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Das Leben Ist zu Kurz für Irgendwann
Terry und Iris sind schon ewig beste Freundinnen und würden durchs Feuer füreinander gehen. Aber Iris ist krank. So krank, dass sie sich heimlich entschließt, ihr Leben in der Schweiz zu beenden, solange sie es noch kann. Als Terry feststellt, dass Iris auf dem Weg dorthin ist, zögert sie keine Sekunde. Mit ihrem betagten Dad im Auto holt sie Iris gerade noch am Hafen von Dublin ein. Die drei begeben sich auf eine abenteuerliche Reise durch England und Frankreich, und was die schlimmsten Tage in Terrys Leben hätten werden können, werden ihre besten. Denn durch Iris entdeckt sie ungeahnte Seiten an sich – und dass es ein Geschenk ist, unser Leben zu leben, jeden Tag und bis zum letzten Tag.
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2019
208 people are currently reading
2920 people want to read
About the author
Ciara Geraghty
16 books200 followersCiara Geraghty is an Irish bestselling author. She lives in Dublin with one husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
February 22, 2020
Irish writer, Ciara Geraghty, touches on some tough issues, ethics, friendship, identity and family but interspersed with a warmth and humour that makes the sadness running throughout the novel much easier to bear. Terry is married to her husband, Brendan, and has brought up her two daughters, Anna and Kate, and feeling at a crossroads in her life. She picks up her father, Eugene, who loves Frank Sinatra and has dementia from his Sunnyside Nursing Home, which is closing down for a week. Her best friend, Iris Armstrong, is suffering from the terminal condition of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), she has no family and is supposedly at a yoga retreat. However, she is not there and there is no record of a booking, this has the worried Terry tearing up to Iris's cottage and find the surprising and shocking note Iris has left her.
Iris has made the ethically controversial decision to end her life in Zurich, Switzerland in what she considers a dignified way whilst she still has control of all her faculties. She is planning to make the ferry crossing from Dublin port to Holyhead in Wales. Terry rushes to the port with her dad, Eugene in the car, with every intention of persuading her dearest friend to change her mind. However, Iris is insistent on her choice, plans to continue her journey and Terry just can't let her leave without doing her best for her. She phones home to tell Brendan where she is and what she is planning to do, gets Eugene and her passports delivered to the port and the three of them embark on a life changing journey through Europe that includes a London stop and a Jason Donovan concert at the London Hippodrome.
The road trip has Terry reflecting more closely on her life and her sense of identity, and gives us glimpses of their past and relationships with each other. A memorable story of the trials and tribulations of what it is to live, love, dementia, MS, ethics, family and friendship. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
Iris has made the ethically controversial decision to end her life in Zurich, Switzerland in what she considers a dignified way whilst she still has control of all her faculties. She is planning to make the ferry crossing from Dublin port to Holyhead in Wales. Terry rushes to the port with her dad, Eugene in the car, with every intention of persuading her dearest friend to change her mind. However, Iris is insistent on her choice, plans to continue her journey and Terry just can't let her leave without doing her best for her. She phones home to tell Brendan where she is and what she is planning to do, gets Eugene and her passports delivered to the port and the three of them embark on a life changing journey through Europe that includes a London stop and a Jason Donovan concert at the London Hippodrome.
The road trip has Terry reflecting more closely on her life and her sense of identity, and gives us glimpses of their past and relationships with each other. A memorable story of the trials and tribulations of what it is to live, love, dementia, MS, ethics, family and friendship. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
July 31, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
RULES OF THE ROAD by Ciara Geraghty is a beautifully written and poignant women’s fiction story of friendship, family, and love. It is an emotional journey from start to finish and I was in a complete book hangover/coma when I was hit the end. (Have some tissues handy for not only the sad tears, but the happy.)
Terry is a wife, a mother of two grown daughters, the rock of her family and an all-around worrier. Everything must be in its place and every precaution must be taken. The girls are gone now, but she has found out she needs to pick up her father, who has Alzheimer’s from his care home for the week.
When they return to home, Terry realizes she has not seen her best and basically only friend and neighbor, Iris recently. Iris loves life. She is bold, says anything and is willing to try anything. But since Iris was diagnosed with primary progressive MS, Terry worries. Iris has been dealing with her disease, but it is and will get progressively worse. When she checks out Iris’ home, she finds her friend has made plans for a journey that will be her last.
Terry knows the only way to stop Iris is to join her. Terry, her father, Eugene and Iris take off on a six-day road trip from Ireland to Switzerland that will change all of their lives.
For me, this book is written with some of the most realistic and memorable characters of any women’s fiction book I have read so far this year. A friendship that at first glance seems strange, but then you realize their friendship is based on a deep love and caring that may not always be spoken, but it is heartfelt and strong. Iris had decided on her path and she enjoys the trip to its fullest, but in the end, she discovers she needs her friend to be with her and she does not want to be alone. Terry is the character that grows and blooms the most along every hour of their trip. Her interactions with her father, her wanting to change her best friend’s mind, the discovery of her own freedom and strengths, all converge in an emotional awakening that this author was able to capture beautifully with the written word. All the secondary characters were also fully fleshed and add an additional depth and realism to the story.
I cannot say enough about this beautiful story!
I highly recommend Rules of the Road!
RULES OF THE ROAD by Ciara Geraghty is a beautifully written and poignant women’s fiction story of friendship, family, and love. It is an emotional journey from start to finish and I was in a complete book hangover/coma when I was hit the end. (Have some tissues handy for not only the sad tears, but the happy.)
Terry is a wife, a mother of two grown daughters, the rock of her family and an all-around worrier. Everything must be in its place and every precaution must be taken. The girls are gone now, but she has found out she needs to pick up her father, who has Alzheimer’s from his care home for the week.
When they return to home, Terry realizes she has not seen her best and basically only friend and neighbor, Iris recently. Iris loves life. She is bold, says anything and is willing to try anything. But since Iris was diagnosed with primary progressive MS, Terry worries. Iris has been dealing with her disease, but it is and will get progressively worse. When she checks out Iris’ home, she finds her friend has made plans for a journey that will be her last.
Terry knows the only way to stop Iris is to join her. Terry, her father, Eugene and Iris take off on a six-day road trip from Ireland to Switzerland that will change all of their lives.
For me, this book is written with some of the most realistic and memorable characters of any women’s fiction book I have read so far this year. A friendship that at first glance seems strange, but then you realize their friendship is based on a deep love and caring that may not always be spoken, but it is heartfelt and strong. Iris had decided on her path and she enjoys the trip to its fullest, but in the end, she discovers she needs her friend to be with her and she does not want to be alone. Terry is the character that grows and blooms the most along every hour of their trip. Her interactions with her father, her wanting to change her best friend’s mind, the discovery of her own freedom and strengths, all converge in an emotional awakening that this author was able to capture beautifully with the written word. All the secondary characters were also fully fleshed and add an additional depth and realism to the story.
I cannot say enough about this beautiful story!
I highly recommend Rules of the Road!
November 10, 2020
Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty tells of a special friendship between two Irish women. After Terry picks up her father, who suffers from dementia, she drops in to her friend Iris’ home, only to find she has disappeared. She tracks her down and finds that Iris was on her way out of the country, without telling anyone. Concerned for her friend, Terry and her father spontaneously accompany Iris on her road trip (she fears flying). This will be a trip that will change the lives of these two women. This is touching and emotional friendship fiction. The author has created two beautiful and fascinating characters, complete with qualities and faults. The six-day road trip was not long enough and I would have spent many more days with Terry and Iris. Highly recommended. Thank you to Park Row for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
But she’ll be stressed about it and pretending she’s not stressed at all, which, in my experience, makes the thing you’re stressed about even more stressful.
This must be a swanky part of London because the charity shop is like a proper boutique with an accessories section and an immaculately turned-out young woman with terrifying eyebrows behind the counter and a bright, fresh smell that has no bearing on old, discarded clothes and worn-out shoes.
Vera rummages through a chest of drawers in the corner, dropping various bras and scarves on the floor until she finds a T-shirt with a picture of Tom Jones’s face on the front and the word “Sexbomb” printed below it.
Dementia likes the quiet. I picture the disease like an olden day’s librarian; all tutting and shushing. And usually I oblige.
The awful thing about thoughts is there’s no getting away from them. They’re right there. Going around and around on a track in your head like a toy train.
Motorbikes are on my list of terrors. High on the list. I’d prefer the girls to tell me they were, I don’t know, drug addicts, rather than owners of a motorbike. You can always go to rehab. But there’s no coming back from the morgue.
There is a collection of words, queueing at the back of my throat. Jostling against the back of my teeth. If I open my mouth, they will tumble out and none of them will be sufficient. None of them will be enough.
My Review:
This poignant and emotive story held a highly unusual premise and was rather ingeniously plotted and narrated through the highly anxious, introspective, and frustrated lens in the first person POV of the main character of Terry. The writing style was agile, evocative, and cleverly amusing as well as heart squeezing. If you were hoping for a fast-paced adventure and a road trip full of hi-jinx, you need to keep looking. This is a thoughtfully written yet highly engaging character-based tale with real-world issues while generously seasoned with humorous observations and vibrant imagery.
Two best friends, Iris and Terry, along with Terry’s elderly dementia patient father, impetuously struck out on a journey from Dublin to Zurich in Terry’s older car, to complete a personal mission for Iris, one that Terry hoped would not conclude as Iris had meticulously planned. Terry had insinuated herself into Iris’s plan at the last minute hoping to change the end result before reaching their destination.
Iris was besieged with the progressive physical deterioration, discomforts, and limitations of a chronic disease and did not relish living the remainder of her life trapped in her body – which is an issue that resonated intensely with me, as this is a personal fear of my own. Terry’s elderly father’s advancing Dementia was a constant concern and bone wearying challenge, which was deftly and sensitively handled with a surprisingly informative and often humorous approach to the complications.
Their odyssey was slow, quite arduous, and fraught with anxieties and a plethora of imagined catastrophes for Terry, a nervous driver who was afraid of the motorway and drove so slowly that even elderly drivers honked and swore at her. The trio experienced numerous detours and escapades as well as eye-opening insights and out of her comfort zone adventures that powered profound changes for Terry. The ending was not one I expected yet was realistic and surprisingly satisfying as I continue to ruminate over Ms. Geraghty’s clever missive. I have a feeling these characters are going to continue to inhabit my headspace for quite some time.
But she’ll be stressed about it and pretending she’s not stressed at all, which, in my experience, makes the thing you’re stressed about even more stressful.
