Time to Go

by Guy Kennaway

In 2017 Susie Kennaway asked her son Guy to kill her.88 years old, with an older and infirm husband, Susie wanted to avoid sliding into infantilised catatonia. The son immediately started taking notes and Time to Go is the result.In turns a manual for those considering the benefits of assisted dying, a portrait of a mother son relationship, and a sympathetic description of old age, this book is a route map through the moral, legal, emotional, intellectual and practical maze that is the biggest issue facing the senior generations leaving life on their own terms.During their conversations about when and how to make Susie's final exit, some of the difficulties of their fractious relationship mellowed and some even melted, as the reality of what they were planning brought them together. Many elderly people, like Susie, have clearly stated that they wish to die in a manner and time of their choosing. But the church, the law, the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry stand in the way, wagging their fingers. A change is coming for the rights of the elderly, the way it has come for the rights of women and gay people. Time to Go is a rallying call in this fight.Life is too precious not to be lived properly. As with a job, a relationship or a party, you have to know when it's time to go.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Death

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2019

Reviews

[Flapper72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been known to talk about death quite a lot. Not sure that I'm obsessed by it just that I find it sad that, as a society, we don't talk about death until it happens to someone we love or we are affected in some way. I think we need to take back control of death and dying. Talk about it, be honest about it, what we would (and very importantly, wouldn't) want and then we can have some control in this very important part of our life. I am a supporter of complete control over our own bodies and, to that end, I support assisted dying. I read this book as I thought it was about that. It is but it's more than that. Guy's Mum, Susie, is an amazing independent gregarious woman. She's in her 80s, lives with her second husband Stanley, but has decided that she doesn't want to wither away and loose her independence. When she feels that her life isn't worth living, when she reaches her read line, she wants to end her life. She had thought that Stanley and her would do this together but then decides it's just her. There are no legal ways of doing this so she googles, and starts stock piling drugs. This is a very personal story. Death that is the 'elephant in the room' but a very determined lady who knows what is right for her. She always has; why wouldn't she know what's right for her around her own death too? It's personal, sometimes uncomfortable, but please read it. The final chapter is written by Susie after Guy gives her his book to prof read!

[Mervyn Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, poignant and very personal account of ageing, assisted suicide and the whole life-and-death thing. I found very little to disagree with. Why should the rest of us be beholden to the consciences of others? If people are against assisted dying on religious and/or moral grounds, don't do it. But don't prevent those who are in favour from doing it. A great read. Just one note of criticism for Kennaway: stay away from the foie gras!

[valerie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Wonderfully funny about a very difficult subject. I laughed out loud many times and felt very sad at others. Definitely one to read again .

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking, funny yet heart warming read

It took me a couple of chapters to get in to this book but you almost feel like a friend of the family by the end. Though I am sure Susie would be indignant at such a presumptuous thought as my last sentence:-)

This should be compulsory reading for all MPs who oppose the Assisted Dying bill.

[M.K. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this book up on a recommendation, and glad I did. Having warned my own children that once I become incapable of doing certain 'personal' tasks, they have to make sure I'm dispatched quickly, it was interesting to see how Guy responded to his mother, Susie's, request. I was pleased it brought them closer together, and did have a couple of laugh out loud moments.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm being unfair with the stars - have another three quarters. It's a good book and the subject is good but there is something about the humour that doesn't sit well with me. I thought for a while the author might have written 'Death, Destruction and a Packet of Peanuts' which I read last year, as the tone has similarities, but that turns out to be Chris Pascoe.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant treatment of very old age and how to hold onto a dignified death. This is a very funny book that never puts a foot wrong with the humour, whilst dealing with the main subject with passion, compassion and intelligence.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly upbeat given the content is assisted dying. An interesting take on the debate as this doesn't involve terminal illness, but rather those who want to go out on their own terms. Guy's mother is a real firecracker.

[Christopher Mahussier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky, darkly hilarious.

[Francesca Pashby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and moving and asking the impossible question - when is the right time to die?

[Paul Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

An important subject but a rather superficial treatment.

[Sally Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me laugh.

[Ian Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing and also thought-provoking, but rather odd.

[Cal]

wasnt as useful as i thought it would be but i did enjoy the perspective it offers

[Richard N · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult and important topic. While this isn’t an easy book to describe, it is an easy, pleasurable and very funny read. Guy Kennaway's jocular, witty and at times flippant attitude to his family (especially his mother), and life & death, is highly poignant, providing a unique and amusing perspective on this complex and difficult topic. When is the right time to die? All family dynamics seem unique and every family grapples with death and grief. Reading Guy’s account will not only make you snigger and laugh it will also make you feel better too, and help you process any lingering doubts you might have!