We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman

Ash and Edi have been best friends since they were children. When Edi needs end of life care as a result of ovarian cancer Ash spends all her time with her, supporting and reminiscing.

This is not an easy read, thankfully it is a relatively quick one. There is no gentle lead into the brutal fact that Edi only has a few weeks left to live and her family are faced with some difficult decisions. The descriptions of the care Edi receives are honest and stark. 

What we do have is a glimpse into an abiding friendship. Friends who've seen each other at their very best and their very worst. Friends who, above all else, are honest with each other. Ash is always honest with Edi, she never tries to sugar coat what is happening or make unrealistic promises. I loved the part that described a close friend as the backup drive to your own memories.

While we are present for all of the things that Ash does for her friend (sourcing food requests, trips outside, plucking chin hair) we also see that she is able to do all these things because of the wonderful support network she has. There is also the reminder that for friends and family life falls into two categories, dealing with someone dying and then coping with the loss.

Descriptions of the hospice and it's staff show the amazing job these places do. We see life celebrated as well as death mourned. We also see that humour still has a place in these situations, that these types of release valves are vital.

We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman will be published in ebook and audio format on 8th November 2022. The hardback format will be available on 12th January 2023. My thanks to NetGalley and Transworld Books for a review copy.