This must be a swanky part of London because the charity shop is like a proper boutique with an accessories section and an immaculately turned-out young woman with terrifying eyebrows behind the counter and a bright, fresh smell that has no bearing on old, discarded clothes and worn-out shoes.
Vera rummages through a chest of drawers in the corner, dropping various bras and scarves on the floor until she finds a T-shirt with a picture of Tom Jones’s face on the front and the word “Sexbomb” printed below it.
Dementia likes the quiet. I picture the disease like an olden day’s librarian; all tutting and shushing. And usually I oblige.
The awful thing about thoughts is there’s no getting away from them. They’re right there. Going around and around on a track in your head like a toy train.
Motorbikes are on my list of terrors. High on the list. I’d prefer the girls to tell me they were, I don’t know, drug addicts, rather than owners of a motorbike. You can always go to rehab. But there’s no coming back from the morgue.
There is a collection of words, queueing at the back of my throat. Jostling against the back of my teeth. If I open my mouth, they will tumble out and none of them will be sufficient. None of them will be enough.
My Review:
This poignant and emotive story held a highly unusual premise and was rather ingeniously plotted and narrated through the highly anxious, introspective, and frustrated lens in the first person POV of the main character of Terry. The writing style was agile, evocative, and cleverly amusing as well as heart squeezing. If you were hoping for a fast-paced adventure and a road trip full of hi-jinx, you need to keep looking. This is a thoughtfully written yet highly engaging character-based tale with real-world issues while generously seasoned with humorous observations and vibrant imagery.
Two best friends, Iris and Terry, along with Terry’s elderly dementia patient father, impetuously struck out on a journey from Dublin to Zurich in Terry’s older car, to complete a personal mission for Iris, one that Terry hoped would not conclude as Iris had meticulously planned. Terry had insinuated herself into Iris’s plan at the last minute hoping to change the end result before reaching their destination.
Iris was besieged with the progressive physical deterioration, discomforts, and limitations of a chronic disease and did not relish living the remainder of her life trapped in her body – which is an issue that resonated intensely with me, as this is a personal fear of my own. Terry’s elderly father’s advancing Dementia was a constant concern and bone wearying challenge, which was deftly and sensitively handled with a surprisingly informative and often humorous approach to the complications.
Their odyssey was slow, quite arduous, and fraught with anxieties and a plethora of imagined catastrophes for Terry, a nervous driver who was afraid of the motorway and drove so slowly that even elderly drivers honked and swore at her. The trio experienced numerous detours and escapades as well as eye-opening insights and out of her comfort zone adventures that powered profound changes for Terry. The ending was not one I expected yet was realistic and surprisingly satisfying as I continue to ruminate over Ms. Geraghty’s clever missive. I have a feeling these characters are going to continue to inhabit my headspace for quite some time.
February 6, 2020
Three and a half stars.
I enjoyed this book initially and was keen to keep reading. Then part way though I found it wasn't holding my interest. Also it seemed to be affecting my mood, which shows that it is well written though dealing with a difficult subject. And maybe for me that was the problem, the thought of where it was heading. The book is about a woman Iris, who has MS. Rather than let the MS take its course, Iris is determined to finish her life in how and when she decides. When she disappears leaving a note for her good friend Terry, Terry refuses to accept the decision. She is determined to find Iris and convinced she can change her mind. She just hadn’t quite counted on having her father, who is suffering from dementia, along on the journey with her but circumstances decree that’s the way it works out as they head from Dublin towards Zurich. The long term friendship between the two women is poignantly portrayed and one of the strengths of the book. Along the way to trying to stop Iris and her plans, Terry finds out a lot about herself and doing things she normally would not have imagined doing. Maybe she is not quite the person she thought she was?
Although there are lighter moments and moments of laughter, on the whole I found this a depressing book, which is why I put it aside for a while and dived headlong into a lighter book. But I came back to it, expecting what I anticipated would happen but hoping it didn’t. Whether it does or not you will have to read the book to find out.
I liked Terry, though I struggled with some of her choices. I really liked Terry’s father Eugene and his obsession with Frank Sinatra and his repetitive stories. It was interesting for Terry to see how dementia changed his personality. Iris I found hard to like, even though I could empathise with her in her illness. It’s an interesting book but not one that is going to appeal to everyone given the topic it deals with. Still it is a book certain to provoke a lot of comment. It would make an excellent choice for a book club.
I enjoyed this book initially and was keen to keep reading. Then part way though I found it wasn't holding my interest. Also it seemed to be affecting my mood, which shows that it is well written though dealing with a difficult subject. And maybe for me that was the problem, the thought of where it was heading. The book is about a woman Iris, who has MS. Rather than let the MS take its course, Iris is determined to finish her life in how and when she decides. When she disappears leaving a note for her good friend Terry, Terry refuses to accept the decision. She is determined to find Iris and convinced she can change her mind. She just hadn’t quite counted on having her father, who is suffering from dementia, along on the journey with her but circumstances decree that’s the way it works out as they head from Dublin towards Zurich. The long term friendship between the two women is poignantly portrayed and one of the strengths of the book. Along the way to trying to stop Iris and her plans, Terry finds out a lot about herself and doing things she normally would not have imagined doing. Maybe she is not quite the person she thought she was?
Although there are lighter moments and moments of laughter, on the whole I found this a depressing book, which is why I put it aside for a while and dived headlong into a lighter book. But I came back to it, expecting what I anticipated would happen but hoping it didn’t. Whether it does or not you will have to read the book to find out.
I liked Terry, though I struggled with some of her choices. I really liked Terry’s father Eugene and his obsession with Frank Sinatra and his repetitive stories. It was interesting for Terry to see how dementia changed his personality. Iris I found hard to like, even though I could empathise with her in her illness. It’s an interesting book but not one that is going to appeal to everyone given the topic it deals with. Still it is a book certain to provoke a lot of comment. It would make an excellent choice for a book club.
August 3, 2020
Rules of the Road is the touching story of two best friends who take a first and last road trip together and discover the true meaning of their friendship along the way.
Terry is a wife, mother and doer for everyone else. Completely taken advantage of by her family, it's just her job. From finding ties for her husband, to dropping everything for a daughter who just broke up with a boyfriend to planning vacations, Terry does it all. And she relishes it. Terry does not live outside her comfort zone afraid of what she may find there, or what she may fail to find there.
Iris is her best friend. Iris has decided to go on a trip of a lifetime and never come back. You see, Iris is single and has Multiple Sclerosis, and rather than become a burden she would rather leave this earth before her illness begins to completely consume her which it has already started to do.
When Terry finds out about Iris' plan, she drops everything to try and convince her that she has so much more to live for. She decides to go with Iris on her journey to persuade her that her life is worth living. This, Terry is sure will give her great distress in so many ways. Terry must also take along her father Eugene who is in the throws of dementia. His nursing home is being exterminated and he has no one else able to take care of him.
This pilgrimage will take the three of them to places they never would have imagined seeing and put them in situations they could never dream. Their travels are often funny and poignant and filled with excitement, but always looming is the end of their journey.
During the trip, Terry begins to have revelations about her past as well as with her present situation. She realizes she may not have ever been living her true life. Her life so far has always been wanting and needing acceptance from others, fearing of letting them down, fear of so many situations she just decided to stop trying. Perhaps, she begins to think, SHE is the only one she has been letting down all these years.
Rules of the Road is a charming, amusing, sensitive story of learning to let go...letting go of your fears, letting go of your ideas about yourself and others, and especially letting go of loved ones. I suppose you can have a rite of passage at any age, it's just about knowing which direction you want to go and that will decide your next path.
Thank you to #NetGalley #HarperCollins #RulesoftheRoad #CiaraGeraghty for the advanced copy.
Terry is a wife, mother and doer for everyone else. Completely taken advantage of by her family, it's just her job. From finding ties for her husband, to dropping everything for a daughter who just broke up with a boyfriend to planning vacations, Terry does it all. And she relishes it. Terry does not live outside her comfort zone afraid of what she may find there, or what she may fail to find there.
Iris is her best friend. Iris has decided to go on a trip of a lifetime and never come back. You see, Iris is single and has Multiple Sclerosis, and rather than become a burden she would rather leave this earth before her illness begins to completely consume her which it has already started to do.
When Terry finds out about Iris' plan, she drops everything to try and convince her that she has so much more to live for. She decides to go with Iris on her journey to persuade her that her life is worth living. This, Terry is sure will give her great distress in so many ways. Terry must also take along her father Eugene who is in the throws of dementia. His nursing home is being exterminated and he has no one else able to take care of him.
This pilgrimage will take the three of them to places they never would have imagined seeing and put them in situations they could never dream. Their travels are often funny and poignant and filled with excitement, but always looming is the end of their journey.
During the trip, Terry begins to have revelations about her past as well as with her present situation. She realizes she may not have ever been living her true life. Her life so far has always been wanting and needing acceptance from others, fearing of letting them down, fear of so many situations she just decided to stop trying. Perhaps, she begins to think, SHE is the only one she has been letting down all these years.
Rules of the Road is a charming, amusing, sensitive story of learning to let go...letting go of your fears, letting go of your ideas about yourself and others, and especially letting go of loved ones. I suppose you can have a rite of passage at any age, it's just about knowing which direction you want to go and that will decide your next path.
Thank you to #NetGalley #HarperCollins #RulesoftheRoad #CiaraGeraghty for the advanced copy.
August 12, 2020
Rules Of The Road, by Ciara Geraghty, is a novel that moved me and will stay with me for a very long time.
Terry discovers her best friend Iris has gone missing. Finding her takes Terry, Iris and Terry's befuddled father, Eugene, on a remarkable journey that will change their lives forever. What should be the worst six days of Terry's life turn into the best.
This story is an unexpected, bittersweet journey of self-discovery. A tale about true friendship and going that extra mile for someone.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Trade Publishing/Park Row for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Terry discovers her best friend Iris has gone missing. Finding her takes Terry, Iris and Terry's befuddled father, Eugene, on a remarkable journey that will change their lives forever. What should be the worst six days of Terry's life turn into the best.
This story is an unexpected, bittersweet journey of self-discovery. A tale about true friendship and going that extra mile for someone.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Trade Publishing/Park Row for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
May 2, 2019
'The simple fact of the matter is that Iris loves life. Maybe she’s forgotten that. Sometimes that happens, doesn’t it? To the best of us?
All I have to do is remind her of that one simple fact.'
