美しい距離

by Nao-Cola Yamazaki, 山崎 ナオコーラ

死へと向かっていく妻に照射される夫のまなざし

40歳代の妻は癌に冒され死へと向かって歩む。生命保険会社勤務の夫は愛する妻へと柔らかい視線を投げかける。人生考察の清々しさ。

Genres: Fiction, Japan, Asia, Love, Family

168 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2016

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far najciekawszy tajfun z 2026!!!
Mocno przekalibrował moje myślenie o chorobach w śmiertelnym stadium

[lee_readsbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I really wanted to connect with this novella, and while the story itself is quietly heartbreaking, it felt too emotionally distant for me. The writing is very restrained, which made it hard to fully feel the weight of what the characters were going through. I can see what the author was trying to do, but it left me more detached than moved. A sad story, just not one that stayed with me the way I’d hoped.

[Mitsy_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under 200 pages, it's a quick read but lingering ® about a man taking care of his wife with terminal cancer. Really sad but it's beautiful and tender. It made me cry (that seems happening a lot this week with reading...) Talks about how Japanese care system works, but the themes are universal, so I highly recommend this. If you like Banana Yoshimoto, you will love this one.

5/5 🌟

[Emily Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one day. Such an easy read, yet so tender and profound.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly beautiful look at what it means to love someone in the final days of their life, how to confer dignity on people in the last stages of their life, how to care but also how to give space for all of the facets of their being, not just for the ways in which you want to remember them. To remember to see the person before they were ravaged by illness, to treat them as fully aware and adult. Quietly political, and human to its core. I recommend it to everybody.

A gorgeous, human book that really resonated with me. I cried about three times, in a tender, happy way not because I was devastated- mostly from the depeiction of those small moments of care that are actually massive. I loved this, and I hope that a lot of people read it, though I accept that reading about end of life care is not for everybody.

'Why was I so determined to make the doctor understand that we have hope? That we are still looking ahead, and trying our best to believe in the future? I have this urge to show the doctors, and my colleagues too, that neither my wife nor her family have given up. I know her future will disappear soon. But we're not waiting for that moment. There must be a way to spend this time happily without thinking about what's coming and I'm trying to find it. How can I express all this to the doctor? Is it unreasonable of me to expect her to understand how I feel?'

'We have 'condolence leave', but what's the point of having time off once someone is dead? Maybe I'm asking too much, but I can't help wishing that my colleagues would understand why I'm taking time off without needing to tell them how long she has left. My wife is still facing forward towards life.'

'I suppose I can't be certain what my wife's really thinking, and it would be arrogant of me to take my guesses and pass them on to her mother as fact....In any case I don't want things to get too focused on the moment of death. That's not the part that matters the most. I want to shout this at the doctor's, at everyone. I'm not coming here for the moment she dies. I'm coming here for this moment, right now.'

'They want to know how long a stranger has left. But we're all moving towards death. it starts seeping into babies' celss right from the moment they are born. No-one - ill or otherwise - knows how long they have. It's like that story about the god of death who gives us each a candle. The candles are all different lengths, gradually burning out, and there's no way of knowing how long each one is. None of us has an etenrity, only our allotted time. Most people here don't see it this way though. We're all born equal, they think, and so we start out with the right to live to the average age. But certain people lose that right, they imagine, because of choices they make.'

'These days, most people are born and die inside a hosptial. This is often seen as a bad thing, and until recently, I belieed that the best trajectory was a natural birth surrounded by family in a maternity clinic or at home, followed by a long life, a period of decline, and then a natural death in your own bed also surrounded by family. Somewhere along the line though, while I've been spending more time with my wife like this, I've started to think that I don't need to buy into this kind of ideal. Do life and death only belong to the family? The world has changed and nowadays people are supported by so many others.'

