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Bedside Matters
Walter had mastered the business world at an unaccounted cost to discover in old age and ill-health a degenerative disease that would eventually render his body useless. His mind, however, was trapped as it was, and had an unconventional final act to play to everyone’s surprise, including his own. “You’re just dying, Walter, Irma, his caretaker said. We all do.”
“I’m fine with dying, Irma. I’d just like to know when,” he replied. But it wasn’t true. Walter is a complicated man, captured in the gilded cage of his mansion, tasteful as it is, watching the world, his world, go by without him. As he yearns for his physical power to somehow be magically restored, Walter learns to let go, and let his mind take its course.
Visitors with agendas appear to remind him of his life and responsibilities: Walter’s ex-wife Polly, a voluptuous handful as he would describe her, Paula, his chip-off-the-old block upright and forthright all-business daughter, Gavin, his immensely attractive and irresponsible son with a very dodgy track record, and the irrepressible daydreams and memories that flood his consciousness with emotions long shunned.
While Walter reads the work of the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, his inner life takes on a new shape, as his body continues to betray him and deteriorate. He says a long, reluctant goodbye while engaging a side to life that has been, until now, unexplored.
The natural world in the garden outside his window provides pleasure as he battles pain and new people enter his world to invigorate his last days, including his new physical therapist, Tressie, a woman so enticing and exotic he counts the minutes between visits.
Walter, for the first time, seems to be experiencing life as a poet would, even as the inevitable end comes closer. He takes a young artist under his wing, and even dabbles with watercolors, something he would never have done as a boy, let alone an elder.
Succession becomes an obsession with Paula as she builds her empire, albeit with Walter’s help and his power of attorney, and Gavin tries to demonstrate how far he’s come after another stint in rehab. Walter watches them play the game of life, as he becomes a mere observer from the solitude of his stately manor, lost, and possibly found, in his thoughts. Walter’s world becomes a fascinating realm where philosophy rules.
A cinematic non-linear take and frank examination of the promise of life, even at its end, Bedside Matters concerns us all at one time or another and asks the ultimate question: what matters most?
“I’m fine with dying, Irma. I’d just like to know when,” he replied. But it wasn’t true. Walter is a complicated man, captured in the gilded cage of his mansion, tasteful as it is, watching the world, his world, go by without him. As he yearns for his physical power to somehow be magically restored, Walter learns to let go, and let his mind take its course.
Visitors with agendas appear to remind him of his life and responsibilities: Walter’s ex-wife Polly, a voluptuous handful as he would describe her, Paula, his chip-off-the-old block upright and forthright all-business daughter, Gavin, his immensely attractive and irresponsible son with a very dodgy track record, and the irrepressible daydreams and memories that flood his consciousness with emotions long shunned.
While Walter reads the work of the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, his inner life takes on a new shape, as his body continues to betray him and deteriorate. He says a long, reluctant goodbye while engaging a side to life that has been, until now, unexplored.
The natural world in the garden outside his window provides pleasure as he battles pain and new people enter his world to invigorate his last days, including his new physical therapist, Tressie, a woman so enticing and exotic he counts the minutes between visits.
Walter, for the first time, seems to be experiencing life as a poet would, even as the inevitable end comes closer. He takes a young artist under his wing, and even dabbles with watercolors, something he would never have done as a boy, let alone an elder.
Succession becomes an obsession with Paula as she builds her empire, albeit with Walter’s help and his power of attorney, and Gavin tries to demonstrate how far he’s come after another stint in rehab. Walter watches them play the game of life, as he becomes a mere observer from the solitude of his stately manor, lost, and possibly found, in his thoughts. Walter’s world becomes a fascinating realm where philosophy rules.
A cinematic non-linear take and frank examination of the promise of life, even at its end, Bedside Matters concerns us all at one time or another and asks the ultimate question: what matters most?
280 pages, Hardcover
First published March 23, 2021
About the author
Richard Alther
6 books28 followersRichard was born and raised in suburban New Jersey. He graduated as an English major from Cornell University and pursued twin careers as a writer and painter. He is the author of five novels: THE DECADE OF BLIND DATES (2008), SIEGFRIED FOLLIES (2010), THE SCAR LETTERS (2013), ROXIE & FRED (2017), and BEDSIDE MATTERS, published by Rare Bird Books on March 23, 2021.
