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Lily Harford's Last Request
Lily Harford is nearing the end of her once joyful life - and for her, it can't come soon enough. Who will have the courage, kindness and love to grant her last request? A compassionate and heart-felt story for readers of Jodi Picoult, Tricia Stringer and Fiona Lowe.
Knowing she is sliding into dementia, Lily Harford is ready to give up her life ... but can she persuade someone to commit the illegal act of taking it from her?
Lily has lived a joyful, independent life in a seaside town in Queensland, running her own business and raising a daughter as a single mother at a time when few women did so. Now health and circumstance have pushed her into a nursing home, and her memory is failing, although events of the past remain fresh. Like pulling back the layers of a Russian doll, Lily recalls the former selves - mother, professional woman, lover, daughter - who still exist inside her.
Lily's daughter, Pauline, has been pushed to her limits by her demanding job, as well as the needs of her mother, husband, daughter and grandchildren. And now her mother is begging to die. Nurse aide Donna, still recovering from a dysfunctional childhood and the demise of her marriage, finds comfort in Lily's kindness and down to earth wisdom. As Lily fades, she asks Donna, too, to help her end her life.
A thought-provoking, vivid and moving exploration of how we value a life well lived, and the decisions we make when that life is coming to an end.
Knowing she is sliding into dementia, Lily Harford is ready to give up her life ... but can she persuade someone to commit the illegal act of taking it from her?
Lily has lived a joyful, independent life in a seaside town in Queensland, running her own business and raising a daughter as a single mother at a time when few women did so. Now health and circumstance have pushed her into a nursing home, and her memory is failing, although events of the past remain fresh. Like pulling back the layers of a Russian doll, Lily recalls the former selves - mother, professional woman, lover, daughter - who still exist inside her.
Lily's daughter, Pauline, has been pushed to her limits by her demanding job, as well as the needs of her mother, husband, daughter and grandchildren. And now her mother is begging to die. Nurse aide Donna, still recovering from a dysfunctional childhood and the demise of her marriage, finds comfort in Lily's kindness and down to earth wisdom. As Lily fades, she asks Donna, too, to help her end her life.
A thought-provoking, vivid and moving exploration of how we value a life well lived, and the decisions we make when that life is coming to an end.
- GenresContemporary
256 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2022
14 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 7, 2022
EXCERPT: 'You won't need it.'
'Oh.'
So that's that then, is it? Each piece, large and small. Pass, fail,this is worthy of transporting, that doesn't make the grade, space for this, no requirement for that. My coveted Wedgwood serving platter, twin silver candlesticks (a wedding gift from Pa and Ma that they couldn't afford), my mother's pale blue napkin rings, two handtowels embroidered with cream ribbon, red high-heeled shoes now too narrow to accommodate the bunions on my feet, silk scarves in colours of the sea, boxes of cut crystal wine glasses, the Victorian oak dining table that has eavesdropped on many a family conversation. My life is being offered up, judged, valued and dispensed.
I tighten my jaw like it's the weir stopping a brewing fury from escaping. I sit, as straight backed as I can, willing my emotions to follow suit as the animated discussion and pointing and measuring and nodding and stickering happens around me. I'm expecting a rage to rip me apart any minute. I try to tell myself the move will be for the best, that they have my interests at heart. But all I want to do is bellow: 'Put everything back and get out of my house! I've changed my bloody mind - you can take the 'FOR SALE' sign down and stick it where the sun don't shine!'
ABOUT 'LILY HARFORD'S LAST REQUEST': Knowing she is sliding into dementia, Lily Harford is ready to give up her life ... but can she persuade someone to commit the illegal act of taking it from her?
Lily has lived a joyful, independent life in a seaside town in Queensland, running her own business and raising a daughter as a single mother at a time when few women did so. Now health and circumstance have pushed her into a nursing home, and her memory is failing, although events of the past remain fresh. Like pulling back the layers of a Russian doll, Lily recalls the former selves - mother, professional woman, lover, daughter - who still exist inside her.
Lily's daughter, Pauline, has been pushed to her limits by her demanding job, as well as the needs of her mother, husband, daughter and grandchildren. And now her mother is begging to die. Nurse aide Donna, still recovering from a dysfunctional childhood and the demise of her marriage, finds comfort in Lily's kindness and down to earth wisdom. As Lily fades, she asks Donna, too, to help her end her life.
MY THOUGHTS: I wanted to love Lily Harford's Last Request but, while I mostly liked it, I didn't love it. I found the characters hard to empathize with, hard to relate to, even Lily, whom I had expected to adore. The only character who I thought was really well portrayed was Donna, the very caring Nursing Assistant in the care home. I liked the way we saw into both her personal and professional lives and are made aware of how often her very important role is belittled and disrespected by others.
Pauline, Lily's HeadTeacher daughter, overpowered Lily's story which I thought was a shame. Although I could understand the author's intent in demonstrating the effects Lily's declining health has on her, she didn't come across well. I thought she was controlling and manipulative.
Told from the viewpoints of Lily, Pauline and Donna, the story lost impetus with the inclusion of flashbacks to the characters earlier lives. There needs to be a point to flashbacks - the revelation of an important piece of information, or something relevant to the formation of the person's character - but mostly these were just fillers and made the story feel disjointed.
I would have enjoyed Lily Harford's Last Request more had it focused more on Lily and less on Pauline. The 'surprise' revelation at the end would have been better built up to, rather than just dumped in there. I think the conversations between Lily and 'Frank' would have made for interesting reading - a lot more interesting than Pauline's constant introspection.
If you are looking for an uplifting read, this isn't it. But if you are interested in or concerned about the concept of assisted dying, there is definitely food for thought here.
Lily Harford's Last Request is a debut novel, and I applaud the author in her intent, but would like to encourage her not to overcomplicate the plot. Keep it simple and let it flow.
PS: I don't see why Lily couldn't have taken her beautiful silk scarves with her!
⭐⭐⭐
#LilyHarfordsLastRequest #NetGalley
I: @joannabuckleyauthor @harlequinaus
T: @HarlequinAUS
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #deathanddying #familydrama #mentalhealth #sliceoflife
THE AUTHOR: Joanna Buckley is an author based in Melbourne. She has a background in creating short stories, poetry, social media content and educational materials, and has also worked as a copywriter and editor. Joanna is a mother of three and a part-time careers counsellor.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ, for providing a digital ARC of Lily Harford's Last Request by Joanna Buckley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'Oh.'
So that's that then, is it? Each piece, large and small. Pass, fail,this is worthy of transporting, that doesn't make the grade, space for this, no requirement for that. My coveted Wedgwood serving platter, twin silver candlesticks (a wedding gift from Pa and Ma that they couldn't afford), my mother's pale blue napkin rings, two handtowels embroidered with cream ribbon, red high-heeled shoes now too narrow to accommodate the bunions on my feet, silk scarves in colours of the sea, boxes of cut crystal wine glasses, the Victorian oak dining table that has eavesdropped on many a family conversation. My life is being offered up, judged, valued and dispensed.
I tighten my jaw like it's the weir stopping a brewing fury from escaping. I sit, as straight backed as I can, willing my emotions to follow suit as the animated discussion and pointing and measuring and nodding and stickering happens around me. I'm expecting a rage to rip me apart any minute. I try to tell myself the move will be for the best, that they have my interests at heart. But all I want to do is bellow: 'Put everything back and get out of my house! I've changed my bloody mind - you can take the 'FOR SALE' sign down and stick it where the sun don't shine!'
ABOUT 'LILY HARFORD'S LAST REQUEST': Knowing she is sliding into dementia, Lily Harford is ready to give up her life ... but can she persuade someone to commit the illegal act of taking it from her?
Lily has lived a joyful, independent life in a seaside town in Queensland, running her own business and raising a daughter as a single mother at a time when few women did so. Now health and circumstance have pushed her into a nursing home, and her memory is failing, although events of the past remain fresh. Like pulling back the layers of a Russian doll, Lily recalls the former selves - mother, professional woman, lover, daughter - who still exist inside her.
Lily's daughter, Pauline, has been pushed to her limits by her demanding job, as well as the needs of her mother, husband, daughter and grandchildren. And now her mother is begging to die. Nurse aide Donna, still recovering from a dysfunctional childhood and the demise of her marriage, finds comfort in Lily's kindness and down to earth wisdom. As Lily fades, she asks Donna, too, to help her end her life.
MY THOUGHTS: I wanted to love Lily Harford's Last Request but, while I mostly liked it, I didn't love it. I found the characters hard to empathize with, hard to relate to, even Lily, whom I had expected to adore. The only character who I thought was really well portrayed was Donna, the very caring Nursing Assistant in the care home. I liked the way we saw into both her personal and professional lives and are made aware of how often her very important role is belittled and disrespected by others.
Pauline, Lily's HeadTeacher daughter, overpowered Lily's story which I thought was a shame. Although I could understand the author's intent in demonstrating the effects Lily's declining health has on her, she didn't come across well. I thought she was controlling and manipulative.
Told from the viewpoints of Lily, Pauline and Donna, the story lost impetus with the inclusion of flashbacks to the characters earlier lives. There needs to be a point to flashbacks - the revelation of an important piece of information, or something relevant to the formation of the person's character - but mostly these were just fillers and made the story feel disjointed.
I would have enjoyed Lily Harford's Last Request more had it focused more on Lily and less on Pauline. The 'surprise' revelation at the end would have been better built up to, rather than just dumped in there. I think the conversations between Lily and 'Frank' would have made for interesting reading - a lot more interesting than Pauline's constant introspection.
If you are looking for an uplifting read, this isn't it. But if you are interested in or concerned about the concept of assisted dying, there is definitely food for thought here.
Lily Harford's Last Request is a debut novel, and I applaud the author in her intent, but would like to encourage her not to overcomplicate the plot. Keep it simple and let it flow.
PS: I don't see why Lily couldn't have taken her beautiful silk scarves with her!
