I had never heard of a death doula before and did not know that death cafes existed so this aspect of the book was new to me. Clover was quite a sad character at the beginning of the book but it was interesting to see how her character developed as the story moved on. More of a romance than I expected but endearing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reading The Collected Regrets of Clover it's been a bit like a roller-coaster ride. Seen the blurb(the NetGalley one) I thought it was an interesting premise and I was looking forward to read about death and about people dealing with their last days on Earth. But then it become evident that it was going down the romanticised path of self-discovery as a consequence of dealing with death and regrets. So it kind of lost me, but then I am a woman, and I might not watch romantic comedies but hey who can resist a cute love story, eh?!

Clover is a likeable character, despite her coldness and lone wolf attitude. She develops nicely in the course of the novel and she does learn her lessons. I particularly liked her relationship with her grandpa, such a lovely and full of love and wisdom grandpa he was. What I didn't really like was that once again we have a romantic take on death and more of a romance rather than a novel about grief. But all in all, an enjoyable read!

I honestly think it might be my new favourite book.
While I recognise problems in Clover’s behaviour, that many other reviewers pointed out, I couldn’t stop comparing myself to her throughout the whole book. It felt like this book was written perfectly for me. Also, while I was reading the book I received an information of someone’s passing. I didn’t know them personally but they were close to my heart and their death affected me strongly so this book was an absolutely perfect companion for the past few days.
My review might be influenced by my emotions and feelings as I honestly didn’t notice any negativities about it, I only realised that there might have been some after reading other reviews, But I believe a sign of a book being great is when it makes you feel and experience these emotions so it’s a 5/5 stars from me and I’m now on my way to preorder it as I’m dying to have a print version in my hands to annotate it.

Sincere thank you to the author, Viking and Net Galley for an early access to this book in exchange for my honest review.

Death doula, death cafe were completely new things in my life that came together with this book. None of us understands what is death for us until we are about to meet it. I loved the beautiful insights about human life and dying, but as a fiction book it didn't prove attractive enough.

"The Collected Regrets of Clover" is an exceptional novel that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. Mikki Brammer has crafted a sentimental and poignant narrative that engages readers from the very beginning. This book dives deep into the profound questions about the meaning of life and death, emphasizing how our choices shape our journey and urging us to make the most of the limited time we have. It skillfully explores the art of letting go and embracing life's moments.

At the heart of the story is Clover Brooks, a remarkable character who works as a death doula in bustling New York City. From a young age, Clover has been fascinated by death, which was sparked by a tragic incident in her kindergarten class and further reinforced by the accidental deaths of her parents. However, Clover doesn't view death in a morbid way; instead, she sees it as a natural part of life and endeavors to help others process it during their final days. The irony lies in the fact that while she guides others through this profound experience, she has forgotten to live herself truly.

Raised by her late grandfather, Clover has lived a secluded life devoid of romantic relationships and friendships with peers. Her social interactions are limited to Leo, one of her grandfather's friends. But when a spirited and uninhibited tenant named Sylvie moves into her building and a man named Sebastian hires her to care for his dying grandmother, Claudia, Clover's world takes an unexpected turn. As these new connections flourish, Clover discovers that she has much to learn about life and its vibrant possibilities.

Mikki Brammer's debut novel is a work of literary art. The prose is beautifully written, and there is a profound, almost philosophical quality to the narrative. This book fearlessly delves into a topic that many shy away from, death and dying. Yet, it does so with the intention of shifting the focus towards appreciating and living our lives to the fullest. While it may unsettle those who are sensitive to the topic, it ultimately promotes the idea of embracing life with gratitude and joy and living every second of our lives fully.

Witnessing Clover's personal growth and transformation is a joyous experience. Through the pages of this novel, readers embark on a journey alongside her as her world opens up, revealing new dimensions of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The characters are expertly developed, each bringing their own unique perspectives and wisdom to the story. It is through Sylvie, Sebastian, and particularly Claudia that Clover learns valuable lessons about the essence of living. And finally, Hugo is the cherry on top coming to her life to accompany her for the rest of her journey.

"The Collected Regrets of Clover" is a captivating and enriching read. It captures the intricacies of life's most profound questions and intertwines them with a compelling narrative that captivates readers until the very last page. Mikki Brammer has created a work that touches the heart and prompts introspection, reminding us to appreciate life's gift and embrace every moment with zest. This is a debut novel that leaves an indelible impression, and I eagerly await Brammer's future works.

Did I convince you to read this book? I can’t recommend it enough.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author who sent me an electronic ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a moving book that centres around Clover Brooks, a 36 year old death doula, living in New York.
After losing her parents at the age of six, her fascination with death has meant she’s never really fitted into society, and friendships and love have eluded her.
However, she’s found her vocation as she gently guides people on their last journeys, with compassion, comfort and words of wisdom.
As she forms a close attachment to a new client, she goes on her own journey of self-discovery and comes to realise she has to let go of her past to move forward and ‘live’.
So beautifully written and with an array of wonderful characters, I’d like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was unsure about this book at first, but boy did it grab me. Absolutely loved reading this powerful story with a message to all.
Clover is a single lady in her thirties, She was brought up by her grandfather from age six, following the death of her parents whilst they were away on a trip. She is a very down to earth person who finds it hard to let people in.
She does an amazing job as a death doula and keeps a record of her clients last words, be they regrets, advice or confessions.
Clover helps 91-year old Claudia, whose family struggle with talking about death. They get close and Clover makes some discoveries about herself.
A heartwarming story of hope, love and death (which will come to us all at some point) .
I wholeheartedly recommend this book, it’s full of hope, despite the subject and not morbid at all.

