On Love and Death and Belonging is a fresh, light-hearted, yet profound look at the intersection of the lives of three later-middle-aged people. A group often othered in today’s society and not always included in the lexicon of contemporary novels except as bit players. Fiona, a burned-out nurse, still needing a pay cheque, counting the days to retirement. Brice, a gay man coming to terms with a diagnosis of ALS and the need for care. Adelina, marginalized and living with domestic abuse, her belief in God guides her. The impacts of aging, loneliness, isolation, invisibility, and illness leading to medical assistance in dying, unite these three characters as they search for belonging. On Love and Death and Belonging gives voice to the realization that life, by its very design, doesn’t always get easier. Sometimes, it’s just plain hard.
On Love and Death and Belonging is a fresh, light-hearted, yet profound look at the intersection of the lives of three later-middle-aged people. A group often othered in today’s society and not always included in the lexicon of contemporary novels except as bit players. Fiona, a burned-out nurse, still needing a pay cheque, counting the days to retirement. Brice, a gay man coming to terms with a diagnosis of ALS and the need for care. Adelina, marginalized and living with domestic abuse, her belief in God guides her. The impacts of aging, loneliness, isolation, invisibility, and illness leading to medical assistance in dying, unite these three characters as they search for belonging. On Love and Death and Belonging gives voice to the realization that life, by its very design, doesn’t always get easier. Sometimes, it’s just plain hard.
Reviews
A beautifully layered read that gives so many perspectives on boomer experiences of life, aging and death. Done with humour and tenderness, this book gives great insights into MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying). Bravo!
I really enjoyed this book, and especially its three main characters, a nurse, a housekeeper, and a young man with ALS, all of whom meet in a long-term care facility. There was a lovely blend of humour with the stark realities of lives that haven’t gone as planned. I highly recommend reading it! Read this with my Book Club. So much to discuss! Great characterizations: I found myself understanding if not liking them, Daphne really rounded out the people in her novel.
It becomes pretty apparent in this book that life is not easy and it’s often not fair. However, being resilient has its benefits and camaraderie comes in all shapes and sizes. Two things that I took away from this book are how fortunate I am and that a little humor mixed with a little kindness goes a long way.
Daphne Leonie Wright
Daphne Leonie Wright is a proud Canadian and decades-long Vancouverite who appreciates the spoils of the city where she lives with her husband John. Daphne enjoys leisurely walks, bike rides, swims, and the occasional flat hike. Most often, John can be found up ahead-waiting. As a nurse, Daphne has long been interested in what makes us do the things we do. This interest led her to complete an MA in Liberal Studies. On Love and Death and Belonging is Daphne’s first book.
CBC Interview with Gloria Macarenko
So much fun! I had my first ever radio interview as an indie – debut author with Gloria Macarenko of On The Coast CBC radio. It was so exciting talking about my book, On Love and Death and Belonging. I spoke about how my experiences as a nurse, my personal experiences and my Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies, all influenced the writing of my book.