⭐⭐⭐
#LilyHarfordsLastRequest #NetGalley
I: @joannabuckleyauthor @harlequinaus
T: @HarlequinAUS
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #deathanddying #familydrama #mentalhealth #sliceoflife
THE AUTHOR: Joanna Buckley is an author based in Melbourne. She has a background in creating short stories, poetry, social media content and educational materials, and has also worked as a copywriter and editor. Joanna is a mother of three and a part-time careers counsellor.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ, for providing a digital ARC of Lily Harford's Last Request by Joanna Buckley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 4, 2022
Lily Harford lives in Finn Bay, she grew up in the small seaside town in Queensland and she’s in her mid-eighties. She has had a full active life, running her own accounting business and with the support of her parents, she raised her daughter Pauline. At a time when very few women went to university, had a career and were single mothers.
Lily noticed she’s starting to forget things, at first she puts it down to getting older, it gets worse and she’s diagnosed with Dementia. Pauline’s wants her mother to be safe, she finds a lovely nursing home in Finn Bay, convinces Lily to sell her house and move into room eighteen. Both Lily and Pauline underestimate the impact this will have on their lives, Pauline feels terribly guilty and Lily feels trapped in a body that’s slowly failing her.
Mother and daughter have always been very close, both are high achievers and have similar personalities. Pauline’s struggling with a heavy work load, she’s a school principal, a wife to Sam, mother to Rachel and has two grandchildren. With her beloved mother fading fast, her rock, Pauline is having trouble coping and she knows it's only going to get worse.
The staff at Blue Vista are lovely, one carer in particular is kind, thoughtful and Lily becomes close to her. Donna’s struggled in her personal life, her family put her down, her marriage failed, she likes working in aged care and Lily thinks she would make a wonderful nurse. Lily Harford’s Last Request is about Lily facing her own mortality, she would like to make the choice to end her life and before she gets any worse. She asks both Donna and Pauline to help her, they point out to her that it’s illegal and they can’t do it.
The narrative is about aging, friendship, courage, dignity, and the worry of having older parents and how much you fear losing them. I received a copy of this book kindly from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, in exchange for on honest review, it’s a very emotional story, Joanna Buckley writes with feeling, sensitivity, tact, and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
Lily noticed she’s starting to forget things, at first she puts it down to getting older, it gets worse and she’s diagnosed with Dementia. Pauline’s wants her mother to be safe, she finds a lovely nursing home in Finn Bay, convinces Lily to sell her house and move into room eighteen. Both Lily and Pauline underestimate the impact this will have on their lives, Pauline feels terribly guilty and Lily feels trapped in a body that’s slowly failing her.
Mother and daughter have always been very close, both are high achievers and have similar personalities. Pauline’s struggling with a heavy work load, she’s a school principal, a wife to Sam, mother to Rachel and has two grandchildren. With her beloved mother fading fast, her rock, Pauline is having trouble coping and she knows it's only going to get worse.
The staff at Blue Vista are lovely, one carer in particular is kind, thoughtful and Lily becomes close to her. Donna’s struggled in her personal life, her family put her down, her marriage failed, she likes working in aged care and Lily thinks she would make a wonderful nurse. Lily Harford’s Last Request is about Lily facing her own mortality, she would like to make the choice to end her life and before she gets any worse. She asks both Donna and Pauline to help her, they point out to her that it’s illegal and they can’t do it.
The narrative is about aging, friendship, courage, dignity, and the worry of having older parents and how much you fear losing them. I received a copy of this book kindly from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia, in exchange for on honest review, it’s a very emotional story, Joanna Buckley writes with feeling, sensitivity, tact, and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
January 29, 2022
Lily Harford and her daughter had always been close as Pauline grew from toddler to teenager and young woman. Lily was a single mother and their support of one another shone through as Pauline married Sam, had Rachel who then married and had two children. Now Lily was in her eighties, her body and mind were slowing down. She knew the big house she’d always lived in was too big for her, but Lily wasn’t prepared to go to a nursing home. The battle that Pauline and Sam went through to see her settled in was heart wrenching for them. Pauline was sick with worry for her mum, devastated at the thought of her beloved mother not being there anymore…
Donna was an aide at the home Lily was at, and the two of them forged a close friendship. But Donna drew the line at helping Lily die. Lily didn’t want to get to the stage of not knowing anyone and her diagnosis of vascular dementia made her see it was coming, and faster than she wanted it to. She wanted to die while she was still able to make the decision herself, but would anyone help her on her way? Lily’s life had been a full one, and one she’d always been in control of – she couldn’t bear the thought of losing control.
Lily Harford’s Last Request by Aussie author Joanna Buckley is an outstanding look at the heartache of growing old and frail, of having a wonderful life and gradually losing everything that is familiar. Pauline is a character who was stressed to the max with her job as principal at the local school keeping her busy, her family life, and the anxiety over her beloved mother. Sam was a great support and I felt for him as well. But Lily’s character was remarkable! Set in Queensland in a beachside suburb, the ocean played a large part of the novel as well. I really enjoyed Lily Harford’s Last Request and have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Donna was an aide at the home Lily was at, and the two of them forged a close friendship. But Donna drew the line at helping Lily die. Lily didn’t want to get to the stage of not knowing anyone and her diagnosis of vascular dementia made her see it was coming, and faster than she wanted it to. She wanted to die while she was still able to make the decision herself, but would anyone help her on her way? Lily’s life had been a full one, and one she’d always been in control of – she couldn’t bear the thought of losing control.
Lily Harford’s Last Request by Aussie author Joanna Buckley is an outstanding look at the heartache of growing old and frail, of having a wonderful life and gradually losing everything that is familiar. Pauline is a character who was stressed to the max with her job as principal at the local school keeping her busy, her family life, and the anxiety over her beloved mother. Sam was a great support and I felt for him as well. But Lily’s character was remarkable! Set in Queensland in a beachside suburb, the ocean played a large part of the novel as well. I really enjoyed Lily Harford’s Last Request and have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2022
This is a really emotional story, beautifully told, it takes in the life of Lily Harford, as she is getting older and wanting to decide when she leaves this world can she find someone who will have the courage to help her, maybe her daughter Pauline or nurse assistant Donna, this is a story that is sure to keep the reader turning the pages.
Lily has lived a full life in the small coastal town of Finn Bay on the Pacific Ocean, she has run her own account firm and been a single mum to her daughter Pauline, but as she is aging her daughter is worried about her being in the house on her own and even though it takes a bit Lily agrees to move into the local assisted care home. Things get more worrying for Lily when she is diagnosed with vascular dementia, Lily remembers seeing her father die this way and that is not what she wants for herself.
Pauline is beside herself with worry over her mother and her stressful life as a school principal does not help with her worries, her husband Sam is there for her as is her daughter Rachel but Pauline seems to be falling apart at the moment and her mother is asking to die. There is Donna as well a loving caring nurse’s assistant who is very fond of Lily, Donna has problems of her own but worries so much about Lily and her wish to die, and will there be someone who will help Lily?
This story digs deep into the way that we help our aging families, it is thought provoking and emotional and moving as we get to Lily more and what has been in her past and we see the love that Pauline has for her mother and all of the guilt and emotions that come with putting the person you love into aged care. The characters are wonderfully written and easy to get to know and I feel their pain as they struggle with Lily’s wish. This is a story that had me feeling very emotional throughout with thoughts of my parents, it is a story that I do highly recommend.
My thanks to Harlequin AU and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
Lily has lived a full life in the small coastal town of Finn Bay on the Pacific Ocean, she has run her own account firm and been a single mum to her daughter Pauline, but as she is aging her daughter is worried about her being in the house on her own and even though it takes a bit Lily agrees to move into the local assisted care home. Things get more worrying for Lily when she is diagnosed with vascular dementia, Lily remembers seeing her father die this way and that is not what she wants for herself.
Pauline is beside herself with worry over her mother and her stressful life as a school principal does not help with her worries, her husband Sam is there for her as is her daughter Rachel but Pauline seems to be falling apart at the moment and her mother is asking to die. There is Donna as well a loving caring nurse’s assistant who is very fond of Lily, Donna has problems of her own but worries so much about Lily and her wish to die, and will there be someone who will help Lily?
This story digs deep into the way that we help our aging families, it is thought provoking and emotional and moving as we get to Lily more and what has been in her past and we see the love that Pauline has for her mother and all of the guilt and emotions that come with putting the person you love into aged care. The characters are wonderfully written and easy to get to know and I feel their pain as they struggle with Lily’s wish. This is a story that had me feeling very emotional throughout with thoughts of my parents, it is a story that I do highly recommend.
My thanks to Harlequin AU and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
August 4, 2022
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Lily Harford's Last Request is a poignant story on ageing, dementia and euthanasia.
Told through the eyes of Lily, in her mid 80's, Pauline, her daughter, and Donna, an aged care worker, the reader receives a well rounded view of how ageing affects all concerned with the person's care.
Joanna Buckley raises the dilemma of an ageing parent and explores this through Lily's slow fall into dementia. Lily is at a stage where she knows her memory is failing and she is terrified of the inevitable outcome. She would rather be dead!
Pauline is trying to help her mother, keep up with her job and see her grandchildren. Multi-tasking as daughter/wife/mother/grandmother. Something has to give!
Donna an aged care worker has a troubled past. She loves her job however is belittled by family members who think her work is demeaning.
Lily Harford's Last Request is an emotional read. The highly emotive topic of euthanasia will open up some heated discussions.
I feel Joanna Buckley approached the subject in a sensitive way although I think some situations may have been over dramatised.
The flashbacks on Lily's life gave the reader a perfect insight into the woman that she was. It was hard to think that this frail old lady was once strong, determined, capable and confident.
A few wonderful and unexpected twists made this exceptional debut a story to remember.
*I received my copy from the publisher
Lily Harford's Last Request is a poignant story on ageing, dementia and euthanasia.