Rules of The Road is the latest book from Irish writer Ciara Geraghty and it is a book that wraps itself around your heart from the opening pages. Published on the 2nd May with HarperCollins Ireland, it is described as ‘warm, witty and moving…a story of an unexpected road trip, second chances and the great lengths we will go for our dearest friends'
Rules of The Road is the story of a friendship between two women, that special relationship that some people are very lucky to find in their lives. It is a very unique bond, almost magical in it’s quality, as it allows for two people to just be who they are and express their true selves at all times, without judgement or without fear. Iris and Terry share this remarkable connection and over the years their relationship develops into one of extreme tenderness for each other. They have both witnessed various highs and lows, but have always been there for each other, as a supportive shoulder, whenever needed.
Terry has been married for years, choosing to be a stay-at-home mother for her two girls, and to keep the household in check. Her husband, Brendan, works hard and provides well for the family and Terry has always felt satisfaction with the tight ship that they sailed. But as the years have passed, her girls have moved on and it’s now just Terry and Brendan at home. He spends his days in a stressful job and Terry ensures that the dinners are cooked, the clothes are ironed and everything is as it should be. Brendan needs a calm environment when he comes homes and Terry is the perfect wife in this respect.
Terry’s father, Eugene, now with dementia, resides in a nursing home, where Terry regularly visits him, always with the hope that he will have a moment of recognition, a moment where Terry will be able to see him as he once was, her strong and able father. It is at an event hosted by the Alzheimer’s society that Terry crosses paths with Iris Armstrong. Iris is a whirlwind of a personality and, like yin and yang, the two soon establish an immediate, yet unlikely, friendship. Iris is extroverted. Terry is introverted. Iris is flamboyant. Terry is reserved. Iris is a free-spirit. Terry is a worrier. Poles apart, these two women become an instant support for each other and that magical connection happens….their friendship is cemented forever.
When Iris unexpectedly disappears, Terry searches her out only to discover that Iris intends making a solo journey without her, a journey she has no intention of ever returning from. With Eugene accidentally by her side, Terry makes the very spontaneous decision to join Iris as, initially, somewhat unwelcome travel companions, beginning an adventure of a lifetime, a road trip packed with incredible characters and moments of pure emotional heartbreak.
Ciara Geraghty has written a very, very special book, a book that will touch the hearts of many folk across the globe. Rules of the Road highlights many current societal issues, ones that most of us will experience at some time during our lives, as we witness illnesses and events that will mark our souls forever. The story of Terry and Iris is very poignant. There are books that impact us all in many ways, but I defy anyone not to be affected by this exceptional tale. Beautifully expressed, Rules of the Road will capture the heart of all who take this journey with Terry and Iris. This is a book to be shared, a book to be discussed, a book to be cherished and one that will make you think.
We really are only here for a short while folks and it really is our duty to enjoy every second of our lives.
Rules of the Road is a very powerful and captivating tale, an homage to the strength of friendship and a celebration of life in all it’s colours.
Highly recommend to all…..
All I have to do is remind her of that one simple fact.'
Rules of The Road is the latest book from Irish writer Ciara Geraghty and it is a book that wraps itself around your heart from the opening pages. Published on the 2nd May with HarperCollins Ireland, it is described as ‘warm, witty and moving…a story of an unexpected road trip, second chances and the great lengths we will go for our dearest friends'
Rules of The Road is the story of a friendship between two women, that special relationship that some people are very lucky to find in their lives. It is a very unique bond, almost magical in it’s quality, as it allows for two people to just be who they are and express their true selves at all times, without judgement or without fear. Iris and Terry share this remarkable connection and over the years their relationship develops into one of extreme tenderness for each other. They have both witnessed various highs and lows, but have always been there for each other, as a supportive shoulder, whenever needed.
Terry has been married for years, choosing to be a stay-at-home mother for her two girls, and to keep the household in check. Her husband, Brendan, works hard and provides well for the family and Terry has always felt satisfaction with the tight ship that they sailed. But as the years have passed, her girls have moved on and it’s now just Terry and Brendan at home. He spends his days in a stressful job and Terry ensures that the dinners are cooked, the clothes are ironed and everything is as it should be. Brendan needs a calm environment when he comes homes and Terry is the perfect wife in this respect.
Terry’s father, Eugene, now with dementia, resides in a nursing home, where Terry regularly visits him, always with the hope that he will have a moment of recognition, a moment where Terry will be able to see him as he once was, her strong and able father. It is at an event hosted by the Alzheimer’s society that Terry crosses paths with Iris Armstrong. Iris is a whirlwind of a personality and, like yin and yang, the two soon establish an immediate, yet unlikely, friendship. Iris is extroverted. Terry is introverted. Iris is flamboyant. Terry is reserved. Iris is a free-spirit. Terry is a worrier. Poles apart, these two women become an instant support for each other and that magical connection happens….their friendship is cemented forever.
When Iris unexpectedly disappears, Terry searches her out only to discover that Iris intends making a solo journey without her, a journey she has no intention of ever returning from. With Eugene accidentally by her side, Terry makes the very spontaneous decision to join Iris as, initially, somewhat unwelcome travel companions, beginning an adventure of a lifetime, a road trip packed with incredible characters and moments of pure emotional heartbreak.
Ciara Geraghty has written a very, very special book, a book that will touch the hearts of many folk across the globe. Rules of the Road highlights many current societal issues, ones that most of us will experience at some time during our lives, as we witness illnesses and events that will mark our souls forever. The story of Terry and Iris is very poignant. There are books that impact us all in many ways, but I defy anyone not to be affected by this exceptional tale. Beautifully expressed, Rules of the Road will capture the heart of all who take this journey with Terry and Iris. This is a book to be shared, a book to be discussed, a book to be cherished and one that will make you think.
We really are only here for a short while folks and it really is our duty to enjoy every second of our lives.
Rules of the Road is a very powerful and captivating tale, an homage to the strength of friendship and a celebration of life in all it’s colours.
Highly recommend to all…..
July 17, 2022
This was a thought provoking, emotional and extremely well written book. One that I wanted to keep reading to see how it developed.
It handled delicate subjects with tact and sensitivity.
Ideal to take on holiday as easy to follow the thread of the plot. Saying this, don't be fooled into thinking this is a fluffy chick lit book that will have no depth... it has depth in abundance.
It handled delicate subjects with tact and sensitivity.
Ideal to take on holiday as easy to follow the thread of the plot. Saying this, don't be fooled into thinking this is a fluffy chick lit book that will have no depth... it has depth in abundance.
June 18, 2021
Berührend,witzig und zum Nachdenken.Ach,war das schön❤
July 27, 2020
This was not an easy book to read. It was heartbreaking and touching at the same time. The writing was beautiful. It was descriptive and lyrical and drew me right in. This is a story of friendship, a friendship that only comes around once in awhile.
Terry is married to Brendan, and has two grown daughters. She is at a crossroads, no longer a stay at home mom, and feeling complacent in her relationship. Her father has dementia and is living in a home, but it is being fumigated, so she picks him up to stay for a few days. Her best friend Iris, has progressive MS and her condition is quickly deteriorating. When she tries to get ahold of Iris at her yoga retreat, she finds out she is not there and was never registered. Heading over to her cottage to check on her, she finds a note that will lead her, her father and Iris on a road trip where only two will come back.
The road trip is quite eventful. Iris, Terry and her dad get themselves into some rather humorous situations, do a lot of self-reflection and get to know each other better than they ever thought they would. This is a story of self-discover, friendship, family and acceptance. There are some tough subjects in this story, ethical suicide, dementia, new beginnings after losing your job, and more. This was a poignant story that I couldn't put down once I started. I wanted to find out what was going to happen not only to Iris, but to Terry and her family. I learned a bit about Progressive MS and some of the symptoms. I also saw a bit of the impact of dementia on family members, especially those that have taken on the role of carer. This was an emotional story with a very human side and definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a human story. This is not all doom and gloom, I enjoyed the happy times they shared on this road trip and reminded me once again how important it is to look for the positives and happiness in life while you can. This is one of those stories with characters that will stay with me for awhile. Thanks to the publisher for my copy of the ebook to read and review upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Terry is married to Brendan, and has two grown daughters. She is at a crossroads, no longer a stay at home mom, and feeling complacent in her relationship. Her father has dementia and is living in a home, but it is being fumigated, so she picks him up to stay for a few days. Her best friend Iris, has progressive MS and her condition is quickly deteriorating. When she tries to get ahold of Iris at her yoga retreat, she finds out she is not there and was never registered. Heading over to her cottage to check on her, she finds a note that will lead her, her father and Iris on a road trip where only two will come back.
The road trip is quite eventful. Iris, Terry and her dad get themselves into some rather humorous situations, do a lot of self-reflection and get to know each other better than they ever thought they would. This is a story of self-discover, friendship, family and acceptance. There are some tough subjects in this story, ethical suicide, dementia, new beginnings after losing your job, and more. This was a poignant story that I couldn't put down once I started. I wanted to find out what was going to happen not only to Iris, but to Terry and her family. I learned a bit about Progressive MS and some of the symptoms. I also saw a bit of the impact of dementia on family members, especially those that have taken on the role of carer. This was an emotional story with a very human side and definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a human story. This is not all doom and gloom, I enjoyed the happy times they shared on this road trip and reminded me once again how important it is to look for the positives and happiness in life while you can. This is one of those stories with characters that will stay with me for awhile. Thanks to the publisher for my copy of the ebook to read and review upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
September 20, 2020
Full Review on The Candid Cover
Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty is a touching story about friendship, family, and finding yourself. There is a mix of heavy and lighthearted topics that reflect the rollercoaster of emotions that Terry goes through in this road trip book. It is one that I highly recommend to fans of contemporary fiction.
This book really took me by surprise and I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It starts off a bit slow and the main character, Terry, seemed quite tiresome at first. However, once the story starts rolling and the road trip begins, we see a side of Terry that has been hiding. It is really enjoyable to read about her self discovery and the many laugh out loud situations she gets herself into.
❀ AN EXPEDITION ACROSS EUROPE
When Terry discovers that her best friend has gone missing, she sets off on a mad journey to find her. Her accomplice is her elderly father who has dementia, as his nursing home is closed for the week. The two embark on an expedition across Europe where Terry reflects on her past, her future, and her beliefs. When they catch up with Iris, Terry must struggle to understand the choices her friend has made.
❀ AN INTERESTING LOOK INTO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
This is the first book that I have read about a character living with multiple sclerosis. While I do know a little bit about the condition, Iris’ character really opened my eyes to how someone living with MS might cope emotionally. She is in the early stages of the disease and is worried about her future. It is an interesting look into a condition that affects so many in our society. I am not able to speak on the accuracy of the author’s depictions, but they are compelling.
