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.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
What on earth could someone write about lists to make them interesting to those who love them like me or hate them like you? Be prepared. Find that nice quiet place where you can have a long continuous enjoyable read first page to last sentence without interruption. Megan Albany uses a set the scene prologue to entice you onwards. Laughter bubbles from the outset despite the seriousness of the health issue to be explicated. Soon I was laughing out loud. It was easy to recognise familiar family situations in fret worthy angst. Not too light not too heavy. Appealing enough to lure me on at increasing speed. Brilliant, engaging writing. Very funny in many parts, poignant and sad sometimes leading to a very acceptable unexpected conclusion. A must read and enjoy for 2022. Pam, VIC, 5 Stars
As the book is inspired by a real life story (dare I guess it could be the Author’s friend), I think it made me laugh even harder at some scenes in the book, as I could imagine someone saying/doing them. Vivian had me laughing out loud in many instances, as she revisits her list of long overdue things to be done. There’s no fluff or frivolity about dying, nor does life stop the moment you get THAT diagnosis. Funerals of others are handy to get pointers of your own, using PDA to make your in-law uncomfortable and having a alcohol-free house to keep your own family members away. There are some great pointers in this book! But seriously, do keep a tissue or three at hand, Vivian has dignity to the very end. It’s real. Caroline, QLD, 5 Stars
I feel like I made a new bestie and lost her all at once. Such a wonderful debut novel covering many taboo subjects – the mental load of an average mother in an average marriage empowered by wonderfully strong & witty female friendships. And death. I laughed out loud. And cried. Danielle, VIC, 5 Stars
Wow. What a beautiful and honest story about facing mortality in such a young person. This one hit home a little having lost my dad to cancer but boy, I went from laughing to crying from start to finish. Beautifully written, The Very Last List of Vivian Walker takes you on a real life honest journey of diagnosis to death. There is no glittering story here, just real life, honesty and such beauty. What got me was the final reaction from the mother in law. Did not see that coming. A real gutsy, page turner that will have you laughing, crying and in awe of such bravery. Absolutely loved this book. Jodie, VIC, 5 Stars
This is not normally a topic I would choose but this book changed my mind. Painful to read at times, hilarious, irreverent, sad and honest this book is a must read. The characters are all larger than life and Vivian’s husband is typical in his inability to do anything right – I think any married person can relate to a partner who irritates you especially when time is precious. Lists are something I can identify with and Vivian certainly has a few of those which she ticks off as she goes. Tumultuous and strained relationships with family abound in this novel, which explores how friends become the replacement family who don’t disappoint and the friends in this novel definitely step up to the challenges Vivian’s life brings. The lack of control in life is a theme that runs throughout and Vivian’s use of the phrase ‘I have cancer’ to get what she wants/freebies is heartbreaking as there are not many positives to having cancer. I was in floods of laughter and then tears throughout this book. A refreshing novel, well written from different points of view, this is well worth a look. Debra, NSW, 5 Stars
The Very Last List of Vivian Walker is a unique book. Made me think of how to make lists, my favourite hobby, but there is so much more involved. Needs a second read as there are so many issues raised in and around each list. It was sad, funny, clever, enjoyable, serious and all mixed up. Overall I did enjoy the read. A very clever book. Martina, SA, 5 Stars
Megan Albany has written a powerful fictional account of Viv, who is dying and those who are closest to her. Reading this took me on an emotional rollercoaster – one minute I was chuckling to myself and in parts, I was on the verge of tears. For such a gloomy topic, the book handles these difficult issues and you, as the reader, are taken along for the ride in a gentle way through the use of humour. I could empathise with Viv’s situation and related well to her making of lists and her relationships with her loved ones. This was a book that I didn’t want to put down as I went on the journey with Viv. I am not sure that Marsha is a personality that I could spend too much time with, but I can see that she was good for Viv, particularly when her spirits were low. To have such a kind, caring friend is what we all need in our lives. It is heartbreaking to read some parts but important for the story and helped to further develop the characters. Ethan is written so well, particularly towards the end. Megan Albany has really captured the characters and has managed to write this story in a respectful way. Alyssa, VIC, 5 Stars
Beautifully written book, so relatable for me, it made me laugh and cry often, and it brought home the importance of just being with our loved ones and not organising everything for the future, when you may not be there. I didn’t want this book to end in more ways than I can say, it has taught me to stop and just be more often. A book for all women. Sally, VIC, 5 Stars
The Very Last List of Vivian Walker had me taken in from the first page. It had the effect on you that you could almost know or be Vivian. Having lost a dear friend who had the time to script her farewell to us all I related well to this story. How certain priorities come to light when we are given time to think about it. Sad, funny and thought provoking this novel puts you there, you are part of the story. We all ask ourselves are we important to those we love, will we be missed. Friendship is a major part of this novel and we are left to question how would we cope in this situation. A book I would love to see passed around so we can all learn and care and love those that are preparing to die. And to understand death is part of life’s circle. Well done Megan, I felt sad to say goodbye to Vivian. A great read. Marnie, NSW, 5 Stars