Told through the eyes of Lily, in her mid 80's, Pauline, her daughter, and Donna, an aged care worker, the reader receives a well rounded view of how ageing affects all concerned with the person's care.
Joanna Buckley raises the dilemma of an ageing parent and explores this through Lily's slow fall into dementia. Lily is at a stage where she knows her memory is failing and she is terrified of the inevitable outcome. She would rather be dead!
Pauline is trying to help her mother, keep up with her job and see her grandchildren. Multi-tasking as daughter/wife/mother/grandmother. Something has to give!
Donna an aged care worker has a troubled past. She loves her job however is belittled by family members who think her work is demeaning.
Lily Harford's Last Request is an emotional read. The highly emotive topic of euthanasia will open up some heated discussions.
I feel Joanna Buckley approached the subject in a sensitive way although I think some situations may have been over dramatised.
The flashbacks on Lily's life gave the reader a perfect insight into the woman that she was. It was hard to think that this frail old lady was once strong, determined, capable and confident.
A few wonderful and unexpected twists made this exceptional debut a story to remember.
*I received my copy from the publisher
January 10, 2022
“But sometimes trying to remember things is like attempting to scoop slippery fish out of a muddy pool with bare hands. I make the occasional contact and even hold on for a short time, but then the images, sounds and emotions slip away again and I’m jerked back to the immediate, the now, which is always such a huge let-down. I’ve possessed a sharp mind all my life. It’s been the cornerstone of my success and my whole self-image. Without it, what am I?”
Lily Harford’s Last Request is the first novel by Australian journalist and author, Joanna Buckley. Lily Harford just wants to die. It's true that at eighty-seven she has had an amazing life: widowed early, but establishing and maintaining her own accounting business for almost forty years, raising Pauline as a single mother, grandmother to Rachel, great grandmother to Luke and Rosie: her family and friends agree she has always been a formidable figure.
“A femininely handsome woman, she had always been a living embodiment of the traits she’d espoused to Pauline from a young age– strength and capability, confidence and willpower, optimism and control. Solid at every turn. And in recent years a long-retired great-grandmother, still so vibrant, so hard wearing. Not like now.”
Having to give up her beloved home on King Street, to enter Finn Bay’s Blue Vista Care Facility, to lose her independence? Heart-breaking. Her recall has been frustratingly faulty of late, and that worries her family, perhaps more than it does Lily.
But as she becomes aware of her own deterioration, she remembers her own father’s slow and lingering death, and is desperate to avoid that fate: “I’m not frightened of death. I’ve had a full and long life. But I need to go on my terms while I still have some control, before this narrow window closes on me and I no longer even know that that’s what I want.”
Donna Charleston loves her job as a caring assistant at Blue Vista, loves the residents, and loves doing whatever she can to make their lives enjoyable. When Lily begs for her help to die, she’s not surprised or shocked: she can well understand why but, as she explains repeatedly, she just can’t risk her job or her freedom. And it’s not only Donna from whom Lily begs this mercy: it’s no spoiler to reveal that someone eventually agrees to help her die.
Meanwhile, Pauline Walters is dismayed to see her mother’s decline, afraid of losing her altogether: “a recognition that everything Pauline was, everything her life had rested itself upon with confidence and reassurance, was bound up with her mother’s fortitude and mental strength, her almost-invincibility. Without these, it was as if the whole lot– all that Pauline had known to be dependable and true about her mother and therefore herself– could tumble at any moment.”
The story plays out over some eighteen months and is carried by three narrators: Lily, Pauline and Donna. Lilly’s narrative includes flashbacks that reach progressively further into her past, these incidents gradually revealing her history. An epilogue six years on provides a neat resolution.
Buckley presents the reader with a picture of ageing, dementia and the right to die from three perspectives: the sufferer, the carer and the close family member. She gives the reader an insightful depiction of the anguish, the grief as severe as if the person had already died, that family (in this case, most especially Pauline), suffer as they mourn the strong woman they all admired and loved.
Buckley’s characters are multi-faceted and by no means perfect: a daughter who works too hard, expecting far too much of herself; a son-in-law whose heart is in the right place, even if his head hasn’t always been; a carer undermined by a toxic family and partner, all demonstrate that life doesn’t hold back on the challenges to be faced. This novel offers a sober treatment of a serious topic, not often lightened by humour: a thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Australia
Lily Harford’s Last Request is the first novel by Australian journalist and author, Joanna Buckley. Lily Harford just wants to die. It's true that at eighty-seven she has had an amazing life: widowed early, but establishing and maintaining her own accounting business for almost forty years, raising Pauline as a single mother, grandmother to Rachel, great grandmother to Luke and Rosie: her family and friends agree she has always been a formidable figure.
“A femininely handsome woman, she had always been a living embodiment of the traits she’d espoused to Pauline from a young age– strength and capability, confidence and willpower, optimism and control. Solid at every turn. And in recent years a long-retired great-grandmother, still so vibrant, so hard wearing. Not like now.”
Having to give up her beloved home on King Street, to enter Finn Bay’s Blue Vista Care Facility, to lose her independence? Heart-breaking. Her recall has been frustratingly faulty of late, and that worries her family, perhaps more than it does Lily.
But as she becomes aware of her own deterioration, she remembers her own father’s slow and lingering death, and is desperate to avoid that fate: “I’m not frightened of death. I’ve had a full and long life. But I need to go on my terms while I still have some control, before this narrow window closes on me and I no longer even know that that’s what I want.”
Donna Charleston loves her job as a caring assistant at Blue Vista, loves the residents, and loves doing whatever she can to make their lives enjoyable. When Lily begs for her help to die, she’s not surprised or shocked: she can well understand why but, as she explains repeatedly, she just can’t risk her job or her freedom. And it’s not only Donna from whom Lily begs this mercy: it’s no spoiler to reveal that someone eventually agrees to help her die.
Meanwhile, Pauline Walters is dismayed to see her mother’s decline, afraid of losing her altogether: “a recognition that everything Pauline was, everything her life had rested itself upon with confidence and reassurance, was bound up with her mother’s fortitude and mental strength, her almost-invincibility. Without these, it was as if the whole lot– all that Pauline had known to be dependable and true about her mother and therefore herself– could tumble at any moment.”
The story plays out over some eighteen months and is carried by three narrators: Lily, Pauline and Donna. Lilly’s narrative includes flashbacks that reach progressively further into her past, these incidents gradually revealing her history. An epilogue six years on provides a neat resolution.
Buckley presents the reader with a picture of ageing, dementia and the right to die from three perspectives: the sufferer, the carer and the close family member. She gives the reader an insightful depiction of the anguish, the grief as severe as if the person had already died, that family (in this case, most especially Pauline), suffer as they mourn the strong woman they all admired and loved.
Buckley’s characters are multi-faceted and by no means perfect: a daughter who works too hard, expecting far too much of herself; a son-in-law whose heart is in the right place, even if his head hasn’t always been; a carer undermined by a toxic family and partner, all demonstrate that life doesn’t hold back on the challenges to be faced. This novel offers a sober treatment of a serious topic, not often lightened by humour: a thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Australia
November 9, 2022
An emotional heartfelt story about ageing and dementia and how it affects everyone and the impact it has on families and loved ones.
Brilliantly written book and one I have no hesitation in highly recommending. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
Brilliantly written book and one I have no hesitation in highly recommending. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
December 9, 2021
Many thanks to Netgalley and HQ Fiction for this ARC and for my review and comments.
This read starts at the end of Lily Harford's life. Her body, against her mental wishes, struggles to stay alive when the alternative is the opposite. One could imagine that even in the event of knowing that there lies an unwanted future of a decaying mind and preparing for a death on one's own terms, the body as in childbirth simply takes over, in birthing the body wants to expel it's reproduction, in death the body fights to live.
The author takes us back and reveals the very situation that many find themselves in, stressful work and ageing parent(s). It's a time when all the balls up in the air as is being experienced by Lily's daughter Pauline. Pauline has a very responsible job as Head of her school. Her job requires so much from her, manager, child welfare officer, negotiator, politician, finance director etc etc and then there is her mother, husband, daughter and grandchildren. If only she could retire!
Why has Pauline taken all this on, well simply Lily is the problem. Lily has set a very high bar, raising Pauline as a single parent, assisted by grandparents and at the same time running a very successful business. A formidable woman. The example is there for Pauline to emulate. Pauline though is suffering, diagnosed with depression as well as one would suspect chronic fatigue syndrome, pushing the boundaries and hating it, she is moody, bad tempered and has the occasional unexpected public outburst. Fortunately Pauline does have a very sympathetic and understanding husband but wait, he's part of the problem also, just why didn't he take that high paying job that would have given them financial freedom?
Pauline is able to eventually convince her mother that it's time to give up the family home and to move into aged care, a beautiful place with a sea view but it's still aged care and for which Lily's experiences like so many away from her home of memories, garden and the scent of flowers blooming and wet grass after rain to the controlled nursing home environment and the so obvious unpleasant smells, her health and memory rapidly declines.
Donna is a dedicated aged health care worker and forms a real bond with Lily who one day out of the blue makes an unexpected desperate request from her. This is a conundrum for Donna, on one hand she can see the terrible decline of Lily but to honour her request is an unfair lack of judgement on Lily's part that would have long term consequences for her. Still, it plays on her mind as does her family's poor attitude toward her and the memories of her earlier life's struggles. There is no way she can placate Lily's request but this doesn't diminish her caring for her and often goes to the home on days off.
Five years after Lily dies Donna makes an unexpected visit to Pauline's home .
This read starts at the end of Lily Harford's life. Her body, against her mental wishes, struggles to stay alive when the alternative is the opposite. One could imagine that even in the event of knowing that there lies an unwanted future of a decaying mind and preparing for a death on one's own terms, the body as in childbirth simply takes over, in birthing the body wants to expel it's reproduction, in death the body fights to live.