❀ WILL BRING OUT ALL OF YOUR EMOTIONS
If you are in the mood for a book that will bring out all of your emotions, Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty is one to try. It has a good mix of humour and seriousness. Perfect for a fall TBR.
Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty is a touching story about friendship, family, and finding yourself. There is a mix of heavy and lighthearted topics that reflect the rollercoaster of emotions that Terry goes through in this road trip book. It is one that I highly recommend to fans of contemporary fiction.
This book really took me by surprise and I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It starts off a bit slow and the main character, Terry, seemed quite tiresome at first. However, once the story starts rolling and the road trip begins, we see a side of Terry that has been hiding. It is really enjoyable to read about her self discovery and the many laugh out loud situations she gets herself into.
❀ AN EXPEDITION ACROSS EUROPE
When Terry discovers that her best friend has gone missing, she sets off on a mad journey to find her. Her accomplice is her elderly father who has dementia, as his nursing home is closed for the week. The two embark on an expedition across Europe where Terry reflects on her past, her future, and her beliefs. When they catch up with Iris, Terry must struggle to understand the choices her friend has made.
❀ AN INTERESTING LOOK INTO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
This is the first book that I have read about a character living with multiple sclerosis. While I do know a little bit about the condition, Iris’ character really opened my eyes to how someone living with MS might cope emotionally. She is in the early stages of the disease and is worried about her future. It is an interesting look into a condition that affects so many in our society. I am not able to speak on the accuracy of the author’s depictions, but they are compelling.
❀ WILL BRING OUT ALL OF YOUR EMOTIONS
If you are in the mood for a book that will bring out all of your emotions, Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty is one to try. It has a good mix of humour and seriousness. Perfect for a fall TBR.
February 26, 2020
A very good reading. This book touches on two very emotional illnesses and is done with sensitivity and humour.The storylines is Terry and her father who suffers with Alzheimer’s ,journey with Iris who suffers with progressive multiple sclerosis . It’s a story of friendship and love and of coming to terms with how things affect our lives. I enjoyed this book and will be looking at others by this author.
March 31, 2019
"There is a feeling inside me, billowing like sheets on a line. There is nothing else to be done with it.
It is love, this feeling that I am full of.
And not like love in fairytales or films. It's fluid, this feeling.
This love. It is a giving and a receiving.
I have given.
I have received.
I feel love.
I feel loved."
It is love, this feeling that I am full of.
And not like love in fairytales or films. It's fluid, this feeling.
This love. It is a giving and a receiving.
I have given.
I have received.
I feel love.
I feel loved."
July 9, 2023
Gelesen von Inka Friedrich
Eigentlich hatte das Buch alle Aspekte, die mich haben neugierig werden lassen und die bei anderen Romanen dazu führten, dass sie Highlights wurden:
Eine Freundschaft, die auf eine harte Probe gestellt wird
Thema: Sterbehilfe
Ein Roadtrip
Ältere Protagonist*innen
Und grundsätzlich war es ein gutes Buch, übrigens recht gut vertont durch Inka Friedrich, aber es konnte mich in der Gesamtheit einfach nicht packen. Eine unterhaltsame Geschichte, bei der mir einfach der Tiefgang fehlte und bei der ich nicht so nah an den Charakteren war, wie ich es bei dem Thema erwartet und gewünscht hatte.
Vieles wird nach dem Prinzip „Tell don’t show“ statt anders herum nur erzählt, besonders wenn es um Die Charakterzüge und Eigenschaften der Protagonist*innen geht, was eben dazu führt, dass ich ihnen nicht so nahe kam.
Die Krankheit MS wird mir auch zu oberflächlich behandelt, dabei wäre in dem Roman Zeit gewesen hier etwas intensiver an das Thema heranzugehen.
Der Humor hat mir an einigen Punkten sehr gut gefallen und lockert die doch schweren Themen gut auf, aber manchmal war er mir persönlich zum „klamaukig“.
Und wie es auch oft in Romane mit Roadtrip-Elementen der Fall ist, gibt es Charaktere - hier ist es Terry - welche über sich hinauswachsen. Das hat mir gut gefallen, da ich sie am Anfang nicht wirklich mochte. Sie hat ein Frauenbild verkörpert, welches ich nicht sehr sympathisch und erstrebenswert empfinde. Komplett aufopferungsvoll ihrer Familie gegenüber ohne das eigene Ich noch zum wertschätzen und auch auszuleben, was sie möchte. Das ändert sich nach und nach und Terry wächst förmlich mit ihren Aufgaben über sich hinaus.
Etwas schade empfand ich, dass der Vater mit seiner Demenzerkrankung hin und wieder „nur“ für die Lacher zuständig war und einiges sich zu oft wiederholt hat. Er tat mir einfach nur Leid, da er unfreiwillig auf diesem Roadtrip landet und das ein der Realität eigentlich nicht gut ausgehen würde.
Das Ende war gut gewählt auch wenn ich es mir denken konnte. Aber genau deshalb empfand ich es gut, da ich es genauso auch geschrieben hätte.
Eigentlich hatte das Buch alle Aspekte, die mich haben neugierig werden lassen und die bei anderen Romanen dazu führten, dass sie Highlights wurden:
Eine Freundschaft, die auf eine harte Probe gestellt wird
Thema: Sterbehilfe
Ein Roadtrip
Ältere Protagonist*innen
Und grundsätzlich war es ein gutes Buch, übrigens recht gut vertont durch Inka Friedrich, aber es konnte mich in der Gesamtheit einfach nicht packen. Eine unterhaltsame Geschichte, bei der mir einfach der Tiefgang fehlte und bei der ich nicht so nah an den Charakteren war, wie ich es bei dem Thema erwartet und gewünscht hatte.
Vieles wird nach dem Prinzip „Tell don’t show“ statt anders herum nur erzählt, besonders wenn es um Die Charakterzüge und Eigenschaften der Protagonist*innen geht, was eben dazu führt, dass ich ihnen nicht so nahe kam.
Die Krankheit MS wird mir auch zu oberflächlich behandelt, dabei wäre in dem Roman Zeit gewesen hier etwas intensiver an das Thema heranzugehen.
Der Humor hat mir an einigen Punkten sehr gut gefallen und lockert die doch schweren Themen gut auf, aber manchmal war er mir persönlich zum „klamaukig“.
Und wie es auch oft in Romane mit Roadtrip-Elementen der Fall ist, gibt es Charaktere - hier ist es Terry - welche über sich hinauswachsen. Das hat mir gut gefallen, da ich sie am Anfang nicht wirklich mochte. Sie hat ein Frauenbild verkörpert, welches ich nicht sehr sympathisch und erstrebenswert empfinde. Komplett aufopferungsvoll ihrer Familie gegenüber ohne das eigene Ich noch zum wertschätzen und auch auszuleben, was sie möchte. Das ändert sich nach und nach und Terry wächst förmlich mit ihren Aufgaben über sich hinaus.
Etwas schade empfand ich, dass der Vater mit seiner Demenzerkrankung hin und wieder „nur“ für die Lacher zuständig war und einiges sich zu oft wiederholt hat. Er tat mir einfach nur Leid, da er unfreiwillig auf diesem Roadtrip landet und das ein der Realität eigentlich nicht gut ausgehen würde.
Das Ende war gut gewählt auch wenn ich es mir denken konnte. Aber genau deshalb empfand ich es gut, da ich es genauso auch geschrieben hätte.
May 4, 2020
Terry is a worrier, in an okay marriage, with two mostly grown girls, a house in a sought after address and she sticks to the rules of the road. She is also really good at laundry, I mean really good, she may be imaginary but she is never allowed in my house unless she is going to do some good. I thought that was an important part of her character to establish :)
Then one day, she drops off the 58th Birthday cake to the Yoga retreat that her best friend Iris staying at only to find her best friend is not booked there and never had any intention of going. Iris has a whole other secret intention of how she is going to spend her birthday week. Will Terry, together with her Alzheimers suffering Father, abandon her well ordered but gently crumbling life to bring back her best friend from Europe? Well, the answer is in the title of the book I suppose.
Written with warmth and humour this book nevertheless explores some dark themes of loss in general and Alzheimer's and Assisted Suicide in particular. Ultimately though it is a book about love, friendship, self-discovery, and living your best day every day.
The prose is relatively simple and the outlook from Terry’s first-person perspective is straight forward, somewhat self-deprecating but full of love.
Ciara Geraghty writes big bold characters that sing off the page with humour, wit, and a touch of irrelevance and I came to love them all in the end.
This book is recommended for those who don’t mind a little bitter with the sweet and some tears at the end, as this uplift novel includes some darker themes.
Then one day, she drops off the 58th Birthday cake to the Yoga retreat that her best friend Iris staying at only to find her best friend is not booked there and never had any intention of going. Iris has a whole other secret intention of how she is going to spend her birthday week. Will Terry, together with her Alzheimers suffering Father, abandon her well ordered but gently crumbling life to bring back her best friend from Europe? Well, the answer is in the title of the book I suppose.
Written with warmth and humour this book nevertheless explores some dark themes of loss in general and Alzheimer's and Assisted Suicide in particular. Ultimately though it is a book about love, friendship, self-discovery, and living your best day every day.
The prose is relatively simple and the outlook from Terry’s first-person perspective is straight forward, somewhat self-deprecating but full of love.
Ciara Geraghty writes big bold characters that sing off the page with humour, wit, and a touch of irrelevance and I came to love them all in the end.
This book is recommended for those who don’t mind a little bitter with the sweet and some tears at the end, as this uplift novel includes some darker themes.
July 3, 2020
Thanks Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read and give this book a honest review.
There is so much to say about this book, first if you don’t have a full box of Kleenex in the house, be sure to get one before you start. And, no worries, you will also laugh until tears are rolling down your face.
It starts out in Ireland and takes you to different parts of EU. You basically have a friendship that we all wished we have, fortunately, I’m lucky to have such a friend. You learn so much more about MS and Dementia, relationships between 2 friends, and Mother and Father Relationships. How we learn to prioritize what is important to us with all of our family members.
Great book to read and to reflect on many days after you are done reading it. Highly recommended. A
Very Good Read.
There is so much to say about this book, first if you don’t have a full box of Kleenex in the house, be sure to get one before you start. And, no worries, you will also laugh until tears are rolling down your face.