After several years in Manhattan, Richard moved to Vermont and earned his family’s living writing extensively about vegetable gardening and homesteading. His simultaneous career as an exhibiting painter included gallery representation and one-person shows in Montreal, London, Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas, and Florida.
Richard has trained and competed nationally as a Masters Swimmer for several years, reaching the top ten at age 50.
He divides his time between homes in Palm Springs, California and the Lake Champlain area of Vermont, where his grandchildren reside.
After several years in Manhattan, Richard moved to Vermont and earned his family’s living writing extensively about vegetable gardening and homesteading. His simultaneous career as an exhibiting painter included gallery representation and one-person shows in Montreal, London, Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas, and Florida.
Richard has trained and competed nationally as a Masters Swimmer for several years, reaching the top ten at age 50.
He divides his time between homes in Palm Springs, California and the Lake Champlain area of Vermont, where his grandchildren reside.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 25, 2021
I received a copy of Bedside Matters in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Though the story starts slowly, it drew me in the more I read. Walter is a wealthy man spending his last days with a degenerative disease. Though sad, the plot is also inspiring, meditative, and philosophical. His money allows Walter to have the best of personalized care at home, including the latest in adaptive devices. Walter makes his peace with death aided by his caregivers and family. He comes to appreciate what a privileged life he has lived, but now wants to share his resources in an effort to do good and support those who care for him. The books his daughter brings lead him to ruminate and reminisce about life and appreciate simple things of nature. He seems to understand a bit more about his life's purpose and the contributions he has made, despite his very human faults.
Just as Walter embraces his final days peacefully, the reader can enjoy less serious parts of this story as well as the final moments with no regret.
Though the story starts slowly, it drew me in the more I read. Walter is a wealthy man spending his last days with a degenerative disease. Though sad, the plot is also inspiring, meditative, and philosophical. His money allows Walter to have the best of personalized care at home, including the latest in adaptive devices. Walter makes his peace with death aided by his caregivers and family. He comes to appreciate what a privileged life he has lived, but now wants to share his resources in an effort to do good and support those who care for him. The books his daughter brings lead him to ruminate and reminisce about life and appreciate simple things of nature. He seems to understand a bit more about his life's purpose and the contributions he has made, despite his very human faults.
Just as Walter embraces his final days peacefully, the reader can enjoy less serious parts of this story as well as the final moments with no regret.
March 30, 2021
This is an intriguing psychological study of a wealthy man who discovers on his deathbed the limited importance of the wealth and belongings that have preoccupied him throughout his lifetime.
June 23, 2021
The idea of who we become within our final moments is a subject that few approach until at that actual point. As such, literature has granted access to those who want to explore the complex theme at a distance - foregoing the grim reality of our own mortality. Richard Alther’s “Bedside Matters” is one such work that explores these themes - existing as an idyllic example of how cathartic and life-affirming it can be to explore the inevitable.
Notably, the way Alther brings a varied cast into the life of Walter explores both generational and cultural gaps with nuance. Walter, despite his wealth garnered through constant work, is self-aware of his own fallacies and does not see his legacy as a sign of moral superiority. In addition, the character conveys a sincere interest in the life of others - brought on through introspection from conversation and the books he consumes to pass the time. Personally, I found myself drawn to the young artist whose visits injects admiration and creativity into Walter who never took time to appreciate artistic expression throughout his professional career. This relationship also teaches Walter an important lesson about how his money can affect people - a common theme ingeniously explored throughout the book.
Complimenting every interaction is competent prose which sees the narrative jump between past reflections and current interactions to give a broad picture of what made Walter into the figure that he is. Each interaction reflects a life of experience that relates the protagonist’s introspective thoughts and revelations. Ultimately, Alther is able to convey a lifetime of triumphs and disappointments through lovely prose that flits between moments of personal importance.