3.5 Stars

I really enjoyed the unique concept of this book. Having not heard of a death doula before, and it was interesting to learn about this this Clover's experience. The themes of loss, grief and learning to live a life without regrets were explored to create an emotional, yet uplifting read.

Unfortunately, I didn't quite connect with Clover as much as I would have liked. I enjoyed the flashbacks to her past and found her relationship with her Grandfather to be beautiful and endearing. However, present day Clover felt a little flat, and at times a bit inconsistent to me.

The overall pacing of the book also felt slightly off to me. I was initially intrigued and drawn into the story, however, felt a little bored at times throughout the middle section. The last 20% was the standout for me, and I found myself once again engaged, and even shed a fear tears.

Brammer is clearly a very talented writer. Her prose is stunning and very much helped to carry me through the parts of the book where I felt the plot was lacking. I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoyed this book about Clover and her story. There were many reasons I enjoyed the book but mainly because of the development of Clover.

She has always been fascinated by death, and becomes a death doula following the death of her grandfather. However she lives an isolated life with no friendships or ever had a relationship.

Along the way she meets many lovely characters, and with the help of these connections, she grows and comes out of her shell.
It got me thinking about how we choose to live our life and our perceptions about death.

The book has also got life lessons and wisdom sprinkled throughout, that I really liked. I really enjoyed this book and read it quickly, so highly recommend.

I loved this book!
It was so different to anything else that I have read.
It was so beautiful and emotional.
I had no idea what a death doula was prior to this and now I have so much appreciation for them.
It was a book that stopped and made you think, and I love that in a book.
Can't wait to buy this and add it to my collection.

This story is about Clover and what she has learnt in the first part of her life. She has always felt lonely and fears further rejection so hides herself away in a profession where she knows those she works with will soon be gone. She is a "death doula" and works to help dying people deal with any regrets, thoughts or emotions they feel leading up to their death.
The majority of the story centres around her helping Claudia and her family prepare for her passing. In doing this Clover finally faces up to the fact that she's hiding from living (with the help of some not so gentle words from others).

There are a couple of quotes that really struck a cord with me:

Page 87
"Who are we to tell anyone their pain isn't worthy?"

Page 304
"Grief is just love looking for a place to settle."

This is a story that will stay with me for a while. Highly recommend!!

#AD Thank you to Netgalley and VikingBooks for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Collected Regrets of Clover is due to be published on the 6th of July 2023.

One of the most moving, beautiful books I have ever read. Such an unusual premise- Clover's life as a death doula (something I had never heard of before) and her dedication to helping those entering their last days really makes you stop and think about your own life. The characters in this book are wonderful and memorable and will push you to really think about life, our existence and our place in this world.
These amazing characters, particularly Clover and the questions they provoke in you will stay with you long after closing this book.

"Grief is just love looking for a place to settle"

Review also posted to my Instagram page @ericas_bookreviews

It's rare for a book to reduce me to tears nowadays, The Collected Regrets of Clover managed this dubious feat of honour several times, particularly towards the end of the novel. This is one of those novels that is thoughtful and contemplative, it's beautifully written and draws you into the life of Clover as she works with those approaching death. This is a very slow burn novel, focusing in on Clover's work as a death Douala and the individuals she comes across both in her personal and professional life.

Clover is very much a social recluse. Fascinated by death since seeing her teacher die at five years old, she wasn't exactly a popular kid in school. When her parents die in a boating accident shortly afterwards, she is raised by her grandfather; a man of few words, yet full of life. His death when Clover is an adult absolutely shakes the foundations of her world, leading her to become even more insular and isolated.

I empathised with Clover. She's not always the most likeable character and she certainly has her creepy moments. Her social life is almost non-existent and her only real friend is her elderly neighbour who was a close friend of her grandfather. She has her own regrets, particularly about her grandfather's death. And whilst she logs each death she attends in her notebooks full of confessions, regrets and advice, she seems to have forgotten how to live. Until she finds herself embroiled in Claudia's life and death.

Whilst this is an exploration of death, grief and ageing, it is also an affirming exploration of life and what we make of it. It's heartfelt and poignant and doesn't shy away from difficult topics. I was caught by the novel and drawn in by characterisations. It's an unusual novel, but one that I more than recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my free review copy of this title.

When my dad died in a hospice in 2017 I was overawed by the people working there. They weren't death doulas like in this book, they were doctors and nurses and carers, but they still comforted people when they passed over to the next life. And I remember afterwards, thinking how amazing it must be to be that person for someone. How unafraid of death and the dying. And whilst I admit I am too emotional to do that job, it's an industry that I have been interested in and admired ever since.

It's an interesting concept. People (especially in the UK) still have this fear of death and talking about death. I've experienced enough of it over the years that it's no stranger to me. But it's the only certainty of any of us. Ignoring it doesn't make it go away, it just makes it something to fear. And I feel it's important to talk about it. There isn't anything else that we hide away from. We discuss our most intimate situations but we can't bare to discuss the one thing we all have in common. So, if the idea feels a bit heavy for you, a fictional book is a great starting point.

For what could potentially be quite a morale lowering book - what with all the death - it's incredibly life affirming and hopeful and joyful. It's very strong but also light. This book is like a therapy session - in a good way. It shows you just how important life is and to live life without regrets, but without being too preachy. You're so invested in Clover's world that you don't realise how much good the story is doing for you until it's finished and you're alone again.

I know it doesn't really have any effect on the book itself but I adore the name Clover. It's not a name I've really given any prior thought to, but now I have, I think it's just glorious. There's a number of characters but I'll just pick a few to talk about.

I identified with Clover more than I was expecting to. Not the profession side of it, but the introvert, the love of reading, the not wanting to be close to people in case they leave. She was lovely. Then her client Claudia. She is a wonderful character. So beautiful in heart and soul, a bit cheeky; she reminds me of my late grandmother. She's just a wonderful creation. Claudia's grandson Sebastian irked me at first, I found him a bit slimy. But his heart was in the right place. I adored Leo, Clover's elderly neighbour. He was just gorgeous and I wanted to sit with a cup of tea and listen to his stories. Hugo, although a small role, was an important one and I instantly had a warm feeling about him.

I've said before in other reviews that I prefer character development over plot in my reading. And whilst there is a whole lot of plot here, I still think the characters overtake it. The journey they all go on - physically and emotionally - is just beautiful and they felt so human, so real, so like you and me.

I believe this is Mikki's debut novel and it will definitely stay with me for some time. I can't wait to see what else she produces.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this arc.

This is probably one of the most poignant books I have ever read. The lessons we learn about not just going through each day the same way are so profound. This book tells us how to actually live in every moment throughout our lives and to change our perspectives on what life actually is. Beautiful characters and beautiful story. Highly recommend

“Don’t let the best parts of life pass you by because you’re too scared of the unknown.”

The book follows a death doula and while her job is related to death, the book's focus is on life and its celebration.

I was a bit nervous going into this book having major death anxiety. Needless to say I found Sebastian the most relatable character.

But this book turned out to be so much more and so little about death. This book is a beautiful homage to life and living it to the fullest. The Advice, Confessions and Regrets notebooks were the most memorable part of the book that left a huge impact on me and gave me something to think about.

It is a book about life, healing, family, friendship, ups and downs, choices, regrets, happiness, acceptance and love in all its forms.

This is a must read.

“The secret to a beautiful death is living a beautiful life.”

We are here.

Thank You NetGalley for this beautiful ARC.

“Grief is just love looking for a place to settle”

Clover supports people in the last days as a death doula. She provides comfort to those alone or finding it difficult to make their peace as they die, yet despite all the advice and regrets she has gathered from her clients along the way, Clover is just existing herself. She leads a lonely life, with her pets for company and an elderly neighbour Leo, who she meets for a weekly mahjong game. When she is asked to support Claudia, an elderly lady who lived an exciting full life as a young woman, Clover begins to realise that she needs to change and start taking risks.

I really enjoyed this debut novel. Despite the subject matter of death, it wasn’t dark and depressing, quite the opposite, I found it uplifting. It had echoes of Eleonor Oliphant is Completely Fine, All The Lonely People and Meredith Alone. At times Clover is difficult to like, but she grew on me. She is professional at her job, yet is so closed in her real life. There is an ease to the writing style that made this a really absorbing read for me. As someone who has been afraid of death, there were some beautiful passages about death and grief, that had me reflecting on the life cycle and how we should be living our lives fully.
Thanks to @netgalley and @vikingbooks for this ARC. I’m sure this book will be well received when it’s published in July 2023.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a beautiful story, the author has done a wonderful job of drawing you in to their world. A fantastic read that I will be recommending to many!

This is a sweet and heartwarming read. Clover is a death doula, spending her time easing the last moments of others and helping them die with company beside them.

Clover captures the last words of the people she helps, however mundane, and collects them in three notebooks. Through the story, Clover learns more about herself, and we learn to appreciate just how much her role can mean.

I received an ARC of this book from NetgalIey. A debut novel with a most intriguing narrative line theat caught my attention instantly and yet was only a small part of the experience of reading the book. I had never heard of the term Death Doula. The idea seems a bit macabre at first but as my experience working in health services should have told me nothing about death is as macabre as we make it feel.

I LOVED this book not only for its psychological spirit and it's attention to detail about Clover's job, But also because the author wrapped up this career into a personality of such depth and variety. I adored the character of Clover and of those around her. I liked how Claudia made her see into her own life and how those other characters helped her when she was ready for that help.

The working in of Clover's love for books, the weekly trips to the bookstore, her own notebooks etc etc all formed integral parts of the narrative.

What a beautiful book. One I will certainly recommend to others