A Matter of Life and Death
(Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016)
This book brings together contributors from different backgrounds including a Holocaust survivor and a death row inmate, to explore perspectives on death. Each contributor offers commentary on a written or visual work that best expresses death to them. A meaningful volume for the bereaved and those working in bereavement or spirituality.
A Holocaust survivor whose mother collapsed and died only moments after they both registered as survivors, a death row inmate who has reclaimed his life through Buddhism, and a mother whose daughter was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer two days before her thirtieth birthday, among others, offer their perspectives on death and dying in this thought-provoking volume.
Contributors from all walks of life share their thoughts on carefully selected writings, images and artwork that most accurately express death to them. Describing their unique experiences, they reveal that, beyond the heartache and the mystery, death teaches us all invaluable lessons about how we live our lives.
Offering comfort, reassurance and varied insights into death, loss and its impact on life, this collection is for anyone who might be coming to terms with this inevitable destination. Royalty proceeds from the book will be donated to Ashgate Hospicecare, North Derbyshire, UK.
‘I rejoice that death has become less of a taboo subject in our conversations. In this timely book you will discover precious wisdom and heartfelt insights from people of all walks of life... As I have listened to these voices, I have found reassurance and enlightenment. I know this book will offer the same gifts to you whether you believe in a transition to a new life or contemplate the beyond with some uncertainty. I commend it highly.’
- from the foreword by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
Reviews
Dialogue - Issue 2016
This is one of the best books I have recommended for Dialogue. It is a practical book for a start; a book one can dip into to find wisdom and inspiration. It is also a profound treatment of the nature of death and death’s inherent connection with life. See more here.
— Richard White (editor of Dialogue)
As a Palliative Care health professional for over 30 years I believe there is obvious relevance and timeliness of this book as our society slowly but increasingly engages in conversations about dying. And as an avid reader with a love of prose, I found Ros’ use of verse and narrative non-threatening, easy to read and comforting despite the ‘traditionally’ taboo subject matter.
— Melissa Cumming, Palliative Care NSW Management Committee
Book Blurbs
A powerful book on the truth of our mortality and the richness that can be derived from our encounter with death.
— Roshi Joan Halifax, Abbott Upaya Zen Centre
We experience death in many ways before facing it in our own lives. Whatever will support is to consider death more honestly and life more appreciatively is to be deeply valued. Rosalind Bradley’s beautiful collection offers both those gifts abundantly.
— Reverend Stephanie Dowrick, Author - Seeking the Sacred
A Matter of Life and Death provides thought-proving reflections from a wide range of peope whose lives have been deeply influenced by encounters with death, dying and loss. Their insights into these sensitive, often taboo, subjects are inspirational and uplifting - highly recommended reading for all who work in end of life or bereavement care.
— Dr Marilyn Relf, National Bereavement Alliance
Dying conjures many stories, many feelings, many fears. Rosalind Bradley brings together the thoughts of the eminent, well-trained and also those who have personal experience with the dying. These stories explore the inspiring, the meaningful and sometimes troubled ideas that everyone will have about death.
— Professor Richard Chye, University of Notre Dame Australia
A thoughtful collection of personal stories and perspectives on death as a defining part of life. Beautifully told and cleverly presented. A unique offering on an ultimate truth - you will be inspired, intrigued informed and touched by the diversity and authenticity of the contributions.
— Professor Christine Bennett AO, Dean of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia