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Many Different Kinds of Love: A story of life, death and the NHS
'Will I wake up?'
'There's a 50:50 chance.'
In March 2020, Michael Rosen became unwell. Soon he was struggling to breathe, and he was admitted to hospital with coronavirus. What followed was months on the wards: a month in an induced coma, and weeks of rehab and recovery as the NHS saved his life, and then got him back on his feet. Throughout it all, a diary was kept at the end of Michael's bed, where his nurses wrote him letters of hope and support. And as soon as he was awake, he was ready to start writing his own story.
Combining stunning new prose poems by one of Britain's best loved poets and the moving coronavirus diaries of his nurses, and featuring original illustrations by Chris Riddell, this is a beautiful book about love, life and the NHS that celebrates the power of community and the indomitable spirits of the people who keep us well.
'There's a 50:50 chance.'
In March 2020, Michael Rosen became unwell. Soon he was struggling to breathe, and he was admitted to hospital with coronavirus. What followed was months on the wards: a month in an induced coma, and weeks of rehab and recovery as the NHS saved his life, and then got him back on his feet. Throughout it all, a diary was kept at the end of Michael's bed, where his nurses wrote him letters of hope and support. And as soon as he was awake, he was ready to start writing his own story.
Combining stunning new prose poems by one of Britain's best loved poets and the moving coronavirus diaries of his nurses, and featuring original illustrations by Chris Riddell, this is a beautiful book about love, life and the NHS that celebrates the power of community and the indomitable spirits of the people who keep us well.
Audible Audio
First published March 18, 2021
73 people are currently reading
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About the author
Michael Rosen
591 books536 followersMichael Rosen, a recent British Children’s Laureate, has written many acclaimed books for children, including WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, and I’M NUMBER ONE and THIS IS OUR HOUSE, both illustrated by Bob Graham. Michael Rosen lives in London.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
March 28, 2021
This is a remarkable, profoundly moving account of much loved treasure, poet and children's writer, Michael Rosen's traumatic experience of contracting Covid 19 at the beginning of the pandemic, one of the first books of the deadly disease from the perspectives of a patient, and the amazing medics and care volunteers in ICU who looked after him within our incredible NHS. Michael was so fortunate that his friend Dr Katie and her oxygen saturation test led to him being admitted at the Whittington Hospital just in time. He is put on a ventilator, without which he would have had no chance, and is in an induced coma for a month. Pictures of his family are pinned above his bed, along with his famous poem, These Are the Hands, that celebrates the wonder that is the NHS.
There was no certainty that he would survive, as we know, so many did not, Michael thankfully did, although he is to spend months in recovery and rehab, a hard and troubling road to regaining his functions and some semblance of the man he used to be. Obviously Michael could not relate what happened to him whilst he was in a coma, so here we are given detailed notes, written by the inspiring volunteers and medical staff who watched over him, in a journal, pouring out their support, love, goodwill and best wishes for his recovery. Included are emails from Emma, Michael's wife, giving updates on his condition, she and the family were unable to visit or see Michael whilst his life hung in the balance, being supportive and loving, as they hoped for the best, such a long worrying period of waiting until he returns home from the Land of the Dead.
I had tears pouring down my face, I may even have howled as I read Michael's wonderful poetic prose on making his way through Covid, his questioning of the politicians that mismanaged the pandemic and the madness of the conspiracy theorists, and above all else, his gratitude to the NHS and all those who selflessly cared for him. He outlines a call for, a manifesto, that we all tap into the many different kinds of love present in our world, and that without that love, we will destroy ourselves. A beautifully riveting, timely and emotionally tearful read, that I think so many will find informative and moving, full of hope, of one man's Covid experience and survival. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Random House Ebury for an ARC.
There was no certainty that he would survive, as we know, so many did not, Michael thankfully did, although he is to spend months in recovery and rehab, a hard and troubling road to regaining his functions and some semblance of the man he used to be. Obviously Michael could not relate what happened to him whilst he was in a coma, so here we are given detailed notes, written by the inspiring volunteers and medical staff who watched over him, in a journal, pouring out their support, love, goodwill and best wishes for his recovery. Included are emails from Emma, Michael's wife, giving updates on his condition, she and the family were unable to visit or see Michael whilst his life hung in the balance, being supportive and loving, as they hoped for the best, such a long worrying period of waiting until he returns home from the Land of the Dead.
I had tears pouring down my face, I may even have howled as I read Michael's wonderful poetic prose on making his way through Covid, his questioning of the politicians that mismanaged the pandemic and the madness of the conspiracy theorists, and above all else, his gratitude to the NHS and all those who selflessly cared for him. He outlines a call for, a manifesto, that we all tap into the many different kinds of love present in our world, and that without that love, we will destroy ourselves. A beautifully riveting, timely and emotionally tearful read, that I think so many will find informative and moving, full of hope, of one man's Covid experience and survival. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Random House Ebury for an ARC.
March 19, 2021
A real joy, at last COVID 19 has an authentic voice to bring it to account.
Michael speaks up for all in this personal account of how this virus takes human victims rather than just culls the very old and sick. This is a heart-rending and uplifting account of hope. An affirmation that we need others to prevail.
Now we have Michael Rosen’s words of reflection as a survivor; words of clarity and focus.
I remember the shock I felt when pictures of a far from recovered Rosen were on the news. It was closer and stalking everyone, not just statistics anymore.
