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The Story of a Heart

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The Story of a Heart

By: Rachel Clarke
Narrated by: Rachel Clarke
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About this listen

 SHORTLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024
SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2025
BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE SPECTATOR, NEW STATESMAN, NEW SCIENTIST, AND PROSPECT

FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER DEAR LIFE AND BREATHTAKING, A MAJOR TV DRAMA

'What a book . . . The perfect book' Chris Evans on Virgin Radio

'Profoundly moving and at the same time wildly inspiring' Rob Delaney

'Rachel Clarke's finest book yet' Financial Times

'Remarkable' Cosmopolitan

'The best narrative non-fiction I've read in years. Rachel Clarke has written a profound piece of investigative journalism and wrapped it up in poetry' Christie Watson

'This is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL and riveting book: written with such humanity, empathy and knowledge, such tact and drama and eloquence. Vital reading, lifelong revelation' Laura Cumming

The first of our organs to form, the last to die, the heart is both a simple pump and the symbol of all that makes us human: as long as it continues to beat, we hope.

One summer day, nine-year-old Keira suffered catastrophic injuries in a car accident. Though her brain and the rest of her body began to shut down, her heart continued to beat. In an act of extraordinary generosity, Keira's parents and siblings agreed that she would have wanted to be an organ donor. Meanwhile nine-year-old Max had been hospitalised for nearly a year with a virus that was causing his young heart to fail. When Max's parents received the call they had been hoping for, they knew it came at a terrible cost to another family.

This is the unforgettable story of how one family's grief transformed into a lifesaving gift. With tremendous compassion and clarity, Dr Rachel Clarke relates the urgent journey of Keira's heart and explores the history of the remarkable medical innovations that made it possible, stretching back over a century and involving the knowledge and dedication not just of surgeons but of countless physicians, immunologists, nurses and scientists.

The Story of a Heart is a testament to compassion for the dying, the many ways we honour our loved ones, and the tenacity of love.©2024 Rachel Clarke (P)2024 Hachette Audio UK Emergency & Critical Care Medicine & Health Care Industry Surgery Health Care

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All stars
Most relevant  
I found the story compelling and absorbing. I have smiled and been moved throughout it.
I always find that books read by the author have a depth that is special. Thankyou Rachel Clark for bringing us this story.

A beautifully written and read account.

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I heard about this book on the Chris Evans breakfast show on Virgin Radio. I immediately bought it and began listening on my commute. The story is so emotional bringing me to tears at several points. But the science and innovation making the leaps in transplant advancement this century are also fascinating. A highly recommended listen!

Extremely moving and fascinating

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Totally gripped me. Heard Rachel on Chris Evans, downloaded the book and I'd finished it within a few days (rarely happens with me!). Fascinating to learn about the process and history of organ donation and at the same time the emotional story of two families coming together. Well read too Rachel. I will look up your other books. Highly recommend!

Moving and fascinating

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This is an incredible story of 2 stories which come together. It’s very emotional but gripping.

Incredible book

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A heartbreaking and warming story that is wrapped around with information about the history of this area of medicine which I found to be surprisingly interesting. Clarke explains the history by putting humanity centre.

Beautiful, informative

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Tragic but tender and beautiful. A wonderful book which bought tears to the eyes at times.

Fantastic listen!

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Brilliant, heart-warming, important! This beautiful book deserves to win the Women’s Prize for Non Fiction 2025

Brilliant, heart-warming, important!

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A very moving audible that’s about more than a transplant. Some
medical details may be too much but I’m sure mature readers can cope with

Brilliant book and narration

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