'Shall I wash your hair? I aks.
Yes please,' she says.
I put some specialist nursing shampoo on a towel and lightly rub it on her head, without using any water. I don't want to make her do anything that could use up her energy so I avoid asking her to move. I concentrate on rubbing her scalp without focusing too much on getting everything clean, and as I do, I can feel happiness bubbling up right from the bottom of my chest. It's possible that it feels painful or embarrassing for my wife, but this moment right now is a joyous one for me. If only these days could go on forever. If only I could spend an eternity here in this hospital, looking after her.'

'In the four days since she died, my wife has already started ti turn into this kind of entity. The space between us is rapidly growing. Only a little while ago I'd been cutting her nails and cleaning her ears, and now she is a spirit. Far, far away from me. Sometimes I hear people say things like , 'It's okay if someone's far away, as long as you hold them close in your heart.' I wonder why its so important for them to feel close to us though. perhaps it's an assumption that closeness is the best state between people and that disatnce is always something sad. Right now, I hate that she is far away, but there will come a day when I don't. That's my hunch anyway. When I think this way, I can see a sliver of light.'

'Fleeting or deep, near or far, all kinds of relationships shine brightly. It's okay if we're far apart, as long as we're connected. This movement, taking us further and further awat from each other, leaves a trail of light behind.'

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Distance by Nao-Cola Yamazaki is a quiet yet profoundly moving book that surprised me with just how deeply it affected me. A sensitive, beautifully written, and honest exploration of one of the hardest aspects of life, it evokes with great acuity the interconnectedness of sorrow and joy.

For such a short novella, so much is explored: caring for a terminally ill loved one, how we think about death, the meaning of close connections, and unconditional love, as well as societal pressures and expectations.

The story follows a couple after the wife's terminal cancer diagnosis. It's told from the husband’s perspective, and feels so authentic it’s as if you’re reading a real memoir. Instead of falling into the melodramatic, the narrative focuses on the "distance" in the title, the idea of a respectful, vital space that lets two people remain themselves, maintaining their dignity and individuality, even as they approach the end of a life.

Yamazaki’s prose, superbly translated by Charlotte Goff, is understated and restrained, perfectly capturing the weight of everything left unsaid and the profound beauty in the quotidian. Domestic details anchor the story, elevating ordinary moments into something sacred. It provides an emotive look at how the simplest acts become radical acts of devotion when time is finite.

The story also reflects a Japanese appreciation for the transience of things, the philosophy of ‘mono no aware’, which sees beauty in things not in spite of their passing, but because they pass; being aware that moments are fleeting renders them even more poignant, even more precious.

Throughout the book, I was moved by the husband's inner conflicts, how he grapples with the etiquette of caretaking, constantly balancing his own presence between being supportive and overbearing. There’s also the added pressure of Japanese corporate culture, the tension between the dedication expected of employees and the need for compassion in times of personal tragedy.

Subtle, intimate, and perceptive, Beautiful Distance offers a tender, dignifying look at the end of a life. Though devastating, it is a beautiful read, and one I'd wholeheartedly recommend.

[Bookworm Denz · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ARC REVIEW 📖]

Beautiful Distance
Foreword : Katie Kitamura
Author : Nao-Cola Yamazaki
Translator : Charlotte Goff

This story is narrated by a middle-aged man who was having a hard time w/ his job at the sales division of a life insurance company. Five years in, he starts to think about quitting, when a new manager comes in to work, gave him level-headed advice, & changed his perspective of work, happiness & fulfillment.

One Sunday he coincidentally bumped into his manager & his family outside of a restaurant & from that day on, things moved forward --- he & his manager's daughter exchanged contact details, went on dates, & got married the following year. They were never blessed w/ children, but were happily together for 15 years.

When his wife reached her early forties, she was struck with a terminal illness (peritoneal cancer) & had to spend her time being confined in the hospital for chemotherapy. The narrator continues to visit his wife & care for her, supporting her w/ her routine & habits, while trying to find a way to live happily without looking to the future. Unfortunately she did not last long due to phlegm build-up.