The author takes us back and reveals the very situation that many find themselves in, stressful work and ageing parent(s). It's a time when all the balls up in the air as is being experienced by Lily's daughter Pauline. Pauline has a very responsible job as Head of her school. Her job requires so much from her, manager, child welfare officer, negotiator, politician, finance director etc etc and then there is her mother, husband, daughter and grandchildren. If only she could retire!
Why has Pauline taken all this on, well simply Lily is the problem. Lily has set a very high bar, raising Pauline as a single parent, assisted by grandparents and at the same time running a very successful business. A formidable woman. The example is there for Pauline to emulate. Pauline though is suffering, diagnosed with depression as well as one would suspect chronic fatigue syndrome, pushing the boundaries and hating it, she is moody, bad tempered and has the occasional unexpected public outburst. Fortunately Pauline does have a very sympathetic and understanding husband but wait, he's part of the problem also, just why didn't he take that high paying job that would have given them financial freedom?
Pauline is able to eventually convince her mother that it's time to give up the family home and to move into aged care, a beautiful place with a sea view but it's still aged care and for which Lily's experiences like so many away from her home of memories, garden and the scent of flowers blooming and wet grass after rain to the controlled nursing home environment and the so obvious unpleasant smells, her health and memory rapidly declines.
Donna is a dedicated aged health care worker and forms a real bond with Lily who one day out of the blue makes an unexpected desperate request from her. This is a conundrum for Donna, on one hand she can see the terrible decline of Lily but to honour her request is an unfair lack of judgement on Lily's part that would have long term consequences for her. Still, it plays on her mind as does her family's poor attitude toward her and the memories of her earlier life's struggles. There is no way she can placate Lily's request but this doesn't diminish her caring for her and often goes to the home on days off.
Five years after Lily dies Donna makes an unexpected visit to Pauline's home .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2022
While I appreciated Buckley’s choice of subject, and warmed to the nature of the characters she crafted, this one fell a bit short for me. The dialogue was often stilted, exposition-heavy, and the “twist” ending was foreseeable. This one would resonate, though, for fans of Still Alice. Even though it wasn’t for me, I hope it does indeed encourage more open conversations about assisted dying and the options that are (or should be) available to those who wish to control their own death.
My full review of Lily Harford's Last Request can be found on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of Lily Harford's Last Request can be found on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
March 5, 2022
Lily Harfords Last Request is an excellent debut novel by author Joanna Buckley. Included at the end was a statement which I believe sums it up marvellously.
Lily Harford’s Last Request is scaffolded on the heavy topic of assisted dying and there are many moments of angst and sadness in the main characters’ lives.
Sometimes there's nothing better than finding a book that resonates with you. Other times the content can be too close to home and the timing not quite right making the reading difficult. Sadly, such was the case for me with this one. I don't wish to detract from the book, but all too often I found myself nodding my head in acknowledgment of something far too familiar. The deterioration of the mind and memory that comes with dementia was spot on, and so too were the descriptions of the indignities and physical frailties associated with the decline.
Lily Harford, an elderly woman has been diagnosed with dementia and she wants desperately to end her life on her own terms, just as she has always lived her life. She has always had a sharp mind and has been an independent woman. She was a single mum and a successful business woman in an era when this was not the norm. Now she fears the disease and what it will do to her mind, her memories, how it will change her personality and lead to the loss of her independence. Extremely legitimate concerns from what I've observed.
I had tried to read this when the novel was due to be published but needed to put it aside as a family member of my own went into palliatve care and died. Her name, her disease, her decline had exactly replicated what the character Lily had feared...and then some. The writing was a bit too close for comfort and took me through some very hard territory. It wasn't only the descriptions of the dementia. Moving an elderly person out of their own home and into an assisted living facility is not remotely an easy thing to do - even when it's for their own well being - and feelings of guilt and sadness rose to the surface.
Watching the deterioration of a loved one, seeing the progression of the disease and corresponding decline is not easy as Lily Harfords beloved daughter Pauline was to learn, and as our family was simultaneously experiencing.
Donna, the aged care assistant who befriended Lily, had a thankless job. Family and friends did not respect the good work she did nor the way she cared for the residents, and she was between a rock and a hard place being unable to assist in the only way that really matered to Lily.
From the prologue we knew Lily got her wish but we didnt know who her saviour had been. The remainder of the book allowed us to get to know Lily via flashbacks to various times in her life, and to try to piece together who might have come to her aid. It was only in the denouement that it all came together.
I only wish I'd encountered this book at a different time. It was well written, had good characters and a moving story but was way too hard to read when I did.
My thanks to the author, HQ Fiction and Netgalley for the opportunity of reading this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lily Harford’s Last Request is scaffolded on the heavy topic of assisted dying and there are many moments of angst and sadness in the main characters’ lives.
Sometimes there's nothing better than finding a book that resonates with you. Other times the content can be too close to home and the timing not quite right making the reading difficult. Sadly, such was the case for me with this one. I don't wish to detract from the book, but all too often I found myself nodding my head in acknowledgment of something far too familiar. The deterioration of the mind and memory that comes with dementia was spot on, and so too were the descriptions of the indignities and physical frailties associated with the decline.
Lily Harford, an elderly woman has been diagnosed with dementia and she wants desperately to end her life on her own terms, just as she has always lived her life. She has always had a sharp mind and has been an independent woman. She was a single mum and a successful business woman in an era when this was not the norm. Now she fears the disease and what it will do to her mind, her memories, how it will change her personality and lead to the loss of her independence. Extremely legitimate concerns from what I've observed.
I had tried to read this when the novel was due to be published but needed to put it aside as a family member of my own went into palliatve care and died. Her name, her disease, her decline had exactly replicated what the character Lily had feared...and then some. The writing was a bit too close for comfort and took me through some very hard territory. It wasn't only the descriptions of the dementia. Moving an elderly person out of their own home and into an assisted living facility is not remotely an easy thing to do - even when it's for their own well being - and feelings of guilt and sadness rose to the surface.
Watching the deterioration of a loved one, seeing the progression of the disease and corresponding decline is not easy as Lily Harfords beloved daughter Pauline was to learn, and as our family was simultaneously experiencing.
Donna, the aged care assistant who befriended Lily, had a thankless job. Family and friends did not respect the good work she did nor the way she cared for the residents, and she was between a rock and a hard place being unable to assist in the only way that really matered to Lily.
From the prologue we knew Lily got her wish but we didnt know who her saviour had been. The remainder of the book allowed us to get to know Lily via flashbacks to various times in her life, and to try to piece together who might have come to her aid. It was only in the denouement that it all came together.
I only wish I'd encountered this book at a different time. It was well written, had good characters and a moving story but was way too hard to read when I did.
My thanks to the author, HQ Fiction and Netgalley for the opportunity of reading this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
Mother of three and counsellor Joanna Buckley presents an emotional, stirring and eloquent tribute to the right to choose how we leave this earth in her debut novel. Lily Harford’s Last Request is a conflicting, heartbreaking and prevailing read for those who appreciate divisive stories.
Introducing title character Lily Harford, Joanna Buckley’s first novel is a sensitive, considerate and brave tale that follows an older protagonist as she battles dementia. As Lily makes some final arrangements in an effort to relieve her pain for good, she knows this process is highly illegal. As Lily reflects on a life well lived, we learn that this once independent woman ran a successful business alongside her role as a single mother. This was a tough time to be a sole parent, as in Lily’s time this was not common place. But now Lily faces a new battle, she cannot continue to let the ails of her condition ravage her body. As Lily campaigns to put an end to her life, her daughter Pauline faces her own demons. With a stressful job, a marriage under strain and the needs of her children to consider, Pauline doesn’t know where to turn to next. As Pauline faces the heart wrenching realisation that her mother wishes to depart this world, she must make the right decision. The last voice in this story is a nurse who tends to Lily’s care. Donna has her own family trauma and marriage breakdown issues, but Lily provides Donna with a sense of solace. When Lily asks Donna to help her end her life, Donna is at a loss. Will Donna or Pauline help Lily?
A topical, vital and up-to-the minute read, Lily Harford’s Last Request is a contemporary fiction submission from Melbourne based author Joanna Buckley. A moving, fragile, responsive and knowing composition, I was moved by the emotional themes raised in this story. However, Joanna Buckley’s novel hit a little too close to home in regards to the loss of my grandmother, who suffered in the same way as the title character of this tale. Therefore, I would issue a caution for those approaching Lily Harford’s Last Request to be mindful of their own experiences of dementia or other similar medical conditions.
Joanna Buckley immediately sets an emotional tone for her novel in the early sequences of this book. I was plunged into Lily’s fading body, her sense of helplessness, despair, her internal struggles and her big battle to end her life. Lily Harford’s Last Request was a thought provoking, expressive and poignant read from cover to cover. I think the author was quite brave in her efforts to begin a conversation around assisted dying and the right to decide when you can end your life. This is incredibly difficult and debatable terrain, but Buckley does a good job of critically integrating all the possibilities.
Title character Lily has a very interesting and colourful history. I liked how Joanna Buckley introduced the audience to various key moments in Lily’s past. It is through these memory flashbacks and keynote moments that we learn who the real Lily is, away from the looming dark shadow of her illness. We also uncover Lily’s relationships, her decisions and her family life. Lily’s daughter Pauline does take up a significant portion of the novel and although I could sympathise with the stress she deals with, I did find it hard to click to Pauline as a character. I felt the same way with Donna, Lily’s nurse aide. Buckley’s narration floats in and out of these three women in fragmented direction as the sense of urgency in relation to Lily’s demands to end her life reach full crescendo. The end was only a slight shock, as I think I could almost guess how this emotive story was going to conclude.
A novel that crosses some contentious terrain and puts a very human spin on a pressing predicament in our current day existence, Lily Harford’s Last Request is a moving debut.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
3.5 stars
Mother of three and counsellor Joanna Buckley presents an emotional, stirring and eloquent tribute to the right to choose how we leave this earth in her debut novel. Lily Harford’s Last Request is a conflicting, heartbreaking and prevailing read for those who appreciate divisive stories.
