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A Matter of Death and Life

Love, Loss and What Matters in the End

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A Matter of Death and Life

By: Marilyn Yalom, Irvin D. Yalom
Narrated by: Jim Frangione, Pam Ward
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About this listen

Internationally renowned psychiatrist and author Irvin Yalom has devoted his career to counselling those suffering from anxiety and grief. But never had he faced the need to counsel himself until his wife, esteemed feminist author Marilyn Yalom, was diagnosed with cancer. In A Matter of Death and Life, Marilyn and Irvin share how they took on profound new struggles: Marilyn to die a good death, Irvin to live on without her.

In alternating accounts of their last months together and Irvin's first months alone, they offer us a rare window into coping with death and the loss of one's beloved. The Yaloms had rare blessings - a loving family, a beautiful home, a large circle of friends, avid readers around the world, and a long, fulfilling marriage - but they faced death as we all do. With the candour and wisdom of those who have thought deeply and loved well, they investigate universal questions of intimacy, love, and grief.

Informed by two lifetimes of experience, A Matter of Death and Life offers poignant insights and solace to all those seeking to fight despair in the face of death, so that they can live meaningfully.

©2021 Irvin Yalom and Marilyn Yalom (P)2021 Hachette Audio UK Grief & Loss Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Marriage Grief Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"Illuminating and vivid, a beautiful examination of the consolation of a life well-lived, and a beacon of hope to all of us who will be bereaved." (Kathryn Mannix)

"An unforgettable and achingly beautiful story of enduring love." (Lori Gottleib)

"Wise, beautiful, heartbreaking, raw." (The Times)
All stars
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As a psychotherapist myself I have followed Dr Yalom closely, used his wisdom with my own clients and held him in my head while in sessions. This book focuses on Yalom's processes before, during and after the death of his wife whom he met when he was 15, she 14. If this book fails to move, create a tear or two or does not stimulate thought on deeply difficult areas of death and life then I would be astounded. A man nearing the end of his own life, willing to share his grief is the mark of a great and also a deeply humble man.

Heart wrenching

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Despite its tackling a grim topic, this listen has still been intriguing and very educative throughout. Grateful to Dr. Yalom for letting us in into this most intimate of experiences of a grieving therapist 🙏

Intimacy of grief

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A legacy of the heart, abundant gratitude and love for Irvin and Marilyn. To have loved each other so deeply with wonder, awe and presence, to live with no regrets, deeply moving. I listened and finished in one day. Brilliant narration, I cried several times. Highly recommended. Thank you Irvin and Marilyn, forever alive in the hearts of all you have shared your life and work with, all of us so beautifully touched by you and Marilyn. I as a trainee therapist, book lover and avid reader of your work, as with others, you live in all of us and the generations we share with and after us, love is surely greater and transcends the blessings and gifts of this human life, evident from your life, and love of Marilyn and all x

Beautiful, poignant, powerful, a must read/listen

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I am a counselling student just starting training and this book is my introduction to Yalom. I can honestly say this book is beautifully written and emotive. it made me laugh and cry but also resonated with me as I felt this book was open, honest and raw. Yaloms vulnerability was beautiful and I closed my eyes and imaged i was holding him much for myself as for him. Feels very poignant at the moment thinking of how the Queen must feel for losing Prince Philip. I wish I could send her this book.

Emotive and powerful

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Deeply moving and painful journey from the Yaloms, navigating the challenges and heart break of profound loss. One of life’s greatest cruelties: the separation of the beloved in old age. This is a generous and truthful book. Thank you.

Touching Haunting Honest journey from Love to death

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Tender and insightful, this book is gentle in how it expresses the hardest truth of life, death.

The dignity.

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Loved this book. It's a sometimes tricky subject, writing about death, but Irvin and Marilyn have made a wonderful, personal contribution to the topic. I found it both powerful and comforting to listen to.

Powerful and comforting

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beautiful and moving story of a life time of love and loss and moving forward

loved it

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I loved this entire book, and it touched me deeply. I found the chapter on sex and grief deeply honest, insightful and illuminating.

A Work of Art

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what not to Love about Yalom he is pure genius. Such a powerful book.

just love dr Yalom

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