This was a poignant & heartwrenching read. I can feel all the emotions overflowing from the narrator, his dying wife, & his wife's family. I love how the narrator deeply cares for his wife. He knows how to respect & have consideration for hospital staff & nurses who care for her, thinking not only of monopolizing her, knowing when to step aside & trust the community around them. His coping approach & way of thinking is so relatable & real, that I could not help but shed tears. I was still happy though that he firmly said that it is okay even if they are apart or distanced as long as they're connected. I bawled so much. 😭

Thank you Netgalley, Zando, & of course the author for the opportunity to read! 🥹🫶

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

P.S.
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[Rem Tolentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploring hope, grief, and the inner emotional turmoil of caring for a loved one with a terminal disease, Beautiful Distance by Nao-Cola Yamazaki is a deeply intimate reflection that offers a unique perspective on grief and love.

Understated in its message, Yamazaki refrains from the overt aphorisms, platitudes, and life lessons that often characterize this genre. Instead, through the daily, meditative actions of the salaryman husband, we see what it means to navigate a loved one’s terminal diagnosis and how to treat others with dignity and humanity. There are no grand declarations of love or lengthy passages on perseverance; instead, simple acts - washing faces, applying skincare, helping someone to the bathroom - become the vehicle for expressing the husband’s love.

The novel also excels in illustrating the impact one person can have on others’ lives. The wife’s passion for sandwich-making brings together a community that loves, supports, and ultimately gives back to her in recognition of the joy she brought them.

Yamazaki’s prose is meditative. We are drawn into the husband’s mind, where every interaction (with his wife, friends, family, and hospital staff) is carefully examined and internalized. Am I intruding in my wife’s care? Should I have kissed her? Is it their fault? Am I jealous? These fragments of internal dialogue feel lived-in and authentic. The deliberate absence of most character names further invites reader self-insertion, prompting reflection: could this be me or someone I love, and would I respond the same way?

The novel truly ascends in its final 25 pages, as Yamazaki’s prose shifts from the mundane and meditative to the poetic and abstract. She captures the husband’s sense of separation from his wife as a “beautiful distance,” where she takes on an almost celestial presence. In doing so, the novel suggests that people are never truly far apart so long as they remain connected.

Thank you Zando and SJP Lit providing this advanced review copy for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[swatreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful Distance is a quiet but deeply moving novel that stays with you because of how honest it feels. The story follows a husband on his way to visit his terminally ill wife in the hospital, and through that simple journey, the novel slowly unfolds memories of their life together-their marriage, everyday routines, moments of closeness, and even the small unspoken things that shape a relationship over time.

The book finds emotion in ordinary moments. The way the husband reflects on their shared life makes the love story feel real, not perfect or idealized, but lived-in, complicated, and deeply human. There’s also sadness, regret, and the painful awareness that time is running out which makes it a little hard to read.

I especially liked how gently the story handles difficult themes like illness and death. It quietly draws you into the character’s thoughts and makes you feel the weight of what he is about to lose. That quietness is what makes it powerful.

Overall, it’s a thoughtful and emotional read about love, memory, and grief. About how the smallest moments in a relationship often become the ones that matter most in the end. It’s the kind of book that leaves a soft ache after you finish and makes you ponder about life and how temporary everything is.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Very well written but rating it a 3 because I don’t like reading sad stories about illness and grief.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel appears to have been inspired by Love Story by Erich Segal. However, it is not as saccharine as that tale as it deals with the terminal illness and impending death of a beloved wife.

The story’s focus is on the forty something couple who have been happily married for 15 years and are childless. Both have successful careers, the husband as an insurance agent, and the wife as the owner of a small business. They are now faced with dealing with the devastating diagnosis of the wife’s cancer, and that they will not grow old together as they expected.

Told from the husband’s perspective, the story walks the reader through the process of dealing with a beloved wife dying from cancer as the husband seeks to balance work in a country (Japan) where a husband taking time off from work to care for his ill wife is novel, against his duties as a caretaker.