Introducing title character Lily Harford, Joanna Buckley’s first novel is a sensitive, considerate and brave tale that follows an older protagonist as she battles dementia. As Lily makes some final arrangements in an effort to relieve her pain for good, she knows this process is highly illegal. As Lily reflects on a life well lived, we learn that this once independent woman ran a successful business alongside her role as a single mother. This was a tough time to be a sole parent, as in Lily’s time this was not common place. But now Lily faces a new battle, she cannot continue to let the ails of her condition ravage her body. As Lily campaigns to put an end to her life, her daughter Pauline faces her own demons. With a stressful job, a marriage under strain and the needs of her children to consider, Pauline doesn’t know where to turn to next. As Pauline faces the heart wrenching realisation that her mother wishes to depart this world, she must make the right decision. The last voice in this story is a nurse who tends to Lily’s care. Donna has her own family trauma and marriage breakdown issues, but Lily provides Donna with a sense of solace. When Lily asks Donna to help her end her life, Donna is at a loss. Will Donna or Pauline help Lily?
A topical, vital and up-to-the minute read, Lily Harford’s Last Request is a contemporary fiction submission from Melbourne based author Joanna Buckley. A moving, fragile, responsive and knowing composition, I was moved by the emotional themes raised in this story. However, Joanna Buckley’s novel hit a little too close to home in regards to the loss of my grandmother, who suffered in the same way as the title character of this tale. Therefore, I would issue a caution for those approaching Lily Harford’s Last Request to be mindful of their own experiences of dementia or other similar medical conditions.
Joanna Buckley immediately sets an emotional tone for her novel in the early sequences of this book. I was plunged into Lily’s fading body, her sense of helplessness, despair, her internal struggles and her big battle to end her life. Lily Harford’s Last Request was a thought provoking, expressive and poignant read from cover to cover. I think the author was quite brave in her efforts to begin a conversation around assisted dying and the right to decide when you can end your life. This is incredibly difficult and debatable terrain, but Buckley does a good job of critically integrating all the possibilities.
Title character Lily has a very interesting and colourful history. I liked how Joanna Buckley introduced the audience to various key moments in Lily’s past. It is through these memory flashbacks and keynote moments that we learn who the real Lily is, away from the looming dark shadow of her illness. We also uncover Lily’s relationships, her decisions and her family life. Lily’s daughter Pauline does take up a significant portion of the novel and although I could sympathise with the stress she deals with, I did find it hard to click to Pauline as a character. I felt the same way with Donna, Lily’s nurse aide. Buckley’s narration floats in and out of these three women in fragmented direction as the sense of urgency in relation to Lily’s demands to end her life reach full crescendo. The end was only a slight shock, as I think I could almost guess how this emotive story was going to conclude.
A novel that crosses some contentious terrain and puts a very human spin on a pressing predicament in our current day existence, Lily Harford’s Last Request is a moving debut.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
February 13, 2022
Lily Harford’s Last Request is a thoughtful, emotional debut novel from Joanna Buckley.
Shifting between timelines, though set primarily in the present, this story unfolds from three points of view, octogenarian Lily confronted with a diagnosis of dementia; her daughter Pauline, a stressed wife and school principal; and single woman Donna, a nursing assistant.
Through flashbacks, Lily is shown as an accomplished, strong woman who was widowed early, raised an illegitimate daughter alone, and founded a successful accountancy firm, through, and beyond, an era that frowned on such actions. In the present, Lily is devastated by a diagnosis that forces her to move from her beloved home into a nursing care facility and, frightened by the inevitable erosion of her dignity, wants to secure help to end her life on her terms. To be honest I expected Lily to have a more active role in the story, but her character is quite passive.
Usually capable and confident, as her beloved mother’s well-being declines, so too do Pauline’s emotional reserves. She’s horrified by Lily’s wish to die, and her feelings of guilt, fear and grief affects both her personal relationships and her patience with the demands of her career. Reluctant to acknowledge these stresses, Pauline struggles to hold herself together, and I sympathised with her distress.
After enduring a series of toxic relationships, Donna has discovered that she loves working in aged care, and her job provides her with some sorely lacking confidence. Though she empathises with Lily’s desire to end her life, she’s not willing to jeopardise her job, or her freedom, by agreeing to help her.
From each perspective, Buckley insightfully explores many serious life challenges such as identity, ageing, end of life decisions, mental health, loss, and family relationships. It’s an emotional journey for the characters, which Buckley presents thoughtfully and with compassion. I thought all three women came across as realistic, however I did wonder as to why such an independent woman as Lily didn’t make her own preparations to end her life (eg stockpile pills) rather than ask others to assume the risk.
There is some lovely writing in Lily Harford’s Last Request, but it’s a little heavy on the exposition, and the dialogue is sometimes clunky. I also found the pace to be a little uneven. I appreciated the epilogue, and the gentle twist.
Lily Harford’s Last Request is a thought provoking and engaging read that explores a controversial subject with sensitivity.
Shifting between timelines, though set primarily in the present, this story unfolds from three points of view, octogenarian Lily confronted with a diagnosis of dementia; her daughter Pauline, a stressed wife and school principal; and single woman Donna, a nursing assistant.
Through flashbacks, Lily is shown as an accomplished, strong woman who was widowed early, raised an illegitimate daughter alone, and founded a successful accountancy firm, through, and beyond, an era that frowned on such actions. In the present, Lily is devastated by a diagnosis that forces her to move from her beloved home into a nursing care facility and, frightened by the inevitable erosion of her dignity, wants to secure help to end her life on her terms. To be honest I expected Lily to have a more active role in the story, but her character is quite passive.
Usually capable and confident, as her beloved mother’s well-being declines, so too do Pauline’s emotional reserves. She’s horrified by Lily’s wish to die, and her feelings of guilt, fear and grief affects both her personal relationships and her patience with the demands of her career. Reluctant to acknowledge these stresses, Pauline struggles to hold herself together, and I sympathised with her distress.
After enduring a series of toxic relationships, Donna has discovered that she loves working in aged care, and her job provides her with some sorely lacking confidence. Though she empathises with Lily’s desire to end her life, she’s not willing to jeopardise her job, or her freedom, by agreeing to help her.
From each perspective, Buckley insightfully explores many serious life challenges such as identity, ageing, end of life decisions, mental health, loss, and family relationships. It’s an emotional journey for the characters, which Buckley presents thoughtfully and with compassion. I thought all three women came across as realistic, however I did wonder as to why such an independent woman as Lily didn’t make her own preparations to end her life (eg stockpile pills) rather than ask others to assume the risk.
There is some lovely writing in Lily Harford’s Last Request, but it’s a little heavy on the exposition, and the dialogue is sometimes clunky. I also found the pace to be a little uneven. I appreciated the epilogue, and the gentle twist.
Lily Harford’s Last Request is a thought provoking and engaging read that explores a controversial subject with sensitivity.
September 28, 2022
Lily Harford's Last Request was a sweet book about Lily, an elderly woman, and those close to her. Lily is put into a nursing home in the seaside Queensland town of Finn Bay when she starts forgetting things and slips into Dementia. All her life Lily has been a strong, independent woman and doesn’t want to live a life like this.
The story alternates between the point of view of Lily, her daughter Pauline and her nursing home helper Donna. We see the struggle for not only Lily, but also for Pauline, trying to navigate an aging mother, a daughter and grandchildren and a job as a school headmaster. Donna’s point of view outlines the difficulties for nursing home staff as they become attached to residents.
The timelines also alternate from the past to the present as characters look back over their lives. A nice story about the sad topic of someone nearing their end of life.
The story alternates between the point of view of Lily, her daughter Pauline and her nursing home helper Donna. We see the struggle for not only Lily, but also for Pauline, trying to navigate an aging mother, a daughter and grandchildren and a job as a school headmaster. Donna’s point of view outlines the difficulties for nursing home staff as they become attached to residents.
The timelines also alternate from the past to the present as characters look back over their lives. A nice story about the sad topic of someone nearing their end of life.
January 9, 2022
This to me was a hard read and I don’t know how I could happily recommend it to anyone particularly an elderly person. Sure death is inevitable but one doesn’t want to dwell on that and the god awful things that start to go wrong as we decline.
Lily Hartford has dementia and while she is still able to have lucid moments she has asked anyone who will listen, to help her die before the disease takes over her mind completely. Her daughter Pauline is wracked with guilt as she has recently uprooted Lily from her family home and put her In a nursing home./retirement village. With flashbacks to Lily’s youth we learn a lot more about this strong independent woman as we do Pauline and Donna, a care giver at the Village.
Was it because of my age (mid 60s) and the thought of what could be to come, that I found it a hard read? Probably. I completely understand Lily’s request to die before she was unable to decide for herself, and as her body betrayed her also,, well who wants to live like that.
#LilyHarfordsLastRequest #NetGalley
Lily Hartford has dementia and while she is still able to have lucid moments she has asked anyone who will listen, to help her die before the disease takes over her mind completely. Her daughter Pauline is wracked with guilt as she has recently uprooted Lily from her family home and put her In a nursing home./retirement village. With flashbacks to Lily’s youth we learn a lot more about this strong independent woman as we do Pauline and Donna, a care giver at the Village.
Was it because of my age (mid 60s) and the thought of what could be to come, that I found it a hard read? Probably. I completely understand Lily’s request to die before she was unable to decide for herself, and as her body betrayed her also,, well who wants to live like that.
#LilyHarfordsLastRequest #NetGalley
January 9, 2022
‘Is this really happening? I wish I could somehow have lassoed time when I was younger, hauled it in and slowed it down.’