Now we have the story of how he became a news item and he reveals how he has continued to overcome in part the long term effects of this horrible disease.
There is still a fear that this disease brings to many; there is that uncertainty that life will never be ‘normal’ again but now we have this wonderful poetic resonance of the human spirit. Coming to terms with circumstances beyond our control. We are indebted to this master of language; with observation of feelings, management of emotions and personal insight. In a brevity of words; in a poetic prose he has spoken direct to our very essence and made room for hope where fear had taken root. Provided a celebration of the human spirit where despondency had chosen to dwell. A very human tale when our very humanity had left us feeling defenceless.
A must read. I enjoyed the ease and access to Rosen through a record of care, chance, commitment and love.
The isolation and confusion are shared. However, somehow the end had a new beginning. I hope this book may bring comfort to others, name the beast for what it is and help us realise that humanity survives as a community.
Many have been alone and devoid of touch and warmth in isolation. In hospital visitors haven’t been allowed. This book champions the actions and support of others. Rosen sees no heroism in his survival merely the determination of others to care for him, they are the heroes, they are the champions and Rosen is alive because of their collective response.
Michael speaks up for all in this personal account of how this virus takes human victims rather than just culls the very old and sick. This is a heart-rending and uplifting account of hope. An affirmation that we need others to prevail.
Now we have Michael Rosen’s words of reflection as a survivor; words of clarity and focus.
I remember the shock I felt when pictures of a far from recovered Rosen were on the news. It was closer and stalking everyone, not just statistics anymore.
Now we have the story of how he became a news item and he reveals how he has continued to overcome in part the long term effects of this horrible disease.
There is still a fear that this disease brings to many; there is that uncertainty that life will never be ‘normal’ again but now we have this wonderful poetic resonance of the human spirit. Coming to terms with circumstances beyond our control. We are indebted to this master of language; with observation of feelings, management of emotions and personal insight. In a brevity of words; in a poetic prose he has spoken direct to our very essence and made room for hope where fear had taken root. Provided a celebration of the human spirit where despondency had chosen to dwell. A very human tale when our very humanity had left us feeling defenceless.
A must read. I enjoyed the ease and access to Rosen through a record of care, chance, commitment and love.
The isolation and confusion are shared. However, somehow the end had a new beginning. I hope this book may bring comfort to others, name the beast for what it is and help us realise that humanity survives as a community.
Many have been alone and devoid of touch and warmth in isolation. In hospital visitors haven’t been allowed. This book champions the actions and support of others. Rosen sees no heroism in his survival merely the determination of others to care for him, they are the heroes, they are the champions and Rosen is alive because of their collective response.
March 29, 2021
I thought Many Different Kinds Of Love was excellent. It’s not just that we all love Michael Rosen and are delighted that he didn’t die of Covid – it really is a very fine, involving an often moving account of his time in hospital, his (continuing) recovery and the aftermath of his illness.
Much of the book is in the form of prose-poems about Michael’s experience. Many are reflective but they are also brilliantly descriptive and capture the essence of extraordinary moments and periods, like this brief one:
“A doctor is standing by my bed
asking me if I would sign a piece of paper
which would allow them to put me to sleep
and pump air into my lungs.
‘Will I wake up?’
‘There’s a 50: 50 chance.’
‘If I say no?’I say.
‘Zero.’
And I sign.”
The early part of the book covers a time when Michael was unconscious much of the time and it consists largely of emails from family and others (especially Michael’s wife Emma, a quiet heroine of this story) and a Patient Journal with contributions form those who looked after him in Intensive Care and hovering on the edge of death for weeks. Individually, they are charming and quite touching, but taken as a whole I found the unfailing and genuine care, encouragement and sincere affection from so many people (coming from so many prts of the world) extremely moving. As Michael later says:
“Why did these strangers try so hard
to keep me alive?
It’s a kindness I can hardly grasp.”
Michael’s descriptions and reflections are vivid and thoughtful, and they give an exceptional and, for me, utterly gripping picture of his experience. It isn’t a long book, but it conveyed more than many books several times its length. Everyone should read this; it’s wholly involving and very illuminating account of what Covid really means and the immensity of the human spirit which is standing up to it.
(My thanks to Penguin for an ARC via NetGalley.)
Much of the book is in the form of prose-poems about Michael’s experience. Many are reflective but they are also brilliantly descriptive and capture the essence of extraordinary moments and periods, like this brief one:
“A doctor is standing by my bed
asking me if I would sign a piece of paper
which would allow them to put me to sleep
and pump air into my lungs.
‘Will I wake up?’
‘There’s a 50: 50 chance.’
‘If I say no?’I say.
‘Zero.’
And I sign.”
The early part of the book covers a time when Michael was unconscious much of the time and it consists largely of emails from family and others (especially Michael’s wife Emma, a quiet heroine of this story) and a Patient Journal with contributions form those who looked after him in Intensive Care and hovering on the edge of death for weeks. Individually, they are charming and quite touching, but taken as a whole I found the unfailing and genuine care, encouragement and sincere affection from so many people (coming from so many prts of the world) extremely moving. As Michael later says:
“Why did these strangers try so hard
to keep me alive?
It’s a kindness I can hardly grasp.”