It starts out in Ireland and takes you to different parts of EU. You basically have a friendship that we all wished we have, fortunately, I’m lucky to have such a friend. You learn so much more about MS and Dementia, relationships between 2 friends, and Mother and Father Relationships. How we learn to prioritize what is important to us with all of our family members.
Great book to read and to reflect on many days after you are done reading it. Highly recommended. A
Very Good Read.
February 19, 2020
Sometimes you just know. Is there a slight change in the energy, were there hints Terry ignored up to this point? Either way when Terry realises that her best friend Iris has disappeared and has lied about where she is going - Terry knows something is wrong. Iris is on her way to meet death on her own terms. She wants dignity in death.
Terry is determined to change her mind, which is how she ends up on a road trip with her father Eugene, who has dementia, and an unwilling Iris. The road trip is only a few days, but those few days change life as Terry knows it.
I have to hand it to Geraghty, she tackles a controversial topic in this book and does so with empathy, humour and incredible emotional depth. Then she tops it by weaving the fragile elderly parent with dementia and the complexity of friendships, specifically friendships between women, into the story.
Aside from the fact the writing is excellent, I loved the way Geraghty wrote with such passion and complete vulnerability. And how each element or separate storyline becomes part of a very intricate and painful puzzle. Her main character is pulled in multiple directions by a variety of people and responsibilities, but the importance of doing what is right for both Iris and herself comes first. 'This is my truth and I own it - accept it and my decision.'
I really enjoyed the simplicity of it, which sounds like a strange thing to say, especially when death is both the competitor in her personal race and the companion. Nothing is simple about choosing the right to die or caring for a parent with dementia and it certainly isn't simple to support someone to whom death is an unfulfilled wish, and yet the author makes it simple. There is a grace and humility, whilst courting the jovial moments of the story, that make this story a spectacular read.
In a way it is an homage to friendships between women. Deep, honest, painful and willing to accept choices, even if it means being torn apart. It's a platonic love letter from one woman to another. Not everyone gets to experience that kind of friendship in their lifetime.
I'll leave it on this note: We have a right to choose - our bodies our choice.
*I received a courtesy copy*
Terry is determined to change her mind, which is how she ends up on a road trip with her father Eugene, who has dementia, and an unwilling Iris. The road trip is only a few days, but those few days change life as Terry knows it.
I have to hand it to Geraghty, she tackles a controversial topic in this book and does so with empathy, humour and incredible emotional depth. Then she tops it by weaving the fragile elderly parent with dementia and the complexity of friendships, specifically friendships between women, into the story.
Aside from the fact the writing is excellent, I loved the way Geraghty wrote with such passion and complete vulnerability. And how each element or separate storyline becomes part of a very intricate and painful puzzle. Her main character is pulled in multiple directions by a variety of people and responsibilities, but the importance of doing what is right for both Iris and herself comes first. 'This is my truth and I own it - accept it and my decision.'
I really enjoyed the simplicity of it, which sounds like a strange thing to say, especially when death is both the competitor in her personal race and the companion. Nothing is simple about choosing the right to die or caring for a parent with dementia and it certainly isn't simple to support someone to whom death is an unfulfilled wish, and yet the author makes it simple. There is a grace and humility, whilst courting the jovial moments of the story, that make this story a spectacular read.
In a way it is an homage to friendships between women. Deep, honest, painful and willing to accept choices, even if it means being torn apart. It's a platonic love letter from one woman to another. Not everyone gets to experience that kind of friendship in their lifetime.
I'll leave it on this note: We have a right to choose - our bodies our choice.
*I received a courtesy copy*
July 9, 2020
Rules of the Road is a very good adult contemporary book. The journey Terry and Iris take in their friendship and on the road to their final destination is very well-written. Terry and Iris could not be more different and yet, they fit together perfectly. They fill in each other's gaps.
While the synopsis doesn't exactly say where Terry, Iris, and Terry's father, Eugene, are going, I'm going to spoil it because it may be a trigger for some. Iris has MS and has decided she wants to end her life on her own terms. Apparently, this is legal in Switzerland because that's where they go. There's a clinic there that helps people die. The book doesn't go into the whole process of applying to do this, but I'm sure it's extensive.
At first, Iris is going on this journey on her own without telling anyone, but once Terry finds out about it, she immediately runs to find Iris and makes sure she is there every step of the way. Terry is convinced she can persuade Iris to change her mind. Iris is so full of life, how can she want to die?
It takes this journey together for Iris and Terry to fully understand each other and for Terry to accept Iris's choices (and now I'm crying again).
Why is Terry's dad on the journey too? Well, when Terry finds out what Iris is doing, her father happens to be with her and since his nursing home is closed for the week due to "vermin", she has to bring him with her.
What starts out as a journey to help Iris turns into some of the best days of their friendship. They have an adventure full of dancing and good food and wine and interesting people and you can feel the joy as you join them along the way.
I'm giving Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty 4 out of 5 stars. While normally, I would give a book that affected me this much five stars, with the subject matter and what happened after I read, I personally can't. This is a completely subjective me thing and not really about the quality of the book.
If you like emotional adult contemporary friendship -love books, you might want to give this a try.
Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty is out now but is also being re-released on August 4, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
While the synopsis doesn't exactly say where Terry, Iris, and Terry's father, Eugene, are going, I'm going to spoil it because it may be a trigger for some. Iris has MS and has decided she wants to end her life on her own terms. Apparently, this is legal in Switzerland because that's where they go. There's a clinic there that helps people die. The book doesn't go into the whole process of applying to do this, but I'm sure it's extensive.
At first, Iris is going on this journey on her own without telling anyone, but once Terry finds out about it, she immediately runs to find Iris and makes sure she is there every step of the way. Terry is convinced she can persuade Iris to change her mind. Iris is so full of life, how can she want to die?
It takes this journey together for Iris and Terry to fully understand each other and for Terry to accept Iris's choices (and now I'm crying again).
Why is Terry's dad on the journey too? Well, when Terry finds out what Iris is doing, her father happens to be with her and since his nursing home is closed for the week due to "vermin", she has to bring him with her.
What starts out as a journey to help Iris turns into some of the best days of their friendship. They have an adventure full of dancing and good food and wine and interesting people and you can feel the joy as you join them along the way.
I'm giving Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty 4 out of 5 stars. While normally, I would give a book that affected me this much five stars, with the subject matter and what happened after I read, I personally can't. This is a completely subjective me thing and not really about the quality of the book.
If you like emotional adult contemporary friendship -love books, you might want to give this a try.
Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty is out now but is also being re-released on August 4, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 25, 2020
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2020...
Content/Trigger Warnings: This book deals with Alzheimer’s, hints of anxiety, and assisted suicide.
This is a Me Before You meets Eat Pray Love, Terry is learning things about herself and pushing at her own boundaries all out of love, but perhaps one of the best and most surprising elements is the bond that grows between her Father and herself along the way.
Terry’s father has Alzheimer’s, but, the tenderness in which they treat each other certainly got me emotional a couple of times. He may not be the man he once was [and that’s not always a bad thing] but he does his best to try and pretend he knows things for his Daughter’s sake.
I really enjoyed that this was about friendship and family and finding yourself, that romantic love was not the forefront because I sometimes think everyone could use a great book about familial love, whether by blood or a found family.
There’s a bit of a race against time for Terry, trying to convince her best friend, Irish, that life is always worth living, but, she learns more about Iris’s choices and reasonings as they travel toward the border to Zurich, learning more about the parts Iris’s MS that she hides from Terry and the world.
Thank you to Anne of Random Things Tours and Harper Collins for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review as part of the tour.
Content/Trigger Warnings: This book deals with Alzheimer’s, hints of anxiety, and assisted suicide.
This is a Me Before You meets Eat Pray Love, Terry is learning things about herself and pushing at her own boundaries all out of love, but perhaps one of the best and most surprising elements is the bond that grows between her Father and herself along the way.
Terry’s father has Alzheimer’s, but, the tenderness in which they treat each other certainly got me emotional a couple of times. He may not be the man he once was [and that’s not always a bad thing] but he does his best to try and pretend he knows things for his Daughter’s sake.
I really enjoyed that this was about friendship and family and finding yourself, that romantic love was not the forefront because I sometimes think everyone could use a great book about familial love, whether by blood or a found family.
There’s a bit of a race against time for Terry, trying to convince her best friend, Irish, that life is always worth living, but, she learns more about Iris’s choices and reasonings as they travel toward the border to Zurich, learning more about the parts Iris’s MS that she hides from Terry and the world.
Thank you to Anne of Random Things Tours and Harper Collins for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review as part of the tour.
February 22, 2020
Rules of the Road tells us the story of Terry. Married for 25 years to Brendan and with 2 grown up daughters. Terry is the world's greatest catastrophic thinker, and is fastidious in her role as wife and mother, keeping an exceptionally clean home and being there for her family's every whim.
When Iris, Terry's friend, who has progressive MS, can't be located, Terry sets out to find her. With her elderly and dementia stricken father with her, she vows to be there for Iris, and ultimately finds herself along the way.
I loved this book. It is a beautiful read that'll have you equally laughing and crying. There are wonderful uniquely Irishisms in the book that anyone Irish will recognise in themselves or their own mam, for example, Terry hanging up the phone "I'd better go, yes, bye, bye, thanks, bye, bye, thanks, bye! This made me laugh so much 😂😂
Underneath the familiarity of the characters and their mannerisms, there is an underlying sad story that is so sensitively dealt with, alongside the way Eugene, Terry's dad is portrayed.
Ciara Geraghty has written a book that is fun, empowering, empathetic, uplifting yet emotional and devastating, engaging and completely compelling so that by the end you feel as though you have been on the journey yourself with characters that have somehow become your friends along the way. Loved it.
When Iris, Terry's friend, who has progressive MS, can't be located, Terry sets out to find her. With her elderly and dementia stricken father with her, she vows to be there for Iris, and ultimately finds herself along the way.
I loved this book. It is a beautiful read that'll have you equally laughing and crying. There are wonderful uniquely Irishisms in the book that anyone Irish will recognise in themselves or their own mam, for example, Terry hanging up the phone "I'd better go, yes, bye, bye, thanks, bye, bye, thanks, bye! This made me laugh so much 😂😂
Underneath the familiarity of the characters and their mannerisms, there is an underlying sad story that is so sensitively dealt with, alongside the way Eugene, Terry's dad is portrayed.
Ciara Geraghty has written a book that is fun, empowering, empathetic, uplifting yet emotional and devastating, engaging and completely compelling so that by the end you feel as though you have been on the journey yourself with characters that have somehow become your friends along the way. Loved it.
