Death Actually

This lovely book is written by another former Wellington GP, although I never met her, and have not read her previous novel, but will be looking out for it.

Maggie Potter, fortyish, is an undertaker - excuse me, funeral director, in Queenstown, New Zealand (for my overseas friends, it’s a resort town in the South Island, probably one of the most beautiful towns in the world.)
Maggie has had a tough life, married too young, she was left with two very young children when her husband skedaddled, having to take over the family funeral business when her parents were killed in an accident. Now settled into her role, with good friends and a comfortable life, she is quite content, but life, and death, keep getting in the way. First her daughter returns from working as a chef in London, and won’t get out of bed. Her son is working as a food delivery driver, visiting an old friend who is a morbidly obese recluse following an injury, and a movie star is in town, causing chaos. Then a close friend dies, followed by a stranger who appears to have drunk herself to death, and Maggie has to hide her feelings under her professionalism. Her other good friend, Elka, is having an operation, and she keeps running in to, or being nearly run over, by the town’s hunky doctor...

Despite the focus on death, in all it’s forms, this book is neither too dark and heavy, nor too light and fluffy. I really liked the characters - Maggie is realistically flawed but sympathetic, Nick a brave and kind yet cheeky young man, Lizzie believable in her battle with depression and chronic pain. While not particularly funny, there are some clever in jokes and amusing moments. I loved the thinly disguised parodies of a well known NZ broadcaster (even the name rhymes) and movie star (and again, part of the name is similar.)
There are enough subplots to keep it interesting without becoming confusing, and some serious issues are dealt with sensitively. I was interested in the details of the funeral industry, which one doesn’t often read about, and loved all the NZ details.

My only criticism is that the romance (which to me was unnecessary) was terribly cliched - did it have to be with a handsome rich doctor, and followed the same course (antagonism, attraction, misunderstanding, shared drama, true love, yawn...) I understand that the plot needed a doctor, but it would’ve been great to see a less conventional love story. Even so, am giving it 5 stars as it’s well written and a great read.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Is one ever allowed to say that a book was honest if they know it's a work of fiction?
Well, the details, dialogues and characters were so real and vivid in how they went about their lives that I couldn't help but empathize with Maggie when her longtime friend chooses to take her own life instead of Cancer taking it. Or, when the new doctor-Ben, comes into town and she cannot help but be hot and cold around him. There are also Kate and Nick who in their own way model her strength as a single parent.
So, thank you NetGalley for the eARC, this was a heartfelt read anyone who's ever loved, lived and cherished a moment or two with great people would enjoy this book.

"Observe, Remember, Compare. It can be applied to almost anything."
This is an amazing book of family, love, hope, grief and resilience.
The Main character Maggie Porter is a funeral director. She has two children who are finding their ways as they approach adulthood, and Maggie has friends who help her find her dreams.
I loved the characters, the descriptions and the real life dilemma's in each chapter.
Tissues are needed at times, but laughing is included and you won't want to miss this novel!

This book sensitively examined the life of Maggie as a funeral director and her children,
Naturally there were some deaths, but also some success stories. The romance was a bit cliched and didn't lend much to the story. I enjoyed the book and would look for others from this author

What a satisfying, interesting and very well written book! I loved this story and all of this characters. I strongly recommend this to absolutely anyone! This will be a terrific beach read, but you might not want to put it down to go in the water!

Set in Queenstown, New Zealand, Death Actually is an omniscient third-person narrative that tells the story of Maggie, a strong independent woman who has had to be both a mother and father to her two children, Kate and Nick. As a funeral director, she is far from stereo-typical, adding to her well-rounded and three-dimensional characterisation.

This well-written story is full of different characters; there is plenty of action and the author doesn’t shy away from some real gritty issues. As well as being both sad and funny, this is also an inspirational tale of making the best out of life before it’s too late. Whilst there is plenty going on, its linear structure makes for an uncomplicated and chillaxy read and I would recommend this for anybody who likes Jill Mansell or Carole Matthews.

I give this novel 4 out of 5 stars within its genre of Women’s contemporary fiction.

This is the second book I've read by Rosy Fenwicke, and I really enjoyed it. It made me laugh and cry at the same time. Great summer read.