Michael’s descriptions and reflections are vivid and thoughtful, and they give an exceptional and, for me, utterly gripping picture of his experience. It isn’t a long book, but it conveyed more than many books several times its length. Everyone should read this; it’s wholly involving and very illuminating account of what Covid really means and the immensity of the human spirit which is standing up to it.
(My thanks to Penguin for an ARC via NetGalley.)
September 9, 2024
Who does not like Michael Rosen. Who has not read his books to their children? To hear how close he got to dying of Covid-19 and how incredibly lucky he was to have made it into hospital at the very last moment to save his life is scary to read and of course you think of the over 120,000 people in the UK alone who didn't make it, none of whom should have died and so many who could have been saved if our Government had acted more responsibly and not had a buffoon leading them.
What is even more scary is his his description, mainly through the notes written into his patient book by the amazing staff who looked after him, so many volunteering away from their day job to help out the NHS to save the lives of anyone, famous or not, rich or poor.
His recovery, which by all accounts has not yet been completed, is described in poem form and this is excellent and shows exactly how badly Covid-19 affects people even after the have "recovered". Whilst Michael Rosen was 74 when he got infected, he was healthy and fit, but this virus has physically devastated him and months after he left hospital, he is still working hard on recovery. Very scary indeed. Anybody who thinks Covid-19 is not a big deal or they don't need to get vaccinated should be made to read this not very long book.
Thanks NHS for saving one of our most loved poems and writers. We need his voice and without you we would have lost it.
What is even more scary is his his description, mainly through the notes written into his patient book by the amazing staff who looked after him, so many volunteering away from their day job to help out the NHS to save the lives of anyone, famous or not, rich or poor.
His recovery, which by all accounts has not yet been completed, is described in poem form and this is excellent and shows exactly how badly Covid-19 affects people even after the have "recovered". Whilst Michael Rosen was 74 when he got infected, he was healthy and fit, but this virus has physically devastated him and months after he left hospital, he is still working hard on recovery. Very scary indeed. Anybody who thinks Covid-19 is not a big deal or they don't need to get vaccinated should be made to read this not very long book.
Thanks NHS for saving one of our most loved poems and writers. We need his voice and without you we would have lost it.
March 23, 2021
Many Different Kinds of Love - A story of life, death and the NHS by Michael Rosen is an important book documenting the history we are currently living - surviving Covid.
It’s a memoir by a man in his 70s who had Covid last year. The detail of how Covid affected him - and others - is horrendous - it’s a lot worse than a cold. It’s a gentle and loving documentation of current history, not shying away from asking tough questions about the UK Government’s management of the pandemic.
The book details Michael’s time in UK hospitals, the sudden onset of disability and chronic illness, and the unknown long term effects of Covid. It’s really good at addressing the ableism and ageism around Covid - and questions why the UK government did it do more to prevent so many deaths. It’s a good insight into how life suddenly changes, and anger at those left behind (the sick and the aged). I also like the questions Michael raises about recovery - how do we as disabled people recover if we adjust to a new way of life with mobility changes, ill health and mobility aids? It applies to not just those who have had Covid. Recovery is ongoing and saying “get well soon” doesn’t quite work.
Something I didn’t pick up in the audiobook was that it was written like a poem. I saw it in the ebook version. I really enjoyed how it was a mix of Michael’s hospital diary entries, letters from hospital staff who cared for him. This section was particularly poignant, detailing the care from the hospital staff:
“Years ago, I sat by my children’s beds waiting for a fever to go.
I’m a parent.
It’s what we do.
The nurses have given me a ‘Patient Diary’.
Reading it, I get to realise that as I lay there unconscious a nurse sat by my bed all night, night after night talking to me, telling me things, cleaning me; trying to wake me up out of the coma, and then when the long night was over they sat and wrote me a letter to put in this ‘Patient Diary’. I try to fathom this devotion.
They aren’t my parents.”
Michael is a children’s book author and poet, and it was wonderful reading how his books had touched so many he encountered in hospital. He narrated the audiobook and it was like listening to a bedtime story - warm, calm and comforting.
I wish Michael all the very best for his ongoing recovery, and the same for all the other survivors of Covid, too. And I’m thinking about the horrific numbers of people who have died due to this illness.
It’s a memoir by a man in his 70s who had Covid last year. The detail of how Covid affected him - and others - is horrendous - it’s a lot worse than a cold. It’s a gentle and loving documentation of current history, not shying away from asking tough questions about the UK Government’s management of the pandemic.
The book details Michael’s time in UK hospitals, the sudden onset of disability and chronic illness, and the unknown long term effects of Covid. It’s really good at addressing the ableism and ageism around Covid - and questions why the UK government did it do more to prevent so many deaths. It’s a good insight into how life suddenly changes, and anger at those left behind (the sick and the aged). I also like the questions Michael raises about recovery - how do we as disabled people recover if we adjust to a new way of life with mobility changes, ill health and mobility aids? It applies to not just those who have had Covid. Recovery is ongoing and saying “get well soon” doesn’t quite work.
Something I didn’t pick up in the audiobook was that it was written like a poem. I saw it in the ebook version. I really enjoyed how it was a mix of Michael’s hospital diary entries, letters from hospital staff who cared for him. This section was particularly poignant, detailing the care from the hospital staff:
“Years ago, I sat by my children’s beds waiting for a fever to go.
I’m a parent.
