From the Bookshelf of James Mustich's 1000 Books to Read Before You Die…
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Helen prepares her spare room for her friend, Nicola. Nicola has advanced cancer and is coming to stay with Helen while she undergoes an unorthodox treatment.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. The relationship between Nicola, the gadabout, and Helen, the steady and loyal friend, is fascinating. The contrast between Bess, the young granddaughter and Nicola, dying friend, is fascinating. The author allows the story to tell itself, a simple story, yet full of complexity.
I felt every e ...more
I can’t say enough good things about this book. The relationship between Nicola, the gadabout, and Helen, the steady and loyal friend, is fascinating. The contrast between Bess, the young granddaughter and Nicola, dying friend, is fascinating. The author allows the story to tell itself, a simple story, yet full of complexity.
I felt every e ...more
This was a a brutally honest look at how the end of life can impact a friendship. It asks you to examine your own behavior about how you would handle situations you don't agree with. While the story is about a woman and her friend of 15 years, I can only imagine the even more difficult dialog if the situation were of a child taking care of her ailing, in-denial parent. I did appreciate the contrast of the two main characters and I would want a friend who was completely truthful, especially about
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Nov 19, 2018
Margaret
marked it as to-read
Feb 17, 2021
Rachel
marked it as to-read
Sep 09, 2025
Teddy
marked it as to-read
