Vivian Walker is dying. This is not on her list of things to do. A darkly funny debut that proves even the most imperfect of lives is worth celebrating.
Vivian Walker’s life is exceptionally ordinary. Average husband, check. Darling son, check. Refrigerator in a state of permanent disarray, check. Everything is thoroughly and frustratingly routine, even being terminally ill. After receiving her diagnosis, Viv’s family won’t let her lift a finger… for at least a week. But once the novelty wears off, she’s lucky to get a cup of tea for her trouble. In preparation for D-day, self-professed control freak Viv has made a list of essential things to do, such as decluttering the playroom and preparing her taxes. She doesn’t expect to become spiritually enlightened or have any outlandish last-minute successes. All she wants is to finish her unfinished business.
As her final days unfold, Viv realises her life has become a love letter to the mundane, but she still manages to keep her wicked sense of humour and cynical take on life unapologetically intact. The Very Last List of Vivian Walker will make you ugly cry, snort tea out your nose with laughter and want to embrace humanity in all its selfishness, beauty and awkwardness.
It’s not often that you read a novel that addresses death in such a normal, human, everyday way. In her debut novel The Very Last List of Vivian Walker, Megan Albany has done just that with an abundance of humour, spirit and profundity. A touching forward from the author describes how the loss of so many friends and family members in her own life over the past decade inspired this book. Aspects of this novel will be relatable to all readers, but it is bound to hit home for anyone who has lost a loved one to cancer, which is sadly all too common.
While Vivian’s battle with terminal cancer is heartbreaking – especially as she grapples with how her husband and 8-year-old son will manage without her – finishing this book left me feeling uplifted, rather than distraught. Don’t be put off by the heavy subject matter, Albany has written this book in such a way that she blends the tragedy with the humorous, mundane side of life. Vivian chastises her husband Clint for his averageness and lack of domestic ability, whilst Clint narrates alternating chapters in which he expresses his frustrations and sadness. Each chapter addresses one point on the to-do lists of Vivian, Clint and their son Ethan – a unique and entertaining way to structure this book. Whether you are a list-maker or not, there is so much to gain from this book. Rather than shying away from taboos, it faces them head on, and does so with utmost care and dignity.
The Very Last List of Vivian Walker is an accomplished debut from Albany which is sure to touch the hearts of many readers. It’s hard not to feel affected by this book, and it’s one that will stay with me for a while, which is always the sign of a great read.
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