how life could be lived after a tragedy. Pain never goes, it just ebbs and flows.

On a personal note, the book was extremely difficult for me to read as it reminded me of my patient who wanted me to save him, who called out to me asking me never to switch off his ventilator. But he died that night due to a massive infection and shock. It has been years, but I haven’t forgotten that boy. By the time I finished this book, I was a mess. Too many memories came crashing down.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and publisher Sphere, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!! STRICTLY HONEST AND UNBIASED.

All my reviews can be read here

Max and Pip are the strongest couple you know. Only now they’re facing the most important decision of their lives – and they don’t agree.

As the consequences of an impossible choice threaten to devastate them both, nothing will ever be the same again.

But anything can happen after the end . . . .

Publication Date: 25th June 2019

Publisher: Little Brown Books UK, Sphere

52 Responses

  1. Just reading your review is making me want to cry and I haven’t even read the book. Like always when I read one of your reviews it has now been added to my TBR on Goodreads.

    1. Hey Misty, it was that kind of a book. But it had hope too. I went in a different direction as it reminded me of my patient. I still cry ❤️😘

  2. I have started this book but I had to take a step away from it before picking it up again. It is so emotional and difficult to read at times. Completely different from anything else Mackintosh has written so I wasn’t prepared for it.

  3. Wow! I feel like crying just from reading your review. As a wife of a cancer survivor and the mother of a preemie, I can totally relate to anyone who has had to go through such an experience. I don’t know if I could read a book like this. Awesome review, Shalini! Thanks so much for sharing! Have a fabulous weekend! 🙂 🙂

    1. Have a great weekend. Oh honey, I didn’t know you have had such a tough life. I am always there whenever you need me. One mail away 😘❤️

  4. Oh, my love. This sounds so very sad. I’m not sure I can read it, I don’t do well with these stories. Thank you for sharing your situation too – you’re the strongest person I know. ❤

    1. Oh honey… Look in the mirror. I was just telling my family about you and how I must learn how to be courageous from you. It is true and heartfelt. You are my hero ❤️🤗

  5. Oh my goodness, what a heartfelt review. I think this is a book I’d sob my way through. I can see how this would affect you after the experience you mention.

  6. I love this author’s other books, but the change in genre with this one makes me a little hesitant. I mean, it does sound very good, but I just haven’t been in the mood for this type of book lately at all. I’m glad you enjoyed it, though. Great review!

  7. Fab review! I found this book a tough read too, it brought back difficult memories of looking after my mum on my own during her final months. I’m so sorry for what you went through with your patient and that this book affected you so much. I think my tears were somewhat cathartic though, I hope yours were too. Sending a hug x

    1. Oh Hayley… Now I have tears in my eyes. You are so brave. You looked after your mum and nothing can be as pure as your love for her. Your mum was so lucky to have you in her life. You are simply amazing. I am far away, yet so close to you. Thank you. Today, in fact, just now I was sad about something else. But you have shown me the way to courage. It is true that when the times are tough, the right person comes along. Thank you for being my right person today. All my love ❤️🤗

  8. Really courageous that you still finished this novel if it was so emotional for you. I think even without the experience you had personally, it would still be an emotional novel though. I have read a few reviews before and still haven’t decided if I want to read it or not.. I mean I want to but I don’t know if I should put myself through it :-). Thanks lovely for sharing this with us!

  9. This sounds like a tough read (and a bit too close to real life.) I’m sorry that you went through a similar circumstance. This was a great review.

  10. Aww, it must have been so difficult to read this book… my heart goes to you, Shalini!! I have this book from Edelweiss and I am sure this book break my heart, rendering me to a crying mess as well. Fantastic review, Shalini and this post makes you love even more!!

  11. Definitely does sound like a really tough read. Sorry to hear that it brought back such tough memories. Great review, Shalini.

    1. It is difficult to switch off the ventilator. Did it once Meggy to my uncle, never again for anyone, just simply refused it and left the job

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