This is not a maudlin novel. It is also not for the faint of heart as it deals with end of life care and death, and their impact on the living. However, it is refreshing to read a novel that does not sugarcoat the financial and emotional impact of those situations, and the obstacles and impediments facing anyone who is dealing with them, as well as the aftermath once the person passes.

It rates 4.5 stars.

[W.A. Haque · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of the most unique books I have ever read, it explores terminal illnesses in such a majorly different way, its take on grief is so refreshing! The small interactions in this book are heartwarming, the narrator's occasional thoughts and observations feel relatable, and the subtle philosophy yamazaki sprinkled in this book made me change the way I see diseases like cancer. To be honest, I asked myself what is life? while reading this and found the answer to it in the collective message this book conveys. This book also deals with the stereotypes relating to patients with terminal illness. The book is made up of small moments which show positivity wholsomeness and living in the moment. I loved the use of flowers as progression of time.

That being said my feedback would be that the minimalist prose works well technically but fails to convey the raw emotions and a little more work could be done on the relationship between the characters, as I did not miss the characters afterr reading the book. Another critique would be that some scenes are mentioned more than one time and can feel repititive.
Overall loved the book!

[Valeri Galathynius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not every book changes you, but this one
definitely made me stop and think.

Beautiful Distance by Nao-Cola Yamazaki presents a quiet and emotional story about love, loss, and family, as a man reflects on his life with his terminally ill wife and the quiet ways people show love.

With a calm and introspective pace, we become observers of this moment, understanding how often we prioritize other people's expectations over listening to our inner selves, wondering if we are enough for everyone, if they will think differently of us, or if we might lose their trust.

It also reflects on how our perspective shapes the way we face difficult situations and the decisions we make. Not decisions that are simply good or bad, but steps in a long journey, sometimes beside the people we love most, and sometimes facing solitude on our own.

It was beautiful, and even though the writing didn't completely connect with me at times, I just wanted to thank this short but meaningful book for the perspective it offers and for the thoughts it left behind.

Also, thanks to NetGalley for this advance reader copy, I would truly recommend this book.

✨✨✨✨ (4/5)

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued at this book when I read the blurb and I knew that I needed to read it and find out what it was all about.

The narrative follows a young Japanese couple navigating the wife’s terminal illness, and Yamazaki portrays their experience with remarkable tenderness. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the story focuses on the intimate, everyday moments that shape their lives - the conversations, silences, routines, and small observations that carry so much emotional weight. Its beautifully written and tenderly shares the intimacy of the young couples lives and a few people close to them.

Being from the UK, I am not familiar with healthcare in Japan so it was also interesting to learn the societal norms surrounding work/employment and terminal illness.

I won't lie, I did have a few tears at the end of the book because of the quiet, honest way the author depicted love, loss, and acceptance.

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful translation.

[Reads with Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“No one - ill or otherwise - knows how long they have. It’s like that story about the god of death, who gives us each a candle. The candles are all different lengths, gradually burning out, and there’s no way of knowing how long each one is. None of us has eternity - only our allotted time.”

✦ TLDR ✦
This book was very emotional to read. It explores some tough topics such as dealing with loss, grief and love. I loved that it showed someone caring for a loved one who is facing their inevitable death, but also the difficulties around that.

✦ Writing ✦
The writing was beautiful, it was like poetry made into a novel. I felt everything the character was feeling and it made me quite emotional. The book was a bunch of small interactions that were heartwarming, and the observations, thoughts and emotions were very relatable. The author touches on stereotypes surrounding patients with terminal illnesses, and shows some grim facts in a more positive and wholesome light.

✦ Pacing ✦
The book is slow but short, which fits with the plot very well. The point isn’t to be this long and drawn out story, it is to make the readers face reality and think. The way Nao-Cola uses the flowers as an indication of time passing was such a lovely touch as well.

✦ Characters ✦
This book is about the characters, primarily the man and his wife. Both characters are slowly built up. We see independence stripped away and want to care for a loved one smothered by the want to not be overbearing. Every little bit we learn about the characters just makes the book have a lingering sadness.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the crew at Zando for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lilou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC, but more than anything, thank you to Nao-Cola Yamazaki for writing something so quietly powerful.

