Book Review: Before I Go by CoLleen Oakley

Her time is running out.
How can Daisy ensure that Jack will live happily ever after?
On the eve of what was supposed to be a triumphant 'Cancerversay' with her husband Jack to celebrate three years of good health, Daisy suffers a devastating blow: her doctor tells her that the cancer is back, but this time it's terminal.
Death is a frightening prospect- but not because she's afraid for herself. Terrified of what will happen to her brilliant but charmingly helpless husband when she's no longer there to take care of him, she stumbles on the solution: she has to find him another wife.
With a singular determination, Daisy searches for Jack's perfect match. But as the thought of her husband with another woman becomes all too real, Daisy is forced to decide what's more important in the short amount of time she has left, her husband's happiness or her own?

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Pages: 320

This book is heartbreaking but such an interesting read. I have read a few books where the main character is dying from Cancer but I think this one is the most honest.
Daisy is due to celebrate being clear of cancer for three years when her oncologist delivers the awful news that her cancer has returned and it is terminal. Her life expectancy has been reduced to months and there is nothing she can do. Daisy focuses on her husband Jack and what will happen to him once she has gone. She decides that she needs to find him a new wife so that he won't be on his own. But is she really strong enough to find her own replacement and what if Jack ends up loving someone more than her?
I really like Daisy and she goes through so, so much in this book. As you would expect, her emotions are all over the place; anger, sadness, relief, jealousy are just a few that are explored. There were times that I wanted to shout at her to just enjoy the time that she has left instead of looking for Jack's new wife. But then I had to think how I would react in that situation, knowing you only have a few months left to cram in as much as you can.
I couldn't dislike Jack as he was sc
arily like my own husband. I think it's a shame in a way that we only get the one chapter from Jack's perspective as it would have been interesting to read more about his reactions to Daisy's behaviour and illness.
Colleen Oakley doesn't hold back too much on the physical effects of Daisy's cancer and it's obvious that this book has been meticulously researched. She does not bog you down with detail but instead shows you the procedures and medications that Daisy has to endure and how they affect her.
This book is obviously incredibly sad but I have to say that I was very impressed by the level of humour that the author included in the book. The funny moments mainly occurred between Daisy and Jack but they were entirely believable and much needed.
Before I Go is a book that will make you think about how you would behave in such a situation. But more importantly it makes you take stock of how lucky you are and how that can be taken away so quickly.
Colleen Oakley has written a very interesting, highly emotive debut novel and I was very impressed.

Many thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending me a review copy, Before I Go is out now! 

Book Review: The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes by Anna McPartlin

Here is the truth that can't be escaped: for Mia 'Rabbit' Hayes, life is coming to an end...
Rabbit Hayes loves her life, ordinary as it is, and the extraordinary people in it.
She loves her spirited daughter Juliet; her colourful, unruly family; the only man in her big heart, Johnny Faye.
But it turns our the world has other plans for Rabbit, and she's okay with that. Because she has plans for the world too, and only a handful of days to make them happen.
Here is a truth that won't be forgotten: this is a story about laughing through life's surprises and finding the joy in every moment. 

Publisher: Transworld

Pages: 362 

Publication Date: 1 January, 2015

I thought that The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes was an incredible read. Anna McPartlin knows how to tell a good story. Rabbit Haye's story was humbling and extremely powerful, the book left me in tears at the end and I just wanted to tell everyone about it.
Rabbit Hayes is dying, she only has days left and has just moved to a hospice. Having already beat breast cancer, Rabbit has had a long battle, it has now spread to her bones and she must prepare to say goodbye.
The book alternates between different character's perspectives which works beautifully as we get to hear Rabbit's inner thoughts then see Rabbit through the eyes of those who love her the most. It is heart-wrenching to see their reactions to her illness, their anger at seeing her suffering is very raw and I felt that this was a very believable and honest account of the devastation that cancer causes.
The story flits between the present day and the past where Rabbit remembers Johnny Faye. He was her only true love; he was in a band with her brother Davey but he too was taken too young. Although Rabbit has got on with her life and gone on to have her daughter Juliet, you get a real sense that she has never let Johnny go. Her memories of their time together gives her real comfort during her last days.
I completely fell in love with the Haye's family, their only concern is for Rabbit and to do the right by Juliet who she will have to leave behind. It was interesting to see how each member of the family dealt with it differently; at times they didn't agree about Rabbit's care or what should happen to Juliet but when it came down to it they pulled together as a family unit. So much humour cane from the Haye's family, especially Rabbit's mum Molly. Although this book made me cry, it also made me laugh out loud on many an occasion.
Anna McPartlin's writing style was very confident and fluid; the dialogue was particularly good and felt very natural. The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes makes you think about the importance of each day and appreciating the little things, I highly recommend this emotional read, just make sure you have some tissues ready.

Many thanks to Alice at Transworld for sending me a copy of this wonderful book to review.