However, the narrative does have an inherent fault tied to Walter’s social standing - having immeasurable wealth. This status draws a broad range of intriguing characters towards him through employment, charities and those looking for personal gain. However, this creates distance that makes it difficult to connect with Walter on a human level regardless of the charity he shows. This can become a deeper issue in specific interactions such as the fetishization of one of his paid helpers. Essentially, this sense of power and guaranteed safe passage into death's embrace is not something the ‘every man’ will be able to relate to - being able to give millions on their departure is not a luxury afforded to the masses.
Regardless of the reader's perceptions of Walter’s lifestyle, there are many insightful observations by way of his changing mentality of embracing people beyond a bottom line - it is sad to see his persona shift only within his later moments. In addition, the broad cast ensures that all readers will find some modicum of relatability among the varied personalities.
“Bedside Matters” is a beautifully reflective work, proving Richard Alther’s ability to make an otherwise untouchable character an object of fascination in approaching death. In particular, the final moments of Walter’s life as his conscientiousness and understanding is fleeting acts as the great equalizer of all that came before it - his wealth no longer an issue or consideration as was previous. Ultimately, the work has some inherent shortcoming within its structure and subject that will have moments fall short, but overall the novel acts as a wondrous exploration of a man faced with his own mortality.
Notably, the way Alther brings a varied cast into the life of Walter explores both generational and cultural gaps with nuance. Walter, despite his wealth garnered through constant work, is self-aware of his own fallacies and does not see his legacy as a sign of moral superiority. In addition, the character conveys a sincere interest in the life of others - brought on through introspection from conversation and the books he consumes to pass the time. Personally, I found myself drawn to the young artist whose visits injects admiration and creativity into Walter who never took time to appreciate artistic expression throughout his professional career. This relationship also teaches Walter an important lesson about how his money can affect people - a common theme ingeniously explored throughout the book.
Complimenting every interaction is competent prose which sees the narrative jump between past reflections and current interactions to give a broad picture of what made Walter into the figure that he is. Each interaction reflects a life of experience that relates the protagonist’s introspective thoughts and revelations. Ultimately, Alther is able to convey a lifetime of triumphs and disappointments through lovely prose that flits between moments of personal importance.
However, the narrative does have an inherent fault tied to Walter’s social standing - having immeasurable wealth. This status draws a broad range of intriguing characters towards him through employment, charities and those looking for personal gain. However, this creates distance that makes it difficult to connect with Walter on a human level regardless of the charity he shows. This can become a deeper issue in specific interactions such as the fetishization of one of his paid helpers. Essentially, this sense of power and guaranteed safe passage into death's embrace is not something the ‘every man’ will be able to relate to - being able to give millions on their departure is not a luxury afforded to the masses.
Regardless of the reader's perceptions of Walter’s lifestyle, there are many insightful observations by way of his changing mentality of embracing people beyond a bottom line - it is sad to see his persona shift only within his later moments. In addition, the broad cast ensures that all readers will find some modicum of relatability among the varied personalities.
“Bedside Matters” is a beautifully reflective work, proving Richard Alther’s ability to make an otherwise untouchable character an object of fascination in approaching death. In particular, the final moments of Walter’s life as his conscientiousness and understanding is fleeting acts as the great equalizer of all that came before it - his wealth no longer an issue or consideration as was previous. Ultimately, the work has some inherent shortcoming within its structure and subject that will have moments fall short, but overall the novel acts as a wondrous exploration of a man faced with his own mortality.
July 7, 2021
Walter is dying. From an adjustable bed in his first-floor former dining room, he drifts in and out of a prescription-drug stupor, but with full awareness of his past—and of his accelerating deterioration and imminent death.
Having commanded great wealth and influence in his former life, he is now most at peace when his attention settles on his immediate surroundings: chipmunks, trees, clouds, colors. But he is often troubled by his many bedside visitors—real and imagined—and by his memories.
Imaginary visitors give voice to Walter’s self-judgment and recriminations.
Real-life visitors profess to offer comforts: puppy therapy, a youth a cappella group, solicitous adult children. But Walter is not always gladdened by these visits, and sometimes he is scarcely able to endure them.