It’s what we do.
The nurses have given me a ‘Patient Diary’.
Reading it, I get to realise that as I lay there unconscious a nurse sat by my bed all night, night after night talking to me, telling me things, cleaning me; trying to wake me up out of the coma, and then when the long night was over they sat and wrote me a letter to put in this ‘Patient Diary’. I try to fathom this devotion.
They aren’t my parents.”
Michael is a children’s book author and poet, and it was wonderful reading how his books had touched so many he encountered in hospital. He narrated the audiobook and it was like listening to a bedtime story - warm, calm and comforting.
I wish Michael all the very best for his ongoing recovery, and the same for all the other survivors of Covid, too. And I’m thinking about the horrific numbers of people who have died due to this illness.
March 19, 2021
This books is a word scrapbook of Michael Rosen’s experience with Coronavirus. It’s incredibly powerful, authentic and without a doubt the best account of Covid I have read.
Rosen has pieced together tweets, a diary by ICU staff of his time in a coma, letters, updates from his life and poetry to provide a kaleidoscope picture of what has happened to him, and to so many others. It starts from the time the decision was made for him to go into hospital, through to him being able to return home and continue his recovery there.
There is so much in this. It made me cry in places with its rawness and honesty and the compassion from staff (quite rare for me), chuckle at some of his observations, feel rage at the governments sheer inadequacies, nod in agreement with his take on hospitals and also feel I had time to stop and reflect on this past year too.
A really wonderful book about a far from wonderful time. I think this is going to be one that will go down in history for us to remember these times.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rosen has pieced together tweets, a diary by ICU staff of his time in a coma, letters, updates from his life and poetry to provide a kaleidoscope picture of what has happened to him, and to so many others. It starts from the time the decision was made for him to go into hospital, through to him being able to return home and continue his recovery there.
There is so much in this. It made me cry in places with its rawness and honesty and the compassion from staff (quite rare for me), chuckle at some of his observations, feel rage at the governments sheer inadequacies, nod in agreement with his take on hospitals and also feel I had time to stop and reflect on this past year too.
A really wonderful book about a far from wonderful time. I think this is going to be one that will go down in history for us to remember these times.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2021
Deeply moving and vivid account of Michael Rosen’s battle with Covid. Written with insight and empathy, the text is enhanced by illustrations by Chris Riddell and some poignant poems from Rosen himself. It’s a short book but a powerful one, a worthy tribute to the NHS.
January 18, 2022
In tears, heart broken that I’ve finished it. I’m going to reread now
April 15, 2021
Rosen shares his harrowing experience with Covid-19 through this beautifully lyrical memoir.
Mixing dialogue, epistolary, diary entries and poetry to convey the rollercoaster of events and emotions that took place. Rosen lays bare not only his emotions but also the emotions of his family and the NHS staff that cared for him during his time in intensive care and induced coma. Your heart bleeds for them, it rages (and Rosen rages, rightfully so) for the lack of government organisation during a time when it was (and still is) needed the most.
Rosen's memoir is a must-read, a gut-punch mixed with witty quips in his usual style.
Mixing dialogue, epistolary, diary entries and poetry to convey the rollercoaster of events and emotions that took place. Rosen lays bare not only his emotions but also the emotions of his family and the NHS staff that cared for him during his time in intensive care and induced coma. Your heart bleeds for them, it rages (and Rosen rages, rightfully so) for the lack of government organisation during a time when it was (and still is) needed the most.
Rosen's memoir is a must-read, a gut-punch mixed with witty quips in his usual style.
September 29, 2021
This is such an amazing book. It is beautifully written, poignant and moving.
Using prose, poetry and diary entries from the nurses who cared for him, Michael Rosen captures his near death from Covid and his long rehabilitation and recovery.
He manages to show the herculean effort of the NHS staff and volunteers in a way that is powerful and moving. I think we need this reminder.
People argue about masks and vaccines but this book reminds us that if you can get vaccinated you should do so. The agony of this virus and its destructiveness is sobering and absolutely heartbreaking.
Every politician should read this book so that they value the NHS and invest in it. We are blessed in this nation (UK) by the efforts and sacrifices of NHS and other key workers. We shouldn't ever take this for granted.
Michael Rosen spent six weeks in a coma and many more weeks of rehab and recovery his memoir about this experience is powerful, moving, sobering and well worth reading.
“Very poorly.
It's something they say about me.
Every so often a doctor or nurse
stands by my bed and says,
'You were very poorly.'
I'm starting to expect it.
They often seem pleased - surprised almost - that I'm less poorly.
I get the feeling that some people
who were very poorly, died.
I didn't die.”
(page 52)
Using prose, poetry and diary entries from the nurses who cared for him, Michael Rosen captures his near death from Covid and his long rehabilitation and recovery.
He manages to show the herculean effort of the NHS staff and volunteers in a way that is powerful and moving. I think we need this reminder.
People argue about masks and vaccines but this book reminds us that if you can get vaccinated you should do so. The agony of this virus and its destructiveness is sobering and absolutely heartbreaking.
Every politician should read this book so that they value the NHS and invest in it. We are blessed in this nation (UK) by the efforts and sacrifices of NHS and other key workers. We shouldn't ever take this for granted.
Michael Rosen spent six weeks in a coma and many more weeks of rehab and recovery his memoir about this experience is powerful, moving, sobering and well worth reading.