This book is heartbreakingly sad, yet incredibly beautiful. In just 170 pages, I felt completely moved and deeply connected to characters whose names we never even learn. Instead, the narrator describes people through the feelings they evoke in him and in his wife, which made the story feel even more intimate and personal.

Watching him care for his dying wife over such a short space of time was both devastating and tender. The way he reflects on their love and the life they’ve shared is written with such softness and honesty, it will stay with me for a very long time.

I have so many moments highlighted that I’m desperate to share, but the very first pages ask readers not to quote before publication, so I’ll be patiently waiting… because there are lines in here that deserve to be talked about.

[SHANE ⋆.ೃ࿔* ⛓️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Nao-Cola Yamazaki and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy of "Beautiful Distance."


˗ "𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡." ˎˊ˗



Oh what a beautiful story this was. As much as I knew how it was going to end, thematically, I still bawled my eyes out. This whole thing really encapsulates what grief feels like, watching a loved one die. Our main character has so many thoughts about the way people asked how his wife was doing and her condition that felt so real, and so relatable. Watching her slowly get worse and worse, and both her, her husband, and her mother remain even remotely positive really grabs at the heartstrings.

I remember when my mom died, I got tired of answering the questions, and all it did was add salt to the wound, to re-open it all. And man, this story, though told in a simplistic manner, definitely had quite the impact.

Beautiful, just really beautiful.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was more sad than I was expecting. Not necessarily a sad thing as most stories usually have a happy ending, so it was nice to have a different impact from a book.

The story focuses on a man who is taking care of his wife who is diagnosed with terminal illness. He is so sweet and takes care of her the best he can. He always has her best interest in mind and does what he feels will make her feel the best. Him learning how to braid her hair and taking care of the small things for her was so heartfelt. It made me thing about my own life and if my own partner would do the same for me.

The ending was not a happy one and almost felt like it ended abruptly after things occurred. I suppose there wasn't much else left to the story, so it did make sense. Thank you to Netgally for an ARC of this book!

[Cheer is Currently Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL DISTANCE
RATING: 4
GENRE: Translated fiction

Beautiful Distance examines a a couple’s story as they navigate through terminal illness during the peak of their marriage. Told through the lens of the husband, he struggles with the challenges of the future and also being supportive of his dying wife.

The story, while relatively short, discusses what is it is like to be a caregiver to a sick spouse while attempting to maintain a separate life that is not consumed by grief. The narrator and his wife are in their late 40s and so the diagnosis has taken them by surprise. Beautiful Distance is a poignant look at what is important in life and what matters in the face of death.

Thank you to Netgalley and Zando for an advanced reader’s copy of Beautiful Distance. Nao-Cola Yamazaki’s writing is touching and reflective. I look forward to the English release on 9/29/26.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved how quiet and introverted this book feels. It follows a husband taking care of his terminally ill wife after she is diagnosed with cancer. From the moment they first met briefly, to her diagnosis, the treatments, and the pain she endured until her passing—it captures the entire journey.
The dialogues felt very realistic and relatable, and I found myself nodding along to almost every word.
However, I didn’t really like the husband’s hesitation and uncertainty in his actions toward his wife. I also wish we could have seen more from the wife’s point of view. I felt deeply sorry for her, because she deserved much more affection before her last breath.

[I Believe In Faeries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful for having the opportunity to read this lovely novel today.

With a mother that is currently terminally ill, it was refreshing to read something so beautifully honest on the subject. As is expressed throughout the novel, so many people sone know how to respond to death and illness.

The book captures simple yet meaningful moments in time one husband experiences throughout his time caring for his wife. The characters and relationships within the book were extremely realistic and honest, it almost reads as journal of a true story rathe than a book.

Trigger Warnings: Cancer, death, terminal illness, hospitals.

Thank you to Nao-Cola Yamazaki, Zando, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy.

[Kyara :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️ - arc review from Netgalley!