In a small seaside town in Queensland, Lily Harford has lived a long and productive life. Lily raised her daughter, Pauline, as a single mother and has had a successful business. But now in her eighties, becoming frail and with her memory failing, Lily would like to negotiate an end to her life on her own terms.
Lily’s daughter Pauline is facing pressures of her own. She is juggling the demands of a busy job with family responsibilities and wants to avoid facing her mother’s mortality. And once Lily moves into the Blue Vista nursing home, she makes friends with Donna, a nursing assistant. Donna is kind and compassionate, and still dealing with low confidence: the legacy of an abusive childhood and a failed relationship.
Three women at very different life stages: Lily remembers life before her body started to fail (and fears sliding into dementia); Pauline feels guilty that she cannot care for Pauline herself (and puts herself under even more pressure juggling work and family responsibilities); and Donna has yet to learn to have confidence in herself.
Many of us, reading this novel, will be able to relate to at least two of these women. Some of us, who have already farewelled aged parents after long and debilitating illnesses, will relate to Lily’s desire to end her life. And we will feel, too, for those who have requested (and often been denied) such assistance. While Lily may be the central character, Pauline and Donna are important. At every stage, life is full of challenges. Lily’s memories remind the reader that every elderly person was once young. Losing independence is difficult enough, losing control over body and mind can be devastating.
A thought-provoking novel about ageing, life challenges, emotions, relationships, and self-image.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia HQ for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In a small seaside town in Queensland, Lily Harford has lived a long and productive life. Lily raised her daughter, Pauline, as a single mother and has had a successful business. But now in her eighties, becoming frail and with her memory failing, Lily would like to negotiate an end to her life on her own terms.
Lily’s daughter Pauline is facing pressures of her own. She is juggling the demands of a busy job with family responsibilities and wants to avoid facing her mother’s mortality. And once Lily moves into the Blue Vista nursing home, she makes friends with Donna, a nursing assistant. Donna is kind and compassionate, and still dealing with low confidence: the legacy of an abusive childhood and a failed relationship.
Three women at very different life stages: Lily remembers life before her body started to fail (and fears sliding into dementia); Pauline feels guilty that she cannot care for Pauline herself (and puts herself under even more pressure juggling work and family responsibilities); and Donna has yet to learn to have confidence in herself.
Many of us, reading this novel, will be able to relate to at least two of these women. Some of us, who have already farewelled aged parents after long and debilitating illnesses, will relate to Lily’s desire to end her life. And we will feel, too, for those who have requested (and often been denied) such assistance. While Lily may be the central character, Pauline and Donna are important. At every stage, life is full of challenges. Lily’s memories remind the reader that every elderly person was once young. Losing independence is difficult enough, losing control over body and mind can be devastating.
A thought-provoking novel about ageing, life challenges, emotions, relationships, and self-image.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia HQ for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 23, 2022
Lily Harford is 87 and she has had a life well lived. She was a single mum in a time when it was very difficult to be accepted and get ahead. Instead, she has excelled and instilled in her daughter Pauline the drive to work hard and be successful but at what cost? Lily now has dementia and is fading, and Pauline is struggling with depression while her daughter is raising her own children.
I am almost 60 now and I too was a single mother. I have a daughter who is almost 30 and my mother is 87.
Joanna Buckley has written a beautifully compelling novel and she is speaking to all of us.
A celebration of the depth of a life so treasured and the exploration of your choice to take that life that is so intrinsically interwoven with family and those who care for us. A story of the complexity of life, love and ageing. Are we able to control how our own story ends?
It does not matter where you are in your life journey, grandmother, mother, husband, child, grandchild, Lily Harford’s Last Request will touch your heart in a way that will not leave you.
So much to think about, so much to discuss at book club!
I am almost 60 now and I too was a single mother. I have a daughter who is almost 30 and my mother is 87.
Joanna Buckley has written a beautifully compelling novel and she is speaking to all of us.
A celebration of the depth of a life so treasured and the exploration of your choice to take that life that is so intrinsically interwoven with family and those who care for us. A story of the complexity of life, love and ageing. Are we able to control how our own story ends?
It does not matter where you are in your life journey, grandmother, mother, husband, child, grandchild, Lily Harford’s Last Request will touch your heart in a way that will not leave you.
So much to think about, so much to discuss at book club!
December 5, 2021
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lily Hartford has dementia and wants to end her life on her terms. Joanna Buckley has approached a heart breaking subject with sensitivity and kindness.
Joanna tells this story through the eyes of Lily, her daughter, Pauline, and her nurse aide, Donna.
This book is a moving novel depicting how we celebrate the lives of the people we love and how we cope with a debilitating illness as it strips the identity and dignity of the person we are losing.
I would absolutely recommend this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lily Hartford has dementia and wants to end her life on her terms. Joanna Buckley has approached a heart breaking subject with sensitivity and kindness.
Joanna tells this story through the eyes of Lily, her daughter, Pauline, and her nurse aide, Donna.
This book is a moving novel depicting how we celebrate the lives of the people we love and how we cope with a debilitating illness as it strips the identity and dignity of the person we are losing.
I would absolutely recommend this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 19, 2022
Lily Harford’s Last Request is a poignant contemporary fiction novel set in Queensland, by a debut Australian author. I was sent a widget by the publisher - I doubt I would’ve selected this on my own - and was intrigued to read an exploration of the issues surrounding assisted dying, especially since it recently became legal here in New Zealand after a referendum demonstrated overwhelming public support for the right to choose, but it is not yet legal in Australia. I thought this was a mostly well-written and accurate portrayal of the challenges faced by many families as dementia becomes increasingly common in our ageing population, let down by mostly unsympathetic characters and a disorientating non-linear narrative.
This is told from the perspective of Lily, who has multi-infarct dementia and lives in a nursing home, her daughter Pauline, who is struggling with her demanding job as a school principal on top of her various family issues, and caring nurse aide Donna, who becomes close to Lily. The book begins with Lily apparently being suffocated - which she welcomes as an escape from the prison her failing body has become. In a series of flashbacks we learn about her life as the daughter of hardworking but poor parents who built a successful life for herself running her own accounting practice, and raised her daughter on her at a time when single motherhood was viewed with contempt. As Lily gradually loses her mind and her cherished independence, she decides she wants to die on her own terms before she loses all dignity or the capacity to act - but who can she persuade to break the law for her?
Unfortunately all of Lily’s sections are in first person present - which I loathe - I accept that given the structure of the book this is probably necessary for the “now” chapters, but it made all the flashbacks clunky and took me out of the story. Some chapters start with a date but then run into the other point of view characters’ and it’s often unclear when the events are happening, which was unnecessarily confusing - I had to keep scrolling back to keep it clear, which got annoying.
My other problem with this was that I didn’t like either of the two central characters - Lily is prickly, proud, selfish and insensitive to others’ feelings - she wants everything her own way. Others might view her in a more charitable light - she had a difficult life and clearly many admirable traits, but I couldn’t get past her refusal to stop asking Donna to essentially murder her when she knows how uncomfortable it makes her - and what the consequences would be if she were discovered. While obviously I had sympathy for her plight, it’s not fair to put an unwilling carer in that position. She is miserable at having to move out of her large house straight into a rest home, but as an intelligent woman and an accountant she should’ve foreseen this and downsized into a suitable unit before things ever got that bad, leaving her poor family no choice but to become the bad guys forcing her out of her home.
Pauline, meanwhile, is too much of a martyr, and blames her amiable husband for her situation in a way that rankled - would it be OK for a man to blame his wife not not taking a higher paid job that would make them miserable so that he can retire early? I think not. She wallows in guilt about putting her mother into a home despite it being the only sensible solution, and is completely unrealistic wanting her to live forever because she personally can’t cope with the pain of losing her (this is exactly what happened with my grandmother who suffered a miserable few years of total dependence because my aunts refused to allow nature to take it’s course and insisted on full hospital care for every illness that might’ve allowed her a gentle escape.) I could identify with her misgivings about menopause and thought the (minor spoiler alert) depression subplot was realistic and sensitively handled.
I did like Donna, working hard at one of the most unappreciated jobs there is, fighting to restore her self-esteem after escaping a bad marriage and awful family. I liked that her life outside of work was developed, and we see her indecision about whether to comply with Lily’s terrible request.
There was a slight mystery element as the question of who did finally comply is not answered until the end. I’m not sure I found it believable to be honest, but I did like the rest of the ending.
Overall this is a good, if serious and slightly depressing read - 3.5 rounded down for the present tense. This would be an excellent Book Club pick as there’s lots to discuss - there is a list of suggested questions at the end. The author doesn’t debate the rights and wrongs of assisted dying, but lets us make up our own minds. It’s topical for me in that a report came out today stating that since euthanasia & assisted suicide became legal ten here weeks ago, about 70 people have gone through the application process and about 20 have done it. Is that a lot or not for a population of 5 million? I don’t know. I’m glad that here at least, people like Lily have the option to decide what’s right for them.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Lily Harford’s Last Request is published on February 2nd.
This is told from the perspective of Lily, who has multi-infarct dementia and lives in a nursing home, her daughter Pauline, who is struggling with her demanding job as a school principal on top of her various family issues, and caring nurse aide Donna, who becomes close to Lily. The book begins with Lily apparently being suffocated - which she welcomes as an escape from the prison her failing body has become. In a series of flashbacks we learn about her life as the daughter of hardworking but poor parents who built a successful life for herself running her own accounting practice, and raised her daughter on her at a time when single motherhood was viewed with contempt. As Lily gradually loses her mind and her cherished independence, she decides she wants to die on her own terms before she loses all dignity or the capacity to act - but who can she persuade to break the law for her?
Unfortunately all of Lily’s sections are in first person present - which I loathe - I accept that given the structure of the book this is probably necessary for the “now” chapters, but it made all the flashbacks clunky and took me out of the story. Some chapters start with a date but then run into the other point of view characters’ and it’s often unclear when the events are happening, which was unnecessarily confusing - I had to keep scrolling back to keep it clear, which got annoying.