“Very poorly.
It's something they say about me.
Every so often a doctor or nurse
stands by my bed and says,
'You were very poorly.'
I'm starting to expect it.
They often seem pleased - surprised almost - that I'm less poorly.
I get the feeling that some people
who were very poorly, died.
I didn't die.”
(page 52)
June 19, 2021
This is an incredibly powerful, incredibly moving account of one man's experience of Covid-19, the disease that caused a global pandemic beginning in 2020.
Michael Rosen, beloved children's author and poet, fell ill with Covid-19 and was fortunate to be admitted to hospital in a very timely manner; unfortunately he was so ill that they had to keep him in a medically induced coma for several weeks. Very fortunately he survived, though he still suffers the effects of Long Covid.
Not only is this Michael Rosen's own account of his experience of Covid-19, it is also a hymn of thanks to the many incredible NHS staff who nursed him through the disease; a book was set up in which those who were working with him, particularly during the night shifts, would leave him messages of hope, support, encouragement, and love - all of them (many of them not trained as ICU staff) willing him to survive. His wife Emma's emails are also included, giving us a little of her point of view as she waited, unable to visit her husband, to find out if he'd make it through this devastating disease.
This is not an easy book to read, but it is powerfully moving and ultimately uplifting.
Michael Rosen, beloved children's author and poet, fell ill with Covid-19 and was fortunate to be admitted to hospital in a very timely manner; unfortunately he was so ill that they had to keep him in a medically induced coma for several weeks. Very fortunately he survived, though he still suffers the effects of Long Covid.
Not only is this Michael Rosen's own account of his experience of Covid-19, it is also a hymn of thanks to the many incredible NHS staff who nursed him through the disease; a book was set up in which those who were working with him, particularly during the night shifts, would leave him messages of hope, support, encouragement, and love - all of them (many of them not trained as ICU staff) willing him to survive. His wife Emma's emails are also included, giving us a little of her point of view as she waited, unable to visit her husband, to find out if he'd make it through this devastating disease.
This is not an easy book to read, but it is powerfully moving and ultimately uplifting.
March 21, 2021
Michael Rosen tells his covid journey as only he can, through poetry. The book also includes bits written by his wife and some of the many NHS workers who cared for him. Just an amazing journey.
December 24, 2021
Read in one sitting as it’s hard to stop once you start. A subject that many will want to avoid but if you want to know what it was like being mortally ill with Covid at its worst and how amazing the NHS were and are, this is the book to read.
July 18, 2021
Both amusing and heartbreaking, this tells the story of Michael Rosen's experience of Covid 19 and the NHS workers who cared for him.
April 27, 2021
I bought this book at the weekend and was desperate to get round to it. It’s amazing. I read it so quickly but took in every word.
Michael caught Covid back in March 2020 and became very ill, the world knew about it and we were all hoping he would get better and come out of it.
His book is beautiful, and heartbreaking at the same time. I cried during the first part, I cried during the last. Reading the letters and notes the doctors, nurses, carers left for him while he was in his induced Coma made me realise just how many people cared for him during that time. And these people weren’t all ICU Nurses either, some were usually Children’s Speech and Language Therapists, children’s hospital nurses, rehabilitation staff, who had all came in to help the massively overwhelmed ICU staff. We know the NHS got overwhelmed really quickly, we know the virus took over like wildfire and devoured us, and we know how many people went out of their way, out of their comfort zones of their day to day jobs and were fighting on the frontline against this awful awful thing. The letters are lovely, what a beautiful thing for Michael to have, a reminder of a bad time some might say, but I say a reminder of the loving and gentle care they all gave him when he couldn’t do it himself. I loved reading his entries throughout too, poems, dreams, thought and musings. And of course his beautiful NHS Poem at the end.
I’m so glad Michael got better, he is on the mend and still more than likely facing difficulties of what Covid has done to his body. But he’s here, as he said in his book ‘I’m not dead’, and I’m so grateful. We lost a family member at the start of the pandemic due to Covid, and another family friend later on. I know of many many people who have lost loved ones this past year, who have sat by their family members side or had to FaceTime to say goodbye. I can’t imagine what Emma and their children went through, but I loved reading how much they mean to Michael and what they did to help him get through he coma and fight back.
A beautiful book full of love, sadness and hope. I wish Michael all the best and hope he is doing well now.
Michael caught Covid back in March 2020 and became very ill, the world knew about it and we were all hoping he would get better and come out of it.
His book is beautiful, and heartbreaking at the same time. I cried during the first part, I cried during the last. Reading the letters and notes the doctors, nurses, carers left for him while he was in his induced Coma made me realise just how many people cared for him during that time. And these people weren’t all ICU Nurses either, some were usually Children’s Speech and Language Therapists, children’s hospital nurses, rehabilitation staff, who had all came in to help the massively overwhelmed ICU staff. We know the NHS got overwhelmed really quickly, we know the virus took over like wildfire and devoured us, and we know how many people went out of their way, out of their comfort zones of their day to day jobs and were fighting on the frontline against this awful awful thing. The letters are lovely, what a beautiful thing for Michael to have, a reminder of a bad time some might say, but I say a reminder of the loving and gentle care they all gave him when he couldn’t do it himself. I loved reading his entries throughout too, poems, dreams, thought and musings. And of course his beautiful NHS Poem at the end.
