The Collected Regrets of Clover

 

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?

The Collected Regrets of Clover is the debut novel by Mikki Brammer and what an explosion of a debut this is. Who ever knew that a book whose storyline centres around death can still be so fulfilling and uplifting.

We are introduced to Clover who I really connected with, she is an introvert and rather socially awkward until it comes to her work and this was where the intrigue began for me as Clover is a Death Doula something I had never even heard of but she spends the precious time at the end of the life of those who are dying. She is a listening ear who provides comfort to those in their final days and she collates their last words, any advice and the regrets they have too for her own reference.

The storyline not only focuses on death and grief but also looks at how the path our lives take are often shaped by the actions of others and also looks at loneliness too. Clover has such a big heart hidden way, protecting herself but she struggles to know how to let anyone in and how to build solid life relationships but this was something we see her attempt to build on with a few bumps along the way.

There was one part in this book that made me stop and pause for a minute and really take in what the character was saying and that was

 

I’ve watched you spend your life trying to help people have a beautiful death

 

But the secret to a beautiful death is to live a beautiful life. Putting your heart out there, letting it be broken, taking chances and making mistakes.

 

Such a poignant and life affirming statement that feels like it has poked me with a stick and woken me up.

This was such a beautiful and extraordinary book that I know is going to leave a lasting mark on me. Certainly a praiseworthy debut and Mikki Brammer has definitely set the bar high for her next book that I will be eagerly awaiting.

Hardback                      Kindle