He mentally drifts into scenes from his past life, seeing people and situations anew, and revising his old ideas and priorities.
The story does not shy away from the specific indignities of inhabiting a failing body. Yet it also offers a fantasy of tremendous influence and agency: Walter’s fortune will soon be of no use to him, but everywhere he sees opportunities to right past wrongs, improve the lives of his care providers, and generally bend fate to his will.
Walter’s wealth also secures for him a far more comfortable—at times even pleasurable—infirmity than others in his physical condition could hope to approximate.
But the questions at the center of this story—what if I were dying? what might dying feel like?—are of universal interest.
The story conforms to no formula, defying reader expectations in several places, and offering moments of great poignancy.
Having commanded great wealth and influence in his former life, he is now most at peace when his attention settles on his immediate surroundings: chipmunks, trees, clouds, colors. But he is often troubled by his many bedside visitors—real and imagined—and by his memories.
Imaginary visitors give voice to Walter’s self-judgment and recriminations.
Real-life visitors profess to offer comforts: puppy therapy, a youth a cappella group, solicitous adult children. But Walter is not always gladdened by these visits, and sometimes he is scarcely able to endure them.
He mentally drifts into scenes from his past life, seeing people and situations anew, and revising his old ideas and priorities.
The story does not shy away from the specific indignities of inhabiting a failing body. Yet it also offers a fantasy of tremendous influence and agency: Walter’s fortune will soon be of no use to him, but everywhere he sees opportunities to right past wrongs, improve the lives of his care providers, and generally bend fate to his will.
Walter’s wealth also secures for him a far more comfortable—at times even pleasurable—infirmity than others in his physical condition could hope to approximate.
But the questions at the center of this story—what if I were dying? what might dying feel like?—are of universal interest.
The story conforms to no formula, defying reader expectations in several places, and offering moments of great poignancy.
August 10, 2021
Bedside Matters by Richard Alther follows the story of a dying man who reflects on his life and his daily interactions with his family and the people who work for him.
To be honest, I’m not sure any synopsis—official or otherwise—could justify the depth of the story. I recommend you download a sample to see if it’s something you’d be into. I did the same thing and I’m so grateful I did.
The main character, Walter, was likeable because he’s so human. He doesn’t try to be perfect. It was easy for me to understand his actions and motivations because he was well-written. I thought that the other characters were well-written as well, and they perfectly complemented Walter.
The setting took place mostly in Walter’s estate and in his head, which perfectly suits his situation: as Walter is slowly deteriorating, his world gets smaller and smaller.
Because it’s a literary fiction novel, the plot doesn’t have highs and lows. But I like that Alther wrote the story chronologically, and with clearly formatted flashbacks, to give a clear picture of how Walter was feeling then and there.
Bedside Matters would be at least an annual read for me in case I pick up new insights as I get older.
To be honest, I’m not sure any synopsis—official or otherwise—could justify the depth of the story. I recommend you download a sample to see if it’s something you’d be into. I did the same thing and I’m so grateful I did.
The main character, Walter, was likeable because he’s so human. He doesn’t try to be perfect. It was easy for me to understand his actions and motivations because he was well-written. I thought that the other characters were well-written as well, and they perfectly complemented Walter.
The setting took place mostly in Walter’s estate and in his head, which perfectly suits his situation: as Walter is slowly deteriorating, his world gets smaller and smaller.
Because it’s a literary fiction novel, the plot doesn’t have highs and lows. But I like that Alther wrote the story chronologically, and with clearly formatted flashbacks, to give a clear picture of how Walter was feeling then and there.
Bedside Matters would be at least an annual read for me in case I pick up new insights as I get older.
October 23, 2021
Richard Alther creates another book on the nature of human existence and how life is more than what happens to you. It is what you do with those events that matter. Alther’s novel will cause readers to contemplate human nature and the human condition along with how they can use their life to better others and their own existence.
April 17, 2021
"The Day is Coming When I Fly Off" Rumi
We all have two things in common, birth and death. Some say that we are physically born and that when we die we move into the spiritual realm, the hereafter. Rumi and many sages tell us that we are both; physical and spiritual, that we can't separate ourselves. It takes most of us a lifetime to balance both.
