The Collected Regrets of Clover
Clover is a death doula who spends more time with the dying than the living. After her beloved grandfather died alone, she finds purpose in ensuring that people have someone by their side when they pass. She keeps notes on the regrets, advice, and confessions they share--recognizing they are valuable insights, but rarely making changes in her own lonely life. When a client shares a story about a long-lost love, Clover sets off on a journey to see if the two can be reunited--a journey that could finally be the catalyst for change in her own life, if she lets it.
This was a charming read that had a lot to say about living without regret, and about how easy it can be to become isolated when you're struggling with something. I wasn't a fan of the relationship with her client's son, but otherwise I liked Clover and the various friendships that helped to draw her out. A good choice for anyone who likes feel-good reads about unlikely friendships.
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Publisher’s Description
What’s the point of giving someone a beautiful death if you can’t give yourself a beautiful life?
From the day she watched her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit, Clover Brooks has felt a stronger connection with the dying than she has with the living. After the beloved grandfather who raised her dies alone while she is traveling, Clover becomes a death doula in New York City, dedicating her life to ushering people peacefully through their end-of-life process.
Clover spends so much time with the dying that she has no life of her own, until the final wishes of a feisty old woman send Clover on a trip across the country to uncover a forgotten love story––and perhaps, her own happy ending. As she finds herself struggling to navigate the uncharted roads of romance and friendship, Clover is forced to examine what she really wants, and whether she’ll have the courage to go after it.
Probing, clever, and hopeful, The Collected Regrets of Clover is perfect for readers of The Midnight Library and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine as it turns the normally taboo subject of death into a reason to celebrate life.