Unbroken Trust: The Forbidden Goodbye of a Husband's Suicide

by Jill Anderson

In 2005, Jill Anderson went on trial at Leeds Crown Court for the manslaughter of her husband of eight years. Paul, a 43-year-old linguist, had been suffering for several years from the debilitating effects of ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with complications, and had previously attempted suicide. But one day, while Jill was out of the house, he took enough pills to ensure his own death. When she returned home Paul told Jill he had 'taken enough this time' and begged her not to get assistance. She honoured her beloved partner's wishes and, although consumed by grief, allowed him to slip slowly away. Then the full weight of the law came down upon her. She was interrogated by Harrogate Police, had her passport taken away, and faced up to 15 years in jail. Her story was followed by the nation's media and, although too unwell to take the stand at her trial, she was acquitted by a unanimous not guilty verdict.

This is Jill's powerfully and elegantly written full story of the most intense emotional journey. Stark police interview transcripts sit alongside the love story of Jill and Paul's early, happy years before they faced the desperation of living with a medical issue with no known cure. This astonishingly honest book leaves the reader 'What would I have done in her situation?' It is an unforgettable and deeply moving account of love in extremis.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2012

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what to write. Sometimes I felt suspicious of the author, especially when it came to relationships with her husbands family, but I can feel for someone having to live with their loved one going through so much pain, it's easy to see why they would want to allow them to maybe take charge or their own destiny.

[Kirree Earnshaw · Rating 1 out of 5]

A true story of a difficult decision and a life together tragically cut short. Written by the wife herself, the book is a collection of memories, thoughts, police intervews and snippets of speech from the court hearing, all jumbled up.
It's a heartbreaking situation which could have had such a different outcome with support from the doctors, family and friends.
The book begins with her account of the night her husband died, then the structure is quite nonexistent, no progression through the book, just the same story repeating. Perhaps this is in reference to how the investigation worked?
I was looking for more emotion and more explanation of the authors feelings, especially during that pivotal moment, but it's more of a numb, factual recount.
For these reasons I struggled to engage with the book and after reading 1/3 flicked through to the end.
Would have been better as a shorter book or if it included viewpoints from the different people involved.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting and powerful book. I worked in hospice for 5 yrs and I've seen first hand the agonizing pain people go through. While I live in a state that does not have assisted suicide, I am for it. Again, having seen the pain and suffering of people, I do believe each person should have the right to end their pain and suffering. I don't think Jill Anderson did anything wrong. She was a caring and loving wife. Her husband is the one that made the decision to end his pain, not Jill. It wasn't mentioned in the book but I would like to know what the laws were on assisted suicide where Jill and her husband resided. This book is another reason why it's so important to get your wishes after your death, in writing.

[Karen's World · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is fact based and written exceedingly well with strong characters, a true story and one which happens all to often with this awful illness.
It shows the way the police are relentless in trying to get the answers they want to hear to make their case easier for them.
There is still not enough research being done to help the hundreds of people suffering from this condition.
This story touched my heart as I to suffer from M.E. I could sympathise with every pain he felt and the amount of medication you are constantly trying, hoping to get some relief.
Five stars for a wonderful story, that I would recommend every sufferer, carer, family member and friend read to help you understand just a little bit what this illness does to you.

[Raeesa Sarlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed many aspects of this book, I felt that it lacked something.

The relationship shared between Paul and Jill is beautiful. While it isn't perfect, it's real. It lacks the whole, chick lit cheapness (which I LOVE). However, I find the interview pieces after Paul's suicide to be really repetitive. I understand what the author was trying to get out of writing this memoir but that aspect ruined it for me. On the whole, it was an enjoyable read. Although, I probably won't be picking up this book again anytime soon. Next ....

[Samantha Dilliway · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book quite difficult to get in to. I found myself wanting to empathise with the author more than I did. The police interview sections were very interesting though and all credit to Jill Anderson for not being ground down by their incessant questioning techniques.