Richard Alther in his novel "Bedside Matters' gives us a wholistic approach to life.
Walter is our main character. A well-to-do business man has reached the final stages of his life. Walter has boxed himself into the 3 stages of life: Education-Work-Retirement.
On his death bed, Walter is still trying to put together all the pieces of his life. He is determined to keep fixing things, to make things right with his family and friends. This is all Walter has been doing most of his life. Fixing and making things better. But in the end Walter realizes that he has to "let the chips fall where they may". He can't makes things right in other people's lives. It's a heavy blow to come to terms with. He has come full circle. "Be Here Now" Ram Dass.
Many of us are fixers, trying to make this a better world for ourselves and our loved ones.
"We are all in this together". Solidarity. We live together, we die together.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her experiences with patients who are going through the stages of death and dying set the ground work. But most of us are in denial and are too fearful to delve into this unknown territory. We need to "wake up" before the final stage.
"It's reasonable to be afraid of dying, but love has more courage than reason. A stone is not as frightened of rain as a clod". Rumi
We all have two things in common, birth and death. Some say that we are physically born and that when we die we move into the spiritual realm, the hereafter. Rumi and many sages tell us that we are both; physical and spiritual, that we can't separate ourselves. It takes most of us a lifetime to balance both.
Richard Alther in his novel "Bedside Matters' gives us a wholistic approach to life.
Walter is our main character. A well-to-do business man has reached the final stages of his life. Walter has boxed himself into the 3 stages of life: Education-Work-Retirement.
On his death bed, Walter is still trying to put together all the pieces of his life. He is determined to keep fixing things, to make things right with his family and friends. This is all Walter has been doing most of his life. Fixing and making things better. But in the end Walter realizes that he has to "let the chips fall where they may". He can't makes things right in other people's lives. It's a heavy blow to come to terms with. He has come full circle. "Be Here Now" Ram Dass.
Many of us are fixers, trying to make this a better world for ourselves and our loved ones.
"We are all in this together". Solidarity. We live together, we die together.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her experiences with patients who are going through the stages of death and dying set the ground work. But most of us are in denial and are too fearful to delve into this unknown territory. We need to "wake up" before the final stage.
"It's reasonable to be afraid of dying, but love has more courage than reason. A stone is not as frightened of rain as a clod". Rumi
Read
June 9, 2021Great story
April 30, 2021
Bedside Matters is a great book that keeps you reading chapter after chapter. It has a way of teaching you about life while making you think about your own that I found extremely interesting. It also brought back a lot of memories of people I’ve known. Many of the things it talks about I have never thought of before, and I’m sure many other people will say the same. I liked it enough to go back and read more of this author’s earlier works.
I recommend this book to anyone that wants an interesting, informative, thought-provoking, moving, scary, and well-written book detailing the later part of life.
I recommend this book to anyone that wants an interesting, informative, thought-provoking, moving, scary, and well-written book detailing the later part of life.
November 6, 2020
A beautifully crafted story told with uplifting humor and poetic flourish of a man who comes to terms with the inevitable in a graceful way despite the difficulty and pain of coping with a terminal illness.
November 25, 2021
"Bedside Matters" by Richard Alther is an interesting piece of literary art that explores human fragility and the human mind. The author introduces us to Walter, the main character, who is bedridden after having suffered a degenerative disease. Walter spends his time reflecting on his past, his successes, and his mistakes. He is both his own harshest critic and the first to justify his actions. He watches as his daughter, Paula, a successful businesswoman, and his irresponsible son Gavin, who has just left rehab, play the game of life. The plot is built upon Walter's thoughts and reevaluation of life.
Alther has created a compelling novel. I found it hard to pull myself away from this book particularly because of the author's beautiful prose. The author carefully introduces new characters into the plot such as Walter's bossy ex-wife Polly, and Irma, his caretaker. By interweaving backstories with Walter's present life, the plot is easy to follow and understand. The healthy doses of dialogue between characters make the narrative a captivating catharsis. The most striking aspect of "Bedside Matters" is the quality of writing which I found to be original, fresh, and unique. The author has explored a fairly newfangled format of writing but captivating nevertheless.