February 28, 2020
This was such a beautiful read which manages to be both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
Firstly this book has a lovely flow to it which just draws the reader into the story and you soon get swept away with the brilliant story. It’s an incredibly thought provoking read as the main character, Iris has MS and through her I learnt a lot about the condition. It was incredibly poignant to read about the impact the disease has not just on the sufferer but also on their family.
I so loved this book and found it hard to put the book down as I was so absorbed in the story. It’s a story of discovery and adventure which takes the reader through every emotion possible. I found myself crying and laughing along with the characters as they go on their journey. There are a few twists and turns along the way but the beauty of the story is definitely the wonderful characters and the emotional story who will stay with me for a long time.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Harper Collins for my copy of this book.
Firstly this book has a lovely flow to it which just draws the reader into the story and you soon get swept away with the brilliant story. It’s an incredibly thought provoking read as the main character, Iris has MS and through her I learnt a lot about the condition. It was incredibly poignant to read about the impact the disease has not just on the sufferer but also on their family.
I so loved this book and found it hard to put the book down as I was so absorbed in the story. It’s a story of discovery and adventure which takes the reader through every emotion possible. I found myself crying and laughing along with the characters as they go on their journey. There are a few twists and turns along the way but the beauty of the story is definitely the wonderful characters and the emotional story who will stay with me for a long time.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Harper Collins for my copy of this book.
March 25, 2020
Rules of the Road is a heartfelt and emotional read. Terry has been married to Brendan for 25 years and has 2 grown up daughters - they all completely rely on her for everything and take her for granted. Her father has alzeimers and the home he is in is closed for a week due to mice infestation - she collects him and at the same time discovers that her friend Iris who has progressive MS goes missing and herein starts an adventure across Europe that none of them are really prepared for ! It is a funny and tragic story which I found very emotional at times . It deals with difficult and controversial matters but they are all done in a lovely way. It is also a beautiful story about friendships.
July 15, 2020
This is a story of what true friendship is and how quickly life can change. Terry and Iris are best friends. Iris has MS, Terry is a bit of a stepford wife and Terry's father, Eugene, has dementia. The three of them embark on a road trip from Dublin, Ireland to Zurich, Switzerland. 930+ miles and many adventures later, their lives will change forever.
Going on this trip with them was very poignant for me. Their story is sweet, funny, chaotic and utterly charming. The Multiple Sclerosis and Dementia are dealt with in a serious and sensitive way, without becoming a kleenex catastrophe. I recommend this book for anyone who loves stories with great characters and real heart.
Going on this trip with them was very poignant for me. Their story is sweet, funny, chaotic and utterly charming. The Multiple Sclerosis and Dementia are dealt with in a serious and sensitive way, without becoming a kleenex catastrophe. I recommend this book for anyone who loves stories with great characters and real heart.
January 20, 2020
Terry and Iris - A road trip through Europe, A very final destination
Even though I guessed what was happening from the start, this was a surprising story, full of humour, warmth and delight.
Journeys can change people and for both Terry and Iris this journey is life-changing.
A lovely cast of characters, a few twists and turns, adventure and self-discovery. This novel will make you laugh and cry.
Even though I guessed what was happening from the start, this was a surprising story, full of humour, warmth and delight.
Journeys can change people and for both Terry and Iris this journey is life-changing.
A lovely cast of characters, a few twists and turns, adventure and self-discovery. This novel will make you laugh and cry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2020
This is a heartwarming tale about true friendship and going that extra mile for someone.
It is a well written, delightful story about two friends, Iris and Terry who embark on a road trip from Dublin to Zurich so that MS stricken Iris can end her life.
If you liked stories like Eleanor Olliphant and Saving Missy then you will probably like this one too.
Highly recommended!
It is a well written, delightful story about two friends, Iris and Terry who embark on a road trip from Dublin to Zurich so that MS stricken Iris can end her life.
If you liked stories like Eleanor Olliphant and Saving Missy then you will probably like this one too.
Highly recommended!
April 1, 2021
Terry und Iris sind beste Freundinnen und würden alles füreinander tun. Doch Iris ist krank, sie leidet unter Multipler Sklerose. Heimlich macht sie sich auf den Weg in die Schweiz um dort Sterbehilfe zu erhalten. Als Terry unerwartet und unverhofft davon erfährt, lässt sie alles stehen und liegen und reist ihr hinterher. Nicht etwa, um ihr beizustehen, sondern um Iris umzustimmen. Mit im Schlepptau hat sie dabei ihren dementen Vater. So startet das ungleiche, aber nicht minder sympathische Dreiergespann einen Roadtrip durch England und Frankreich in die Schweiz. Während Iris sich von ihrem Leben zu verabschieden versucht, findet Terry in eben jenes zurück.
Als sie von Iris Vorhaben erfährt, ist Terry am Boden zerstört, sie kann und will nicht verstehen oder akzeptieren, dass sie sich selber das Leben nehmen will. Schließlich ist Iris ihre einzige Freundin und die stärkste Frau, die sie kennt. Diese steht mitten im Leben und weiß immer was sie will. Doch Iris hat ihren Plan lange durchdacht und möchte ihn unbedingt jetzt in die Tat umsetzen wo sie noch frei entscheiden kann. Auch wenn es ihr noch verhältnismäßig gut geht, so weiß sie doch, was mit MS in der Zukunft auf sie zu kommt und möchte dies weder sich selbst, noch anderen zumuten.
"Das Leben ist zu kurz für irgendwann" ist aus Terrys Sicht geschrieben. Mit ihrem Verhalten bricht sie aus ihrem alten Leben aus, was völlig untypisch für sie ist. Sie ist Hausfrau und Mutter zweier mittlerweile erwachsener Töchter. Sie kümmert sich stets darum, dass es allen gut geht und macht sich um alles und jeden Sorgen. Sie wird von Ängsten geplagt, die sie oft völlig einengen. Neben all dem Kümmern, Sorgen und Ängstigen vergisst sie meistens sich selber und das, was ihr gut tut. Auf dem Roadtrip denkt sie plötzlich über ihre Ehe, ihre Kinder und sich selber nach. Ihr wird klar, was für ein Leben sie momentan führt und dass es sie gar nicht wirklich ausfüllt. Letztendlich wächst sie über sich hinaus und so werden die Tage, die die schlimmsten ihres Lebens hätten werden können, ihre besten.
Es ist eine Geschichte über Freundschaft und darüber wie kostbar das Leben und jeder einzelne Augenblick ist. Man sollte es niemals auf irgendwann verschieben, sondern jeden Moment genießen und das tun, was einen glücklich macht. Es geht aber auch ums Abschied nehmen, um Krankheiten wie MS und Demenz. Dementsprechend ist sie traurig, tragisch, emotional, mitreißend und bewegend. Doch es gibt auch humorvolle und schöne Momente. Denn man bemerkt sofort die tiefe Verbundenheit zwischen Iris und Terry sowie die innige Beziehung zwischen Terry und ihrem Vater. Der Umgang miteinander ist wunderbar liebevoll.
Das Buch spricht wichtige und ernste Themen des Lebens an und bringt den Leser damit zum Nachdenken. Es hinterlässt dabei sowohl ein lachendes als auch ein weinendes Auge.
Als sie von Iris Vorhaben erfährt, ist Terry am Boden zerstört, sie kann und will nicht verstehen oder akzeptieren, dass sie sich selber das Leben nehmen will. Schließlich ist Iris ihre einzige Freundin und die stärkste Frau, die sie kennt. Diese steht mitten im Leben und weiß immer was sie will. Doch Iris hat ihren Plan lange durchdacht und möchte ihn unbedingt jetzt in die Tat umsetzen wo sie noch frei entscheiden kann. Auch wenn es ihr noch verhältnismäßig gut geht, so weiß sie doch, was mit MS in der Zukunft auf sie zu kommt und möchte dies weder sich selbst, noch anderen zumuten.
"Das Leben ist zu kurz für irgendwann" ist aus Terrys Sicht geschrieben. Mit ihrem Verhalten bricht sie aus ihrem alten Leben aus, was völlig untypisch für sie ist. Sie ist Hausfrau und Mutter zweier mittlerweile erwachsener Töchter. Sie kümmert sich stets darum, dass es allen gut geht und macht sich um alles und jeden Sorgen. Sie wird von Ängsten geplagt, die sie oft völlig einengen. Neben all dem Kümmern, Sorgen und Ängstigen vergisst sie meistens sich selber und das, was ihr gut tut. Auf dem Roadtrip denkt sie plötzlich über ihre Ehe, ihre Kinder und sich selber nach. Ihr wird klar, was für ein Leben sie momentan führt und dass es sie gar nicht wirklich ausfüllt. Letztendlich wächst sie über sich hinaus und so werden die Tage, die die schlimmsten ihres Lebens hätten werden können, ihre besten.
Es ist eine Geschichte über Freundschaft und darüber wie kostbar das Leben und jeder einzelne Augenblick ist. Man sollte es niemals auf irgendwann verschieben, sondern jeden Moment genießen und das tun, was einen glücklich macht. Es geht aber auch ums Abschied nehmen, um Krankheiten wie MS und Demenz. Dementsprechend ist sie traurig, tragisch, emotional, mitreißend und bewegend. Doch es gibt auch humorvolle und schöne Momente. Denn man bemerkt sofort die tiefe Verbundenheit zwischen Iris und Terry sowie die innige Beziehung zwischen Terry und ihrem Vater. Der Umgang miteinander ist wunderbar liebevoll.
Das Buch spricht wichtige und ernste Themen des Lebens an und bringt den Leser damit zum Nachdenken. Es hinterlässt dabei sowohl ein lachendes als auch ein weinendes Auge.
February 21, 2020
It's been a long time since I have read a book by Ciara Geraghty. I loved her earlier books so can't think as to a reason why I haven't read her last two but that has now changed as when presented with the chance to read her latest book, Rules of the Road I grabbed it. I didn't even read the blurb but just took it on face value that I would find it a good read given I knew I had enjoyed her books in the past. So I didn't know what to expect from the book in terms of subject matter or themes and therefore I wasn't expecting the serious, emotional and difficult overall subject raised. I truly wasn't prepared for the depth of feeling I would experience and had I known what Iris's intentions were, which were made very clear from early on, then perhaps I would have shied away from reading given it is such a raw, sensitive and poignant topic.