Beautiful Distance is such a beautifully written and emotional read.

The writing style really stood out to me, it felt simple but in a way that made everything hit even harder. The story is raw and heartbreaking, but also incredibly meaningful.

I especially appreciated how grief was portrayed. It felt honest and real, without being overly dramatic, which made it even more impactful.

This isn’t necessarily an easy read, but it’s definitely a powerful one. It’s the kind of story that stays with you and makes you reflect on love, loss, and the small moments that matter.

[Katie Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Distance explores grief in a tender and caring way. In the small, intimate moments between friends and family members as a loved one battles a terminal disease. And while it’s a thoughtful exploration on the important moments in life, there is still a deep sadness underpinning the entire story.

There’s beauty in the simplicity of this short story. And while it’s set in Japan, where culturally they aren’t as demonstrative in their emotions as in North America, I think this story still lands with just as much heart here.

Thanks to Nao-Cola Yamazaki, Zando, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Korynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was well written, but it was also very sad and I don’t particularly enjoy reading sad stories. If you like stories about grief though, you will probably enjoy this.

The whole story was about a man caring for his terminally ill wife in the hospital. He recounts some of their memories together, he washes her face, he speaks with others who knew her, and he thinks about his future without her. It’s a slow and solemn portrait of grief.

I liked the writing style and I liked the characters, and I would like to read other books from this author, but I know I won’t be returning to this one because raw grief and pain is hard for me to read about.

[Liselotte Howard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Resan till Tokyo är bokad. Intentionen att försöka läsa mer japanskt också.
Men alltså.. de är konstiga? (fast fler än svenskar, så jag antar att det är oss det är fel på…?)
Det blir liksom alltid lite skevt och udda, i både hjärna och hjärta, när jag försöker mig på landets litteratur.
Det här? Typ en personlig blogg om en fru som sakta dör i cancer. Jättekänslosamt såklart. Men inte som roman.
Och förlåt min konstiga svenskhet, men att pilla vax hur ens makas öra är faktiskt inget jag tycker är superromantiskt…
(Och varför är alla japanska böcker så besatta av mat?? Jag ska äta sushi på plats, det räcker så.)

[Akriti Verma · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a lingering sadness throughout Beautiful Distance, though not overwhelming, but just a reality we have to face. I found myself sitting with this sadness every few pages.

At its core, this is a story about unconditional love, shown via attentiveness, and tenderness. As the wife’s illness unfolds, it isn’t just the grief of what’s to come, but the husband’s desire to be present for every moment they still have. He doesn’t chase grand gestures; instead, he leans into the small, everyday acts.

Learning her skincare routine so he can care for her. Doing her hair. Finding ways to balance work with hospital visits. Even thinking about something as specific and intimate as where the flowers for her funeral should come from. These details make the story so affecting it reminds us how love lives in these invisible moments.

It’s a sad book, but is also heartwarming and beneath the inevitability of loss is a love that never wavers.

This story is a reminder that even during the worst of times, it’s the little things that hold the most meaning.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative takes us through the painful and yet strangely rewarding experience of a young couple in Tokyo, Japan. The wife has received a terrible diagnosis and the husband is there. Just there. Beautifully written and filled with references to Japanese culture and lifestyle, this book took me by surprise and taught me a lot about compassion and nostalgia. I absolutely loved it.

[Zeng Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley

This book shows intimacy beyond the norm. It shows a husband and wife's love in its other forms - giving care without question, paying keen attention to details, and ultimately, respect.

Beyond the death and grief depicted in the scenes, there was growth and insights into what marriage should be - a union of equal souls, living and celebrating milestones together but still retaining their personalities and preferences.

[Alexandra Yeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book from the perspective of a husband losing his wife to cancer was so moving and beautifully written. It was fascinating to hear the thoughts within this mind and the various points of her care and her deterioration. His reflection at the end after her death, and after time has passed, was beautiful.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book, very moving. Should be sold along with a box of Kleenex.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

so beautiful / tender / heartbreaking / sad