In my own opinion, Author Alther has penned a brilliant book of impressive proportions. I enjoyed reading about Walter's deeper thoughts, emotions, and opinions on life. One almost assuredly goes through a period of self-enlightenment and awakening during the reading. Fans of thought-provoking, genre-arching fiction will find "Bedside Matters" an enjoyable read.
Alther has created a compelling novel. I found it hard to pull myself away from this book particularly because of the author's beautiful prose. The author carefully introduces new characters into the plot such as Walter's bossy ex-wife Polly, and Irma, his caretaker. By interweaving backstories with Walter's present life, the plot is easy to follow and understand. The healthy doses of dialogue between characters make the narrative a captivating catharsis. The most striking aspect of "Bedside Matters" is the quality of writing which I found to be original, fresh, and unique. The author has explored a fairly newfangled format of writing but captivating nevertheless.
In my own opinion, Author Alther has penned a brilliant book of impressive proportions. I enjoyed reading about Walter's deeper thoughts, emotions, and opinions on life. One almost assuredly goes through a period of self-enlightenment and awakening during the reading. Fans of thought-provoking, genre-arching fiction will find "Bedside Matters" an enjoyable read.
November 21, 2021
As someone currently caring for an elderly and increasingly dependent mother, I chose this book very purposefully in the hope it would help as I navigate this difficult time in both mine, and my mother's, life. I found it a much tougher read than I had anticipated due to the rawness of my situation I think. However, it was a book I have no regrets about reading.
The struggle Walter has in making his peace with who he has been and who he has become is written beautifully. As he is nearing the end of his life, dependent on others and looking back on the privileged life he has lived, Walter faces death with a realism that is often missing in other novels. This is no fairy tale ending but of a man facing death with the fear and anxiety that I think we all hold inside but can hide from. Walter has no choice but to face the inevitable changes that have occurred and are to come but the author allows you to enter into this struggle to find peace with poetic and moving prose.
It was for me a very poignant read, and I thank the author for having the courage to write a book that goes where few books go, to the very edge of dying and the contemplation of the inevitable end we all share.
The struggle Walter has in making his peace with who he has been and who he has become is written beautifully. As he is nearing the end of his life, dependent on others and looking back on the privileged life he has lived, Walter faces death with a realism that is often missing in other novels. This is no fairy tale ending but of a man facing death with the fear and anxiety that I think we all hold inside but can hide from. Walter has no choice but to face the inevitable changes that have occurred and are to come but the author allows you to enter into this struggle to find peace with poetic and moving prose.
It was for me a very poignant read, and I thank the author for having the courage to write a book that goes where few books go, to the very edge of dying and the contemplation of the inevitable end we all share.
September 20, 2021
I thought of this story as akin to Scrooge's look back and ghostly tour of the past, present, and future yet to be and how one man comes to the realization that life is not about wealth and belongings -- it's about something much deeper, and how, on his deathbed he realizes that perhaps a little too late in life that money can't buy the things in life that are truly more important than the size of a bank account. It's a bitter sweet look at one man's life review. Alther presents his novel with honesty and sensitivity. It's an empathetic struggle to find peace at life's end to be sure. The author touches on a subject that isn't always on your top 10 books to read. However, if you take time to read this beautiful literary piece, you might actually take away something that rings true about being human and the things that really are most important in life. Sounds cliche, but oh so true!
February 14, 2022
In Bedside Matters, we are introduced to Walter, an older gentleman, who is dying. The doctors aren't sure what it is but give him medicine to make him comfortable. We find that most of the book is taken up by Walter remembering his past- the decisions he made and the actions he took. Instead of accepting his past and wanting to rectify it, we see that he excuses it all. He has a few visitors over the years- those who give him medical care, his two children, and several teens (one group sang to him and the other, was fundraising). He had ample opportunity to make things right with his children, yet he didn't. If you were close to death's door, would you excuse your past behavior and decisions, or would you try to make things right?
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews