Novelist Bloom (
White Houses) had been married to her husband, Brian Ameche, for 12 years when he received a devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Determined to not suffer from long-term cognitive decline, Brian chooses to end his life peacefully before his condition becomes severe. The lack of options in the United States leads the couple to Dignitas, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where they spend four final days together before Brian dies, peacefully, in what Dignitas calls an “accompanied suicide.” This sort of deeply personal story demands to be narrated by the author, and Bloom’s narration is a testament to her deep love for and devotion to Brian. Her conversational tone makes the difficult subject matter accessible, and moments of joy, lightness, and wry humor appear throughout the audiobook. Reflective, thoughtful, and ultimately hopeful, Bloom’s memoir is a celebration of a life well lived and of a supportive and loving relationship.
VERDICT This moving, powerful tribute to love and loss is a must-listen. Suggest to listeners who appreciated Paul Kalanithi’s When Breath Becomes Air and Ann Patchett’s Truth and Beauty.
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