I’m so glad Michael got better, he is on the mend and still more than likely facing difficulties of what Covid has done to his body. But he’s here, as he said in his book ‘I’m not dead’, and I’m so grateful. We lost a family member at the start of the pandemic due to Covid, and another family friend later on. I know of many many people who have lost loved ones this past year, who have sat by their family members side or had to FaceTime to say goodbye. I can’t imagine what Emma and their children went through, but I loved reading how much they mean to Michael and what they did to help him get through he coma and fight back.
A beautiful book full of love, sadness and hope. I wish Michael all the best and hope he is doing well now.
June 27, 2021
It’s not very often that books make me cry. This one did. Astonishing care from complete strangers.
August 4, 2021
Many Different Kinds of Love by Michael Rosen was recommended to me by a friend. It is such a beautifully written book. Written in different styles, it details Michael's experience of having Covid 19. The events that led up to him being admitted to hospital, his own memories and the diary kept by the wonderful NHS staff who looked after and cared for him during his time there. It is beautifully written in prose and poetry, he details his terrifying journey with Covid, and how he struggled to recover from it. A wonderful book that will become a classic in future I am sure. Extremely touching, moving but also heart warming. Anyone who doubts the reality and danger of Covid should read this.
May 20, 2021
Beautifully written!
Recommend to all health care professionals.
This book gives you an insight what our patients are thinking and feeling without us realising. As a nurse, I will now think and see things differently. Thank you Michael Rosen ❤️🩹
Recommend to all health care professionals.
This book gives you an insight what our patients are thinking and feeling without us realising. As a nurse, I will now think and see things differently. Thank you Michael Rosen ❤️🩹
March 23, 2021
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley, courtesy of Penguin Random House.
It will be common knowledge that the much loved children’s author Micael Rosen caught Covid-19 in March last year and rapidly deteriorated to the point of needing hospitalisation. The advice at the time was Do not attend A & E , Do not go to your Dr’s surgery. Fortunately for everyone, a local GP and friend came to the door with a newly arrived gadget for measuring the oxygen level in his bloodstream, which was so low that it was surprising he was conscious. His wife, Emma, drove him to A & E, thinking it would be faster than waiting for an ambulance. From then on, he is in the capable hands of the NHS and was treated with care, love, dignity and above all kindness. It must have been a very frightening experience for all concerned. After 47 days in an induced coma in ICU, Michael is slowly returned to health, minus a few bits like a working eye and ear!
The book which is a tribute to the NHS as well as a love story with his wife is moving, sad and funny and tells the story of his care and return to his beloved family as well as all the children who appreciate his school visits and love his books.
The early part of the book is the letters written by the staff who cared for Michael in hospital, gleaned from a book by his bed in which they wrote of their thoughts and love on each shift. they write about his condition and what they are doing to and for him, as well as how much they loved his books. Many were physiotherapists, helping out in ICU. In the hospital the staff printed and laminated his poem “These are the Hands” which he wrote as a tribute to the NHS, for its 60th anniversary. It was on the wall beside his bed. This too is in the book.
The rest of the book is written in poetry, blank verse for the most part, and concerns his rehabilitation and recovery. He is back on the radio in Word of Mouth, a year later.
The love of his wife and for his wife shines through the whole book. The subtitle A Story of Life, Death and the NHS is so apt, although maybe the word ‘Love’ should also be there. It is a love song to the NHS, as well as a good read which should be read by everyone, Covid deniers, and politicians alike.
I thoroughly recommend it.
It will be common knowledge that the much loved children’s author Micael Rosen caught Covid-19 in March last year and rapidly deteriorated to the point of needing hospitalisation. The advice at the time was Do not attend A & E , Do not go to your Dr’s surgery. Fortunately for everyone, a local GP and friend came to the door with a newly arrived gadget for measuring the oxygen level in his bloodstream, which was so low that it was surprising he was conscious. His wife, Emma, drove him to A & E, thinking it would be faster than waiting for an ambulance. From then on, he is in the capable hands of the NHS and was treated with care, love, dignity and above all kindness. It must have been a very frightening experience for all concerned. After 47 days in an induced coma in ICU, Michael is slowly returned to health, minus a few bits like a working eye and ear!
The book which is a tribute to the NHS as well as a love story with his wife is moving, sad and funny and tells the story of his care and return to his beloved family as well as all the children who appreciate his school visits and love his books.
The early part of the book is the letters written by the staff who cared for Michael in hospital, gleaned from a book by his bed in which they wrote of their thoughts and love on each shift. they write about his condition and what they are doing to and for him, as well as how much they loved his books. Many were physiotherapists, helping out in ICU. In the hospital the staff printed and laminated his poem “These are the Hands” which he wrote as a tribute to the NHS, for its 60th anniversary. It was on the wall beside his bed. This too is in the book.
The rest of the book is written in poetry, blank verse for the most part, and concerns his rehabilitation and recovery. He is back on the radio in Word of Mouth, a year later.
The love of his wife and for his wife shines through the whole book. The subtitle A Story of Life, Death and the NHS is so apt, although maybe the word ‘Love’ should also be there. It is a love song to the NHS, as well as a good read which should be read by everyone, Covid deniers, and politicians alike.
I thoroughly recommend it.
