Richard & Judy Introduce We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman

An absolutely dazzling triumph of wit, emotion, sadness, love and friendship. Ash and Edi have been friends for 40 years. Now Edi is dying of cancer, and Ash’s self-appointed role is to attend to her friend’s care and happiness until the end. And yes, happiness, even joy, is supreme in this tender, loving, and very funny book. I urge you to read it.

Judy's Review:

I’ve fallen in love with this book.

It’s quite extraordinary, a dazzling gem of love, warmth, sadness, devotion and shimmering wit.

Ash and Edi have been friends for 40 years when Edi is diagnosed with terminal cancer. She moves into a hospice near Ash, who takes it upon herself to care for Edi to spare her devastated husband and young son.

This might sound devastatingly sad and it obviously is, but the sheer wit and humour of Newman’s prose means it’s also extremely funny and totally life-affirming.

I’ve never read a book quite like it; it’s so fresh and original, full of love, humour and compassion. An absolute masterpiece in life and death, sadness and joy.

A beautiful novel.

Richard's Review:

I agree with Judy, this book is a masterpiece, as witty as a Nora Ephron novel.

It’s full of understanding and compassion.

Ash loves her husband Honey, but they’re separated and Ash naughtily sleeps with friends, of which she knows her grownup daughters are fully aware - and yet, the book forgives her, as do the daughters, because Ash is a life force, full of joy, wit, compassion and care.

Although this is a story about someone dying it’s full of humour, a celebration of life and all the things which make it wonderful. Food and recipes, music, and above all love. It’s not at all mawkish or even sentimental, even though it will have you in tears.

Its description of hospice life is quite marvellous; each character has the vibe of a warm hug.

A life-enhancing book. I couldn’t recommend it more.