But saying that, that would have been a cop out and as shown in the book we must confront our fears and worries no matter how much they may affect us in many ways. I am glad I read Rules of the Road as Ciara Geraghty has written a very special book with two main characters, Iris and Terry alongside Eugene, Terry's Dad, who embark on a trip which will radically change them all. What starts out for Terry as a bid to stop the worst from happening becomes something totally different and the opinions she starts out with may very well not be the ones she returns with. This is a very emotional read but balanced with this sense of nervousness and anticipation throughout the groups journey is one of laughter, fun and above all else hope. What could have been the most terrible six days of Terry's life turn into some of the best as she gets a chance to reassess her own family life, the health and well-being of her Dad and of course her friendship that runs very deep with Iris.
Ultimately this book is about friendship although Terry and Iris's is put to the test many times over as they journey to a specific destination and for a clear cut reason. Terry is a worrier and anything that throws her off track only intensifies this. Having to have her Dad, who suffers for dementia, for a week as his care home is dealing with an infestation would not be in her plans. Nor would the disappearance of her best friend Iris be. Apparently Iris was going on a yoga retreat but she never turned up and in turn this sets Terry into a panic and she searches through Iris's house. What she finds there is deeply upsetting and Terry knows she must do anything to stop something occurring which there is certainly no going back from. Iris is the complete opposite to her friend. She has a fabulous personality, is a free spirit and doesn't let anything worry her. She has dealt with having MS well so for Terry to discover what has happened it throws her completely off kilter. She throws caution to the wind and knows she has to find Iris before it is too late and so sets in motion a roller-coaster of a ride that will last a short few days but will take them many miles away from home.
For Terry she is away from her comforts and the worry of her everyday life. But maybe that is a good thing as her marriage to Brendan has become stale and she feels that everything has become so mundane and routine. Her girls Anna and Kate have fled the nest, yet she still worries about Anna's exams and Kate's career with her new play about to be launched. But as it is only herself and Brendan at home, and he is working in a stressful job, has Terry lost her purpose in life? This purpose is reignited when she tracks down Iris and refuses to listen to what she has to say. Terry is determined that she can change things and she will not leave her friends side. Terry leaves the country with Iris and Eugene by her side and what ensues is a road trip that will deeply affect the reader. One minute you are laughing along at their antics as the funny situations they get themselves in are just hilarious but a page or two later there is a tear in your eye as you feel the inevitable may be about to happen. Or will it?
Ciara Geraghty balanced everything perfectly throughout this story. There are innumerable light moments that go hand in hand with more serious conversations and explorations. Yet never at any stage did I feel that this was all doom and gloom given the subject matter. It showed that celebration, enjoyment and cheer can be found in the most difficult of times and along the way both Iris and Terry learn an awful lot about each other but also how they individually feel and what they can actually do to change the problems in their lives. If I were to stand back at look at the two women separately I think I really warmed to Terry more so than Iris and this is perhaps because the story was told from her viewpoint. Yes through Terry we got to know Iris but I would have loved a chapter or two told from Iris' perspective but overall it didn't affect my understanding and appreciation of the book.
Eugene although dealing with dementia offered rays of light and comedic moments and I know I shouldn't have laughed but I think that's why he was there as well as giving us a deeper understanding of his illness. Having her Dad with her allowed Terry to see a bit more of Iris's stance and maybe she become more appreciative and a deeper understanding developed. Although Iris certainly had one goal in mind and wouldn't move from it. Eugene's constant retelling of his Frank Sinatra story was brilliant and I loved where it went. Not to mention his shouting out the rules of the road at times when Terry was griping the wheel driving in a strange country when back in Ireland the same routes were continuously driven. Terry was really taken outside of her comfort zone and perhaps Iris was much wiser than her friend gave her credit for. It was like Terry was receiving a gift that she never knew she needed. The gift of independence and the ability to think outside the box and to venture where she has never before. A transformation slowly starts to occur for everyone but will the end result be the one they all desire?
Rules of the Road takes the reader and the group on an exhilarating journey and one which you won't forget for quite some time. Many issues relevant to us today are explored but in the most effective of ways. It could have become a very heavy read and challenging to get through but thanks to the excellent writing of Ciara Geraghty this story turned into a celebration of life and friendship. It's the perfect read for a book club as there is so much that emerges that needs to be discussed and explored with a clear message to take from it. We must embrace every moment as it comes and to make the most of our lives at every given opportunity. Don't let this very special read pass you by and if you have never tried anything by this author before than I urge to start with this book.
But saying that, that would have been a cop out and as shown in the book we must confront our fears and worries no matter how much they may affect us in many ways. I am glad I read Rules of the Road as Ciara Geraghty has written a very special book with two main characters, Iris and Terry alongside Eugene, Terry's Dad, who embark on a trip which will radically change them all. What starts out for Terry as a bid to stop the worst from happening becomes something totally different and the opinions she starts out with may very well not be the ones she returns with. This is a very emotional read but balanced with this sense of nervousness and anticipation throughout the groups journey is one of laughter, fun and above all else hope. What could have been the most terrible six days of Terry's life turn into some of the best as she gets a chance to reassess her own family life, the health and well-being of her Dad and of course her friendship that runs very deep with Iris.
Ultimately this book is about friendship although Terry and Iris's is put to the test many times over as they journey to a specific destination and for a clear cut reason. Terry is a worrier and anything that throws her off track only intensifies this. Having to have her Dad, who suffers for dementia, for a week as his care home is dealing with an infestation would not be in her plans. Nor would the disappearance of her best friend Iris be. Apparently Iris was going on a yoga retreat but she never turned up and in turn this sets Terry into a panic and she searches through Iris's house. What she finds there is deeply upsetting and Terry knows she must do anything to stop something occurring which there is certainly no going back from. Iris is the complete opposite to her friend. She has a fabulous personality, is a free spirit and doesn't let anything worry her. She has dealt with having MS well so for Terry to discover what has happened it throws her completely off kilter. She throws caution to the wind and knows she has to find Iris before it is too late and so sets in motion a roller-coaster of a ride that will last a short few days but will take them many miles away from home.
For Terry she is away from her comforts and the worry of her everyday life. But maybe that is a good thing as her marriage to Brendan has become stale and she feels that everything has become so mundane and routine. Her girls Anna and Kate have fled the nest, yet she still worries about Anna's exams and Kate's career with her new play about to be launched. But as it is only herself and Brendan at home, and he is working in a stressful job, has Terry lost her purpose in life? This purpose is reignited when she tracks down Iris and refuses to listen to what she has to say. Terry is determined that she can change things and she will not leave her friends side. Terry leaves the country with Iris and Eugene by her side and what ensues is a road trip that will deeply affect the reader. One minute you are laughing along at their antics as the funny situations they get themselves in are just hilarious but a page or two later there is a tear in your eye as you feel the inevitable may be about to happen. Or will it?
Ciara Geraghty balanced everything perfectly throughout this story. There are innumerable light moments that go hand in hand with more serious conversations and explorations. Yet never at any stage did I feel that this was all doom and gloom given the subject matter. It showed that celebration, enjoyment and cheer can be found in the most difficult of times and along the way both Iris and Terry learn an awful lot about each other but also how they individually feel and what they can actually do to change the problems in their lives. If I were to stand back at look at the two women separately I think I really warmed to Terry more so than Iris and this is perhaps because the story was told from her viewpoint. Yes through Terry we got to know Iris but I would have loved a chapter or two told from Iris' perspective but overall it didn't affect my understanding and appreciation of the book.
Eugene although dealing with dementia offered rays of light and comedic moments and I know I shouldn't have laughed but I think that's why he was there as well as giving us a deeper understanding of his illness. Having her Dad with her allowed Terry to see a bit more of Iris's stance and maybe she become more appreciative and a deeper understanding developed. Although Iris certainly had one goal in mind and wouldn't move from it. Eugene's constant retelling of his Frank Sinatra story was brilliant and I loved where it went. Not to mention his shouting out the rules of the road at times when Terry was griping the wheel driving in a strange country when back in Ireland the same routes were continuously driven. Terry was really taken outside of her comfort zone and perhaps Iris was much wiser than her friend gave her credit for. It was like Terry was receiving a gift that she never knew she needed. The gift of independence and the ability to think outside the box and to venture where she has never before. A transformation slowly starts to occur for everyone but will the end result be the one they all desire?
Rules of the Road takes the reader and the group on an exhilarating journey and one which you won't forget for quite some time. Many issues relevant to us today are explored but in the most effective of ways. It could have become a very heavy read and challenging to get through but thanks to the excellent writing of Ciara Geraghty this story turned into a celebration of life and friendship. It's the perfect read for a book club as there is so much that emerges that needs to be discussed and explored with a clear message to take from it. We must embrace every moment as it comes and to make the most of our lives at every given opportunity. Don't let this very special read pass you by and if you have never tried anything by this author before than I urge to start with this book.
January 4, 2022
"Das Leben ist zu kurz für irgendwann" von Ciara Geraghty Übersetzung: Sibylle Schmidt
Was für ein wunderbares Buch!
Terry will eigentlich nur ihren Vater im Seniorenheim besuchen und anschließend zu ihrer Freundin Iris fahren, doch dann erfährt sie, dass es im Pflegeheim zu einem Schädlingsbefall gekommen ist und sie ihren demenzkranken Vater für ein paar Tage zu sich nehmen muss. Deshalb nimmt sie ihn kurzerhand mit, als sie die an Multiple Sklerose erkrankte Iris mit einem Kuchen zum Geburtstag überraschen will. Doch sie trifft ihre Freundin weder im Yoga-Zentrum, noch zu Hause an und merkwürdigerweise sind in ihrem Cottage auch alle Vorhänge zugezogen. Im Haus verdichten sich dann die Hinweise darauf, dass Iris auf dem Weg nach Zürich ist, um ihr Leben zu beenden.
Terry, die eigentlich alles andere als impulsiv ist, macht sich kurzentschlossen, mit ihrem Vater im Schlepptau, auf den Weg um Iris aufzuhalten. Doch diese ist alles andere als begeistert, als ihre Freundin plötzlich auf der Fähre auftaucht. Sie hat ihre Entscheidung getroffen und möchte, dass Terry das akzeptiert und sich nicht einmischt.
Aber die lässt sich nicht umstimmen und daran können auch ihr Mann und ihre beiden Töchter, die sich von der Ehefrau und Mutter im Stich gelassen fühlen, nichts ändern. Sie kann und will ihre Freundin nicht alleine fahren lassen und begleitet sie kurzerhand, mit ihrem demenzkranken Dad im Schlepptau. So begeben sich die Drei auf eine abenteuerliche Reise quer durch Europa, die jedoch ganz anders verläuft, als sie es für möglich gehalten hätten.