April 20, 2021
I was all set not to find this book amazing. Michael Rosen's bar is high, the book comes from a place of needing to be made, and fast, for all kinds of reasons perhaps, and I am trying to resist rating the experience or the intensity of my sympathies when I read a memoir. But in the end, it is.
The 'many kinds of love' is not as laboured as I feared (though implicit throughout), not too much about angels. It's well known that it includes diary entries made whilst he was ventilated in the Intensive Care Unit by the staff who cared for him. It is remarkable how many are from health care professionals drafted into a speciality very different from their usual work (and of course their usual work is going un-done) It subtly conveys that sense of willing the patient to do well, to survive, to come through well enough. The effort of that.
And then there is the effort of his wife... all the same things but with that deep knowledge of Michael Rosen the man, the husband, the father and not solely as the writer of books your children love.
But it was Rosen's own words that moved me most... yes, perhaps in small part out of relief he can still do this, but mostly because he applies them to things that need expressing (and often are not expressed) and with those phrases which hit the target with such surety. Perhaps it is because he recognises he just wasn't 'there' as a sedated ventilated patient, the book has much more than is so often the case about the long, and probably never to be quite completed process of recovering.
He's famous for his funny poems and there is gentle wry humour sprinkled here, which was important. He conveys the banality of it all, the frustration with himself. The book marks the particular, traumatic and topical experience of one man, amidst a remarkable time for us all, but it has plenty to offer anyone who needs (whether they know it or not) to have a greater appreciation of what it means to be ill, not die and to try to move forward from that physically and emotionally.
The 'many kinds of love' is not as laboured as I feared (though implicit throughout), not too much about angels. It's well known that it includes diary entries made whilst he was ventilated in the Intensive Care Unit by the staff who cared for him. It is remarkable how many are from health care professionals drafted into a speciality very different from their usual work (and of course their usual work is going un-done) It subtly conveys that sense of willing the patient to do well, to survive, to come through well enough. The effort of that.
And then there is the effort of his wife... all the same things but with that deep knowledge of Michael Rosen the man, the husband, the father and not solely as the writer of books your children love.
But it was Rosen's own words that moved me most... yes, perhaps in small part out of relief he can still do this, but mostly because he applies them to things that need expressing (and often are not expressed) and with those phrases which hit the target with such surety. Perhaps it is because he recognises he just wasn't 'there' as a sedated ventilated patient, the book has much more than is so often the case about the long, and probably never to be quite completed process of recovering.
He's famous for his funny poems and there is gentle wry humour sprinkled here, which was important. He conveys the banality of it all, the frustration with himself. The book marks the particular, traumatic and topical experience of one man, amidst a remarkable time for us all, but it has plenty to offer anyone who needs (whether they know it or not) to have a greater appreciation of what it means to be ill, not die and to try to move forward from that physically and emotionally.
May 25, 2021
(2.5) Rosen’s bout with Covid-19 in March 2020 was big news in the UK as he’s a beloved children’s poet. He was in a medically induced coma for six weeks and had a tracheostomy tube. His chances of survival were only about 50/50, and once he did finally come around he had a long recovery process ahead of him. It was his third time learning to walk – he was hit by a car at age 17. Letters from the medical professionals who looked after him in intensive care (most of whom were specialists in other areas but stepped up during the pandemic) helped him to piece together the story of his hospitalization and are reproduced here, as are his wife’s updates to family and friends.
The rest of the book is composed of Rosen’s poems, which are … okay. I didn’t grow up with his children’s stuff (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, etc.), so I don’t have a nostalgic love of his style and for the most part found it obvious and artless: “I am not sure I am me. / I can’t see as I used to see. / I can’t hear as I used to hear. / My legs feel like cardboard tubes, / filled with porridge.” The best example of his verse is “These Are the Hands,” which he wrote for the 60th anniversary of the NHS and is appended here. Illustrations by Chris Riddell.
The rest of the book is composed of Rosen’s poems, which are … okay. I didn’t grow up with his children’s stuff (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, etc.), so I don’t have a nostalgic love of his style and for the most part found it obvious and artless: “I am not sure I am me. / I can’t see as I used to see. / I can’t hear as I used to hear. / My legs feel like cardboard tubes, / filled with porridge.” The best example of his verse is “These Are the Hands,” which he wrote for the 60th anniversary of the NHS and is appended here. Illustrations by Chris Riddell.
July 20, 2024
I’m not quite sure how to start a review for this book. I’m glad I’ve read it. It gives a positive account of the care afforded to Michael when he had Covid and the level of dedication devoted to the ill by people in the NHS. It also is quite disturbing reading a first hand account of just how in-firmed some people became during the pandemic.
I found the book very easy to read. I wasn’t sure how I would react to the section of poetry, but I found it very descriptive and it painted an excellent picture of the challenges presented to Michael in a very succinct form. I think it is a book people should read if they do not appreciate the level of illness some victims experienced during Covid and perhaps those who doubt the level of support patients receive in a service that is currently under such extreme pressure.
I found the book very easy to read. I wasn’t sure how I would react to the section of poetry, but I found it very descriptive and it painted an excellent picture of the challenges presented to Michael in a very succinct form. I think it is a book people should read if they do not appreciate the level of illness some victims experienced during Covid and perhaps those who doubt the level of support patients receive in a service that is currently under such extreme pressure.