My other problem with this was that I didn’t like either of the two central characters - Lily is prickly, proud, selfish and insensitive to others’ feelings - she wants everything her own way. Others might view her in a more charitable light - she had a difficult life and clearly many admirable traits, but I couldn’t get past her refusal to stop asking Donna to essentially murder her when she knows how uncomfortable it makes her - and what the consequences would be if she were discovered. While obviously I had sympathy for her plight, it’s not fair to put an unwilling carer in that position. She is miserable at having to move out of her large house straight into a rest home, but as an intelligent woman and an accountant she should’ve foreseen this and downsized into a suitable unit before things ever got that bad, leaving her poor family no choice but to become the bad guys forcing her out of her home.
Pauline, meanwhile, is too much of a martyr, and blames her amiable husband for her situation in a way that rankled - would it be OK for a man to blame his wife not not taking a higher paid job that would make them miserable so that he can retire early? I think not. She wallows in guilt about putting her mother into a home despite it being the only sensible solution, and is completely unrealistic wanting her to live forever because she personally can’t cope with the pain of losing her (this is exactly what happened with my grandmother who suffered a miserable few years of total dependence because my aunts refused to allow nature to take it’s course and insisted on full hospital care for every illness that might’ve allowed her a gentle escape.) I could identify with her misgivings about menopause and thought the (minor spoiler alert) depression subplot was realistic and sensitively handled.
I did like Donna, working hard at one of the most unappreciated jobs there is, fighting to restore her self-esteem after escaping a bad marriage and awful family. I liked that her life outside of work was developed, and we see her indecision about whether to comply with Lily’s terrible request.
There was a slight mystery element as the question of who did finally comply is not answered until the end. I’m not sure I found it believable to be honest, but I did like the rest of the ending.
Overall this is a good, if serious and slightly depressing read - 3.5 rounded down for the present tense. This would be an excellent Book Club pick as there’s lots to discuss - there is a list of suggested questions at the end. The author doesn’t debate the rights and wrongs of assisted dying, but lets us make up our own minds. It’s topical for me in that a report came out today stating that since euthanasia & assisted suicide became legal ten here weeks ago, about 70 people have gone through the application process and about 20 have done it. Is that a lot or not for a population of 5 million? I don’t know. I’m glad that here at least, people like Lily have the option to decide what’s right for them.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Lily Harford’s Last Request is published on February 2nd.
March 7, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
An interesting read about ageing parents, dementia and families. Told from 3 different perspectives, Lily, her daughter Pauline and personal care assistant Donna, it is a sweetly told story that moves gently through Lily's life, telling unexpected secrets along the way.
An interesting read about ageing parents, dementia and families. Told from 3 different perspectives, Lily, her daughter Pauline and personal care assistant Donna, it is a sweetly told story that moves gently through Lily's life, telling unexpected secrets along the way.
December 7, 2021
We may find ourselves in Lily Hartford’s situation, learning that we or a family member have dementia and have to move to a rest home because of our failing health. If we were in this situation would we want to get someone to assist us to die so that our family did not have to see us endure the ravages of dementia?
I found this story uplifting and the three main characters were very real. Lily is aged in her eighties and has had a good life despite having lost her husband suddenly early in her marriage. She has built up a successful accounting business and brought up her daughter, Pauline.. Pauline is a school principal and is stressed by her demanding job as well as observing her Mother’s decline in health; she would like to retire but needs to keep working because of a poor financial decision made by her husband. Donna, Lily’s caregiver at the Blue Vista rest home becomes very close to Lily; we learn about her unhappy family life and failed marriage. I became attached to these people and was happy to see that Donna’s circumstances were improved at the end of the story.
It is a very modern story and I enjoyed getting to know the three women and their interesting but realistic lives. The story is told by each of the characters in alternating chapters and totally held my attention. I found the book group discussion questions thought provoking. Thanks to netgalley.com for the opportunity to read this book.
I found this story uplifting and the three main characters were very real. Lily is aged in her eighties and has had a good life despite having lost her husband suddenly early in her marriage. She has built up a successful accounting business and brought up her daughter, Pauline.. Pauline is a school principal and is stressed by her demanding job as well as observing her Mother’s decline in health; she would like to retire but needs to keep working because of a poor financial decision made by her husband. Donna, Lily’s caregiver at the Blue Vista rest home becomes very close to Lily; we learn about her unhappy family life and failed marriage. I became attached to these people and was happy to see that Donna’s circumstances were improved at the end of the story.
It is a very modern story and I enjoyed getting to know the three women and their interesting but realistic lives. The story is told by each of the characters in alternating chapters and totally held my attention. I found the book group discussion questions thought provoking. Thanks to netgalley.com for the opportunity to read this book.
December 10, 2021
This novel explores several topical subjects that will hit home with Baby Boomers like myself. Pauline is a driven career woman, wife, mother, grandmother but above all a loving daughter to Lily Harford. Lily herself has had a tough but rewarding life….widowed early, later becoming a single mother and developing her own business at the same time. Their bond is strong and seemingly invincible, until Lily, becoming increasingly frail and forgetful with age, and relocated to a nursing home, finds herself confronting her own mortality and making a difficult decision. She asks Pauline (and others) to help her end her life on her own terms and therein lies the dilemma.
The book is told from the perspective of Lily, Pauline but also Donna, a nursing aide at the home, who is fighting her own demons, but also becomes close to Lily.
Joanna Buckley writes with compassion and sensitivity about relationships past and present, triumphs and tragedies, those big life decisions and small mercies that keep us going …and resolves in a manner that will leave you pondering what would you do? How would you feel in the same situation?
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC ..recommended read.
The book is told from the perspective of Lily, Pauline but also Donna, a nursing aide at the home, who is fighting her own demons, but also becomes close to Lily.
Joanna Buckley writes with compassion and sensitivity about relationships past and present, triumphs and tragedies, those big life decisions and small mercies that keep us going …and resolves in a manner that will leave you pondering what would you do? How would you feel in the same situation?
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC ..recommended read.
December 4, 2021
A difficult and timely issue dealt with very delicately. Well written and told from various viewpoints. I found myself wanting to read ‘just a little bit more’ each time I had to put it down. A thoroughly enjoyable read. 4 1/2 stars.
November 21, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book for an honest review.
Such a beautiful book that looks at the topic of assisted dying.
The characters of Pauline, Lily and Donna become intertwined when Lily moves to a nursing home, but the story shows their lives together as well as their individual lives along with a few flashbacks.
The story was beautifully written and the characters grew with complexity as the story progressed.
Such a beautiful book that looks at the topic of assisted dying.
The characters of Pauline, Lily and Donna become intertwined when Lily moves to a nursing home, but the story shows their lives together as well as their individual lives along with a few flashbacks.
The story was beautifully written and the characters grew with complexity as the story progressed.
January 3, 2022
Under what circumstances would you ask someone to end your life? This is a question posed by Lily Harford’s Last Request by Joanna Buckley. But this book is not just about assisted suicide but also about family relationships, self-image, past trauma, navigating present difficulties, and consequences of feelings resulting from past and present emotions.
Lily is a trailblazer. A single mother and a successful businesswoman in a time when both were unusual. However, her body and mind begin to let her down and ageing takes its toll. The much- dreaded loss of independence follows and Lily is shunted off to a nursing home. Past memories are fresh, but Lily struggles to live in the present, as dementia takes hold. Lily recalls her former selves - mother, professional woman, lover, daughter - who still exist inside her with numerous flashbacks.
Lily's only daughter, Pauline, struggles with a demanding but fulfilling job, a husband who is a disappointment, a daughter and grandchildren. Her and Lily’s bond has always been strong, but Pauline is struggling to resolve being the person caught between generations, still working herself with her own daughter and granddaughters to care for. Reynolds captures the guilt of not being able to care for a parent personally and the feeling that you are abandoning them and also that the parent is also abandoning the child
The third point of view is nurse aide Donna, still recovering from a dysfunctional childhood and the demise of her marriage, and a loss of confidence. She connects with Lily and sees her as a person, not a dementia patient. Donna’s family are not nice. Basically, they are bullies, seeking out the weakest member, who happens to be Donna. “…teasing cloaked in humour, jokey scrutiny of her personality carried out with the precision of eye surgery.”
There are some wonderful pieces of writing about family and intimate dynamics. This piece about Pauline and her husband Sam is one: “Although she loved him and her snitchy barbs embarrassed her, the criticism slithered greasily out of her mouth, even as she watched her husband’s face close over in battle-worn surrender.”
Self-image is another theme. Both Pauline and her mother seem to have curated images of themselves, both internally and extern ally reinforced. For Pauline it is how we get trapped in an image of ourselves designed by ourselves but bolstered by other people’s perceived expectations. Pauline’s diagnosis of depression gives her a glimpse of permission to stop being invulnerable and perfect, and so in control.
Lily’s thoughts are more nuanced. “I’ve possessed a sharp mind all my life. It’s been the cornerstone of my success and my whole self-image. Without it, what am I?” She also ponders the nature of dementia: “It’s as though all the light and colour are leaching away”. What hurts the most is the realization of the effects of dementia: “I’ve come to know what the look on his face means. ‘Have I already mentioned that?’
This is an interesting exploration of ageing from the perspective of the aged and their loved ones and it explores many topical themes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the copy.
Lily is a trailblazer. A single mother and a successful businesswoman in a time when both were unusual. However, her body and mind begin to let her down and ageing takes its toll. The much- dreaded loss of independence follows and Lily is shunted off to a nursing home. Past memories are fresh, but Lily struggles to live in the present, as dementia takes hold. Lily recalls her former selves - mother, professional woman, lover, daughter - who still exist inside her with numerous flashbacks.