Als ich das wunderschöne Cover gesehen und den Klappentext gelesen hatte, stand für mich sofort fest, dass ich dieses Buch unbedingt lesen möchte! Dieses Thema sprach mich sofort an, denn ich habe selbst nicht nur einige Jahre in einem Demenzzentrum gearbeitet, sondern ehrenamtlich auch schon viele Sterbende auf ihrem letzten Weg begleitet.
Der Schreibstil machte es mir leicht, in die Geschichte einzutauchen, denn er ist angenehm leicht und sehr flüssig.
Wenn Ihr jedoch glaubt, dass es in dieser Story hauptsächlich um Iris geht, die auf dem Weg in die Schweiz ist, um ihrem Leiden ein Ende zu bereiten, dann täuscht Ihr Euch. Die Hauptperson ist Terry, die während der Reise beginnt, ihr Leben zu reflektieren, aufzuarbeiten und darüber nachzudenkt, wo ihr Platz im Leben eigentlich ist.
Wir verfolgen die Geschichte aus der Perspektive von Terry und ich konnte mich gut in ihre Gefühle und Empfindungen hineinversetzen.
Terry ist eine sehr fürsorgliche Mutter und Ehefrau und ihre Familie stand bisher immer an erster Stelle. Sie kümmerte sich mit großem Engagement darum, dass es allen gut geht. Eigentlich ist Terry alles andere als impulsiv, doch als ihre Freundin Iris ihr Leben beenden will, wächst sie plötzlich über sich hinaus. Sie reist ihr, in Begleitung ihres demenzkranken Vater Eugene, hinterher und versucht sie von ihrem Vorhaben abzubringen. Doch Terry muss begreifen, dass es selbstsüchtig von ihr ist, wenn sie den Wunsch von Iris, diesen Weg zu gehen, nicht toleriert.
Iris ist eine lebensfrohe, sehr starke Protagonistin. Sie hat in all den Jahren, in denen sie sich schon mit ihrer Erkrankung auseinandersetzen musste, nie gejammert und geklagt. Doch nun hat sie die Entscheidung getroffen, ihr Leben zu beenden bevor sie völlig zum Pflegefall wird. Sie zaudert nicht, sondern geht zielbewusst und entschlossen ihren Weg und erwartet von ihrer Freundin, dass sie dies akzeptiert.
Aber auch Terry's demenzkranker Vater spielt eine wichtige Rolle. Er war früher Taxifahrer, erzählt immer wieder die gleiche Geschichte und gibt auf der Autofahrt gerne seinen Kommentar zum Fahrstil seiner Tochter ab. Die Überschriften der einzelnen Kapitel schaffen eine Verbindung zu ihm, denn sie bestehen aus Verkehrsregeln, die an den Plot angepasst wurden.
Ciara Geraghty hat die Charaktere sehr glaubwürdig und lebendig beschrieben und auch die Nebenfiguren fügen sich perfekt in die Handlung ein, ohne mit zu vielen Details zu überfordern.
Wer glaubt, diese Geschichte ist kitschig, sentimental und schwermütig, der täuscht sich!
Demenz und Sterbehilfe sind keine leichten Themen, doch Ciara Geraghty hat es geschafft, einen sehr emotionalen Plot so in Worte zu fassen, dass er anstatt Angst vor dem Sterben, Lust auf das Leben macht.
Es fiel mir schwer, dass Buch zwischendurch zur Seite zu legen und so habe ich es innerhalb von zwei Tagen gelesen.
Ein tolles Buch, dass nicht nur von dem Verlust eines wichtigen Menschens erzählt, sondern auch von dem Start in ein neues Leben.
Irgendwo habe ich einmal gelesen, Zitat: "Es gibt nicht immer ein Happy End für jeden, aber man sollte sich nicht schuldig fühlen, wenn das Leben für einen selbst weitergeht." Ich finde, dieses Zitat passt hervorragend zu dieser Geschichte, die eine wunderschöne Hommage an eine Freundschaft ist, die über den Tod hinaus besteht.
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Ein Lesevergnügen auf höchstem Niveau, dass von mir verdiente 5 Sterne ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ und eine Leseempfehlung bekommt!
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Vielen Dank an Literaturtest und den Goldmann Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar!
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[Unbezahlte Werbung| Verlinkung]
#CiaraGeraghty #DasLebenistzukurzfürirgendwann #goldmannverlag #literaturtest #Rezensionsexemplar #bookstagram #buchwerbung #leseempfehlung
Was für ein wunderbares Buch!
Terry will eigentlich nur ihren Vater im Seniorenheim besuchen und anschließend zu ihrer Freundin Iris fahren, doch dann erfährt sie, dass es im Pflegeheim zu einem Schädlingsbefall gekommen ist und sie ihren demenzkranken Vater für ein paar Tage zu sich nehmen muss. Deshalb nimmt sie ihn kurzerhand mit, als sie die an Multiple Sklerose erkrankte Iris mit einem Kuchen zum Geburtstag überraschen will. Doch sie trifft ihre Freundin weder im Yoga-Zentrum, noch zu Hause an und merkwürdigerweise sind in ihrem Cottage auch alle Vorhänge zugezogen. Im Haus verdichten sich dann die Hinweise darauf, dass Iris auf dem Weg nach Zürich ist, um ihr Leben zu beenden.
Terry, die eigentlich alles andere als impulsiv ist, macht sich kurzentschlossen, mit ihrem Vater im Schlepptau, auf den Weg um Iris aufzuhalten. Doch diese ist alles andere als begeistert, als ihre Freundin plötzlich auf der Fähre auftaucht. Sie hat ihre Entscheidung getroffen und möchte, dass Terry das akzeptiert und sich nicht einmischt.
Aber die lässt sich nicht umstimmen und daran können auch ihr Mann und ihre beiden Töchter, die sich von der Ehefrau und Mutter im Stich gelassen fühlen, nichts ändern. Sie kann und will ihre Freundin nicht alleine fahren lassen und begleitet sie kurzerhand, mit ihrem demenzkranken Dad im Schlepptau. So begeben sich die Drei auf eine abenteuerliche Reise quer durch Europa, die jedoch ganz anders verläuft, als sie es für möglich gehalten hätten.
Als ich das wunderschöne Cover gesehen und den Klappentext gelesen hatte, stand für mich sofort fest, dass ich dieses Buch unbedingt lesen möchte! Dieses Thema sprach mich sofort an, denn ich habe selbst nicht nur einige Jahre in einem Demenzzentrum gearbeitet, sondern ehrenamtlich auch schon viele Sterbende auf ihrem letzten Weg begleitet.
Der Schreibstil machte es mir leicht, in die Geschichte einzutauchen, denn er ist angenehm leicht und sehr flüssig.
Wenn Ihr jedoch glaubt, dass es in dieser Story hauptsächlich um Iris geht, die auf dem Weg in die Schweiz ist, um ihrem Leiden ein Ende zu bereiten, dann täuscht Ihr Euch. Die Hauptperson ist Terry, die während der Reise beginnt, ihr Leben zu reflektieren, aufzuarbeiten und darüber nachzudenkt, wo ihr Platz im Leben eigentlich ist.
Wir verfolgen die Geschichte aus der Perspektive von Terry und ich konnte mich gut in ihre Gefühle und Empfindungen hineinversetzen.
Terry ist eine sehr fürsorgliche Mutter und Ehefrau und ihre Familie stand bisher immer an erster Stelle. Sie kümmerte sich mit großem Engagement darum, dass es allen gut geht. Eigentlich ist Terry alles andere als impulsiv, doch als ihre Freundin Iris ihr Leben beenden will, wächst sie plötzlich über sich hinaus. Sie reist ihr, in Begleitung ihres demenzkranken Vater Eugene, hinterher und versucht sie von ihrem Vorhaben abzubringen. Doch Terry muss begreifen, dass es selbstsüchtig von ihr ist, wenn sie den Wunsch von Iris, diesen Weg zu gehen, nicht toleriert.
Iris ist eine lebensfrohe, sehr starke Protagonistin. Sie hat in all den Jahren, in denen sie sich schon mit ihrer Erkrankung auseinandersetzen musste, nie gejammert und geklagt. Doch nun hat sie die Entscheidung getroffen, ihr Leben zu beenden bevor sie völlig zum Pflegefall wird. Sie zaudert nicht, sondern geht zielbewusst und entschlossen ihren Weg und erwartet von ihrer Freundin, dass sie dies akzeptiert.
Aber auch Terry's demenzkranker Vater spielt eine wichtige Rolle. Er war früher Taxifahrer, erzählt immer wieder die gleiche Geschichte und gibt auf der Autofahrt gerne seinen Kommentar zum Fahrstil seiner Tochter ab. Die Überschriften der einzelnen Kapitel schaffen eine Verbindung zu ihm, denn sie bestehen aus Verkehrsregeln, die an den Plot angepasst wurden.
Ciara Geraghty hat die Charaktere sehr glaubwürdig und lebendig beschrieben und auch die Nebenfiguren fügen sich perfekt in die Handlung ein, ohne mit zu vielen Details zu überfordern.
Wer glaubt, diese Geschichte ist kitschig, sentimental und schwermütig, der täuscht sich!
Demenz und Sterbehilfe sind keine leichten Themen, doch Ciara Geraghty hat es geschafft, einen sehr emotionalen Plot so in Worte zu fassen, dass er anstatt Angst vor dem Sterben, Lust auf das Leben macht.
Es fiel mir schwer, dass Buch zwischendurch zur Seite zu legen und so habe ich es innerhalb von zwei Tagen gelesen.
Ein tolles Buch, dass nicht nur von dem Verlust eines wichtigen Menschens erzählt, sondern auch von dem Start in ein neues Leben.
Irgendwo habe ich einmal gelesen, Zitat: "Es gibt nicht immer ein Happy End für jeden, aber man sollte sich nicht schuldig fühlen, wenn das Leben für einen selbst weitergeht." Ich finde, dieses Zitat passt hervorragend zu dieser Geschichte, die eine wunderschöne Hommage an eine Freundschaft ist, die über den Tod hinaus besteht.
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Ein Lesevergnügen auf höchstem Niveau, dass von mir verdiente 5 Sterne ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ und eine Leseempfehlung bekommt!
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Vielen Dank an Literaturtest und den Goldmann Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar!
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August 15, 2023
Táto kniha mala byť o konci, ale opak je pravdou. Väčšmi je o začiatku. A o tom ako nikdy nie je neskoro.
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