June 6, 2022
This book hit me hard. It was heartbreaking and yet hopeful, beautifully written and profoundly moving and had me tearful most of the way through.. Michael Rosen got Covid at the beginning of the first lockdown and was in an induced coma for 40 days and this his story of recovery as well as messages and diary entries from his wife and the people who looked after him. I don’t really feel like I have the words to describe how much I loved (for want of a better word) this memoir and is a book I think everyone should read. It hits home on what the pandemic was really like for so many people and ultimately makes me so grateful for how lucky I am. Please please please please read this.
March 17, 2021
Michael Rosen has produced an informative, entertaining and at times very upsetting autobiographical memoir of his experiences during the pandemic of the last year.
This is a short book, which provides an insight into what, for most of us, has been life on the 'inside': His experiences as an NHS Covid-19 patient are told through a mixture of diary entries by the plethora of medical professionals who treated him; alongside his own entertaining writing.
I can only imagine how terrible his experience has been, not only for him, but for his family. Who for so long were helpless onlookers kept on the 'outside'.
His tragi-comic and poetic writing has helped me, a mere victim of the fallout associated with successive lockdowns, to understand what life is like for a person who is severely ill with the virus.
I wish him well for the future and give my thanks to Netgalley and Random House (Ebury Press) for a copy in exchange for this review.
This is a short book, which provides an insight into what, for most of us, has been life on the 'inside': His experiences as an NHS Covid-19 patient are told through a mixture of diary entries by the plethora of medical professionals who treated him; alongside his own entertaining writing.
I can only imagine how terrible his experience has been, not only for him, but for his family. Who for so long were helpless onlookers kept on the 'outside'.
His tragi-comic and poetic writing has helped me, a mere victim of the fallout associated with successive lockdowns, to understand what life is like for a person who is severely ill with the virus.
I wish him well for the future and give my thanks to Netgalley and Random House (Ebury Press) for a copy in exchange for this review.
August 3, 2021
It's as harrowing as amusing as you'd expect. So well written. Sometimes through this pandemic, with such a focus on statistics and science, it's easy to lose sight of the humans behind the news. The humanity in this is palpable.
The book contains letters written by staff in ICU while carrying for him in his induced coma and prose detailing his journey through a ward and home with help of many people. It describes his journey of recovery and coming to terms with the damage caused by the virus. A simple read but not an easy read.
The book contains letters written by staff in ICU while carrying for him in his induced coma and prose detailing his journey through a ward and home with help of many people. It describes his journey of recovery and coming to terms with the damage caused by the virus. A simple read but not an easy read.
August 13, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
“Very poorly - it’s something they say about me… they often seem pleased, surprised almost, that I’m less poorly…”
Not what I expected but an intimate and moving first hand account of suffering and surviving COVID early in the pandemic when everyone was still adjusting and learning. Delivered with the familiar inimitable charm from the familiar author through notes and letters to the patient, stories and anecdotes and descriptive prose. We all need to sing a bit of M People from time to time
“Very poorly - it’s something they say about me… they often seem pleased, surprised almost, that I’m less poorly…”
Not what I expected but an intimate and moving first hand account of suffering and surviving COVID early in the pandemic when everyone was still adjusting and learning. Delivered with the familiar inimitable charm from the familiar author through notes and letters to the patient, stories and anecdotes and descriptive prose. We all need to sing a bit of M People from time to time
February 25, 2022
Michael Rosen is something of a national treasure in the UK as a children's author. He was one of the first celebrities hospitalised with covid 19 at the start of the pandemic here.
I think this one will be a good one to revisit in years to come as a document about his treatment and recovery and the time that it was.
I do wonder how much of the NHS staff writing him letters etc was celebrity treatment or if everyone gets this ICU? In any case it's good they did as it's now in this book to look back on in history.
I think this one will be a good one to revisit in years to come as a document about his treatment and recovery and the time that it was.
I do wonder how much of the NHS staff writing him letters etc was celebrity treatment or if everyone gets this ICU? In any case it's good they did as it's now in this book to look back on in history.
April 15, 2021
Despite his witty sentences, I could feel his struggles, effort and painful journey of recovering from Covid 19. As a nurse, I could imagine how patients would feel at a place which they are not familiar with or which they have no control over with everything around them. But this excellent book made me smiled with his ways of perceiving things for everyday's struggles. Now, terms like "Dishwasher Workout", "Alternative Days Syndrome" or "Half Man Half Blood Clots" are stuck in my brain.
April 25, 2021
A profoundly beautiful, moving memoir of this legendary writer's journey to the brink and back - reporting from his Covid recovery bed; the kindness of the medical staff, the internal changes he feels as a result of being taken so close to death, all beautifully rendered. Heartbreaking, hopeful and deeply compassionate, brims with gratitude.
March 21, 2021
With his trademark humour, Michael Rosen tells the dramatic story of his hospitalization and near death from Covid-19. The diary entries from the medical professionals that looked after him help to piece together this story of his long illness.
I found his poems very moving, and his musings on mortality and the ways the experience changed him, extremely compelling. It is an honest account that brings to life the ways in which those seriously ill have suffered.
Thanks for the free copy via Netgalley.
I found his poems very moving, and his musings on mortality and the ways the experience changed him, extremely compelling. It is an honest account that brings to life the ways in which those seriously ill have suffered.
Thanks for the free copy via Netgalley.
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