Lily's only daughter, Pauline, struggles with a demanding but fulfilling job, a husband who is a disappointment, a daughter and grandchildren. Her and Lily’s bond has always been strong, but Pauline is struggling to resolve being the person caught between generations, still working herself with her own daughter and granddaughters to care for. Reynolds captures the guilt of not being able to care for a parent personally and the feeling that you are abandoning them and also that the parent is also abandoning the child
The third point of view is nurse aide Donna, still recovering from a dysfunctional childhood and the demise of her marriage, and a loss of confidence. She connects with Lily and sees her as a person, not a dementia patient. Donna’s family are not nice. Basically, they are bullies, seeking out the weakest member, who happens to be Donna. “…teasing cloaked in humour, jokey scrutiny of her personality carried out with the precision of eye surgery.”
There are some wonderful pieces of writing about family and intimate dynamics. This piece about Pauline and her husband Sam is one: “Although she loved him and her snitchy barbs embarrassed her, the criticism slithered greasily out of her mouth, even as she watched her husband’s face close over in battle-worn surrender.”
Self-image is another theme. Both Pauline and her mother seem to have curated images of themselves, both internally and extern ally reinforced. For Pauline it is how we get trapped in an image of ourselves designed by ourselves but bolstered by other people’s perceived expectations. Pauline’s diagnosis of depression gives her a glimpse of permission to stop being invulnerable and perfect, and so in control.
Lily’s thoughts are more nuanced. “I’ve possessed a sharp mind all my life. It’s been the cornerstone of my success and my whole self-image. Without it, what am I?” She also ponders the nature of dementia: “It’s as though all the light and colour are leaching away”. What hurts the most is the realization of the effects of dementia: “I’ve come to know what the look on his face means. ‘Have I already mentioned that?’
This is an interesting exploration of ageing from the perspective of the aged and their loved ones and it explores many topical themes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the copy.
February 1, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A tale of the agony and the situations of growing old with a disease lurking, the past of a wonderful life and those it affects around you, grief and the right to die.
Lily Harford has one last request.
After living a fulfilling life and raising a daughter single handedly, Lily has been placed into a nursing home when her health starts deteriorating.
She sometimes forgets the things in the present but memories of the past are still quite vivid.
Before she gets completely uncomfortable and not lucid anymore, Lily wants to die.
Pauline, Lily’s daughter has her hands full, a demanding family and a busy job, now her mother has asked her the unthinkable.
Donna, a nurse at the home where Lily resides, has nothing to rush home for and a past she’d rather forget and now Lily has asked her to help end her life.
A read that will spark many conversations, discussions, questions and thoughts.
A book that will move many readers, create debates and chats.
It will make you think, divide opinions and some will relate.
This may make you cry and sad, make you happy, many will have mixed feelings but for most it will be thought provoking.
A story of how people cope with an illness and asks the questions “how would you feel in the same situation?” and “what would you do?”.
Subject matters may affect some readers, so go in with care.
What is right or wrong…. make up your own mind.
A tale of the agony and the situations of growing old with a disease lurking, the past of a wonderful life and those it affects around you, grief and the right to die.
Lily Harford has one last request.
After living a fulfilling life and raising a daughter single handedly, Lily has been placed into a nursing home when her health starts deteriorating.
She sometimes forgets the things in the present but memories of the past are still quite vivid.
Before she gets completely uncomfortable and not lucid anymore, Lily wants to die.
Pauline, Lily’s daughter has her hands full, a demanding family and a busy job, now her mother has asked her the unthinkable.
Donna, a nurse at the home where Lily resides, has nothing to rush home for and a past she’d rather forget and now Lily has asked her to help end her life.
A read that will spark many conversations, discussions, questions and thoughts.
A book that will move many readers, create debates and chats.
It will make you think, divide opinions and some will relate.
This may make you cry and sad, make you happy, many will have mixed feelings but for most it will be thought provoking.
A story of how people cope with an illness and asks the questions “how would you feel in the same situation?” and “what would you do?”.
Subject matters may affect some readers, so go in with care.
What is right or wrong…. make up your own mind.
January 15, 2022
When I first started reading this book I thought I may not like it. I loved the blurb and thought the story would be interesting and intriguing but with each chapter I found (at first) that it seemed to jump around between timeframes, memories and people. But it did so in a way that it really worked and it really helped me understand the story and the characters better.
This is the story of a woman who is aging in a way she doesn't want, with memory lose and the lose of her freedom. This is is story of a life lived and taking control at the end. This is a story that makes you think, it is emotional and it is heart-breaking yet understandable.
It is very well written, and could be hard for some people to read but for me it is a great read, it is definitely thought provoking and is relevant to our lives.
Highly recommend it.
Lily Harford's Last Request
Joanna Buckley
Harlequin Australia
This is the story of a woman who is aging in a way she doesn't want, with memory lose and the lose of her freedom. This is is story of a life lived and taking control at the end. This is a story that makes you think, it is emotional and it is heart-breaking yet understandable.
It is very well written, and could be hard for some people to read but for me it is a great read, it is definitely thought provoking and is relevant to our lives.
Highly recommend it.
Lily Harford's Last Request
Joanna Buckley
Harlequin Australia
December 23, 2021
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Lily Harford's Last Request thanks to Net Galley and author Joanna Buckley.
This is the author's first work, and it serves as an introduction to her outstanding writing. The book cover and title piqued my interest, so I purposely went past the blurb, which I'm glad I did. To be clear, I'm not delighted to skip blurb because it has a horrible plot; rather, I'm dealing with some personal troubles right now, and books are my solace...so I wanted to avoid anything that may make me weep or feel sad. But if I hadn't read this book, I would have lost out on something crucial.
What a fantastic book with fantastic writing. The lives and struggles of Lily Harford, her daughter Pauline, and her caregiver Donna are chronicled in this novel.
Lily Harford, after a prosperous life, is suffering from dementia, and her memories, cognitive abilities, and control over her life are slowly slipping away. The anguish and hardships of dementia sufferers, as well as their families' challenges and unwillingness to accept the condition, are shown in this narrative.
With this book, I wept a lot, felt a lot, and went through a lot. It's a narrative that's both heart-breaking and wonderful. As a daughter, I could identify with Pauline, but I could also empathise with Lily's problems. There are so many lovely characters in this book. Donna's character is well-developed, as is Pauline's husband Sam's. There was not a single character that I disliked, and all the characters were well-suited to the settings.
Lily's life exemplified courage, strength, kindness, and knowledge, and her fall caused a great deal of sadness. After reading the book, you will wonder what you would do if someone in your family had this disease. I'm choking even as I write this review.
There are just a few novels that can have such an impact on me even after I've finished reading them. I must express my gratitude to the author for this lovely book. This book will be launched on February 2, 2022, and I plan to purchase a copy. This is a book that I would suggest to anybody.
This is the author's first work, and it serves as an introduction to her outstanding writing. The book cover and title piqued my interest, so I purposely went past the blurb, which I'm glad I did. To be clear, I'm not delighted to skip blurb because it has a horrible plot; rather, I'm dealing with some personal troubles right now, and books are my solace...so I wanted to avoid anything that may make me weep or feel sad. But if I hadn't read this book, I would have lost out on something crucial.
What a fantastic book with fantastic writing. The lives and struggles of Lily Harford, her daughter Pauline, and her caregiver Donna are chronicled in this novel.
Lily Harford, after a prosperous life, is suffering from dementia, and her memories, cognitive abilities, and control over her life are slowly slipping away. The anguish and hardships of dementia sufferers, as well as their families' challenges and unwillingness to accept the condition, are shown in this narrative.
With this book, I wept a lot, felt a lot, and went through a lot. It's a narrative that's both heart-breaking and wonderful. As a daughter, I could identify with Pauline, but I could also empathise with Lily's problems. There are so many lovely characters in this book. Donna's character is well-developed, as is Pauline's husband Sam's. There was not a single character that I disliked, and all the characters were well-suited to the settings.
Lily's life exemplified courage, strength, kindness, and knowledge, and her fall caused a great deal of sadness. After reading the book, you will wonder what you would do if someone in your family had this disease. I'm choking even as I write this review.
There are just a few novels that can have such an impact on me even after I've finished reading them. I must express my gratitude to the author for this lovely book. This book will be launched on February 2, 2022, and I plan to purchase a copy. This is a book that I would suggest to anybody.
January 6, 2022
A very difficult book to read at this stage of life. I can’t honestly say I ‘enjoyed’ this book, in fact I struggled to finish it. But it was well written and concentrated on some awful realities. Relatable characters, and a good dose of mystery until the end. Too real for me though. I like escapism at the moment.
December 3, 2022
Although many will consider this to be unsettling content, it was really worth the journey to explore the feelings brought on by old age from the perspective of the aged (mother) and her daughter. There’s a little bit of a mystery to solve as well which gave the book a surprising ending.
January 22, 2022
I loved this thought provoking, beautifully written book by Joanna Buckley for its great poignancy regarding the topic of assisted dying and its exploration of the inner worlds, struggles and relationships of the three main finely drawn characters. The author cleverly portrayed the life of feminist Lily and her daughter Pauline’s honour and respect for her mother, alongside Pauline’s challenges to fulfil her own life roles and demands, particularly when Lily wants assistance to end her life. The inner dialogues and portrayal of female self-scrutiny and torment, and the many tender as well as harrowing moments experienced by the characters were powerfully written. The book provoked me to reflect on the complex nature of family bonds and expectations and to think deeply about the many aspects of what it means to show compassion and “love”. It also caused me to reflect on the nature of human desire to control and the complexity of courage and vulnerability, with the ultimate surrender of control also involving bravery and consequent peace. The intricacies and anxiety associated with aging and dementia, for both sufferer and family were skillfully depicted, including the wisdom and clarity that can come with age, at the same time the physical decay, and the devastating mental and personal crumbling associated with dementia. I loved the author’s use of metaphors, such as those associated with memories (e.g “trying to remember is like scooping slippery fish out of a muddy pool”). I found this to be a very powerful, triumphant and evocative book by a debut author.
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