I was unsure what to expect from this novel, but as an avid list maker myself, it hooked me from the start. Viv’s journey had me chuckling one minute and in tears the next, as she tackles the mundane tasks and frustrations of daily living while she’s in the process of dying. It will not be for the long haul. So her list and the ones for her husband, Clint and son, Ethan, become even more important. She needs to organise everything and everyone, including her choice of coffin and funeral songs. Her best friends Marsha and Sally are great characters and enrich the story with their antics and unwavering support of Viv. I liked the quirky chapter headings, with each one tackling an item from the lists – and several not on any of Viv’s lists. I loved this novel from beginning to the end and I’m still thinking about it days after reading it. I look forward to reading more from this author. Pamela, QLD, 5 Stars
I generally stay away from overly sad books and those about people with terminal illnesses as they leave me feeling flat and miserable. This was not the case with The Very Last List of Vivian Walker, however, as Megan Albany approaches the delicate subject with tasteful humour and a down to earth attitude. The story is told predominantly from the point of view of Vivian, an ordinary wife and mother to 8-year-old son, Ethan. Vivian is dying from incurable cancer but continues to live her day-to-day life writing lists of all she must get done and trying to tick things off her list each day. Every few chapters we also get to hear from her husband, Clint, as he tries to support Vivian through her illness whilst continuing to be what both he and Vivian describe as an “average” husband. Albany does a brilliant job of describing their relationship and it feels so genuine and not at all like a fairy tale. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it was funny and sad and showed the normal daily routines and tasks we all encounter which we cannot escape even when facing death. Mary-Jo, VIC, 4 Stars
I at first was mortified by the connotations to the inevitable, however soon was drawn into the hilarity of tongue in cheek references to death. However, so very sad. Viv is courageous, loved this book. Congratulations to Megan Albany on your first novel, well done! Nicky, QLD, 4 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I didn’t think it was possible to read a book that was hilarious and sad at the same time. As someone who makes lists on a daily basis, I found this book very relatable to me. I love her sense of humour and would highly recommend this book. Jenny, VIC, 4 Stars
This book is one that will stick with you, it is heartbreaking. The character Viv is very realistic as she is a no-nonsense, strong willed almost unlikable character, although that might just be me and the way she treats everyone, especially her husband. However it’s quite refreshing to have her written in this unexpected way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, you can’t help but feel for Viv and everyone around her. Meg, SA, 4 Stars
How would we cope knowing we have a terminal illness? Vivian Walker finds herself in this situation and confronts it in the only way she has lived her life. Vivian has been told of her mortality and so she is able to do try work out ways for her to cope on the journey and ways for Clint and Ethan to survive without her. She writes lists of things to do for herself, her husband, Clint and her son, Ethan. Through her experiences we realise that what was once important in the big life picture are no longer priorities. It is a journey that we take with her and her family and friends. It is sometimes humorous, sometimes sad but mostly it is a journey that we are all taking. What I got from this book is don’t sweat the small stuff. Life is for living and we should make the most of our loves, children and friendships along the journey. A book that will leave you happy and sad at the same time. Lisa, SA, 4 Stars
The Very Last List Of Vivian Walker is just the book to smash that last remaining taboo, death. Like the author Megan Albany, I too have said goodbye to many loved ones & just weeks before receiving this book, said goodbye to my oldest friend in a palliative care ward. I felt, yes felt, this book on so many levels, I found myself considering my own personal “Last List”, my choice of music at my memorial, the theme music from that war classic “The Great Escape”, but also looking at my own behaviour during the many losses I’ve faced and ashamedly have found myself lacking. In this day and age we have smashed the barriers surrounding mental health issues and I firmly believe that this book is a worthy first step in opening the conversations about death, with honesty, openness and humour. Well done Megan Albany. Christine, WA, 4 Stars
An entertaining and humorous read with loads of pathos and much sadness. Cleverly written but not for a day when you need cheering up! Jenny, VIC, 4 Stars
I loved this book, right up until the end. I felt deflated a bit with the ending. I was hoping it would build to an emotional crescendo and it just fell flat and ended too blandly for me. The rest of the book I loved though, witty, relatable, funny. Sherridan, SA, 4 Stars
When I began to read this book I was very unsure if I would enjoy it but persevered and became quite intrigued with the idea of writing lists for my husband and son as well as myself during the last months of life due to a terminal illness. In her first book, author Megan Albany has drawn on personal experiences of a close friend’s death to bring humour and warmth to a very sensitive subject and to produce a great read which kept me turning the pages until very late at night. Elizabeth, NSW, 4 Stars
An inspiring book on what to do when you are dying. Great to be able to create a list and then create lists for everyone and everything. I think it helps to plan and put everyone’s mind at ease by being organised and almost on top of things. The discussion of death has been dealt with humour and preplanning to ensure all options are thought of. I enjoyed it immensely without being sad or morbid. Dale, VIC, 4 Stars
What a story… I wondered whether I would actually get through a whole book about a terminally ill woman, but I couldn’t put it down. I cried, laughed, cried again and read on.. An amazing book, heart warming and heartbreaking, all in one. Chris, QLD, 4 Stars
What a rollercoaster of emotions this book brought up. Even though you knew what the ending would likely be you were carried away on a journey of so many everyday experiences that you couldn’t put it down and had to keep reading. Well written and so relatable for so many people that it is sure to be a popular choice when browsing your local bookshop. Really enjoyed this one even though there were tears throughout. Tracy, WA, 4 Stars
This story topic is unlike any I have read before – our main character Vivian confronts her death over a number of weeks as she deteriorates from terminal cancer. And believe it or not it’s funny, along with heartbreaking and confronting. Her ‘thing’ is to write and complete lists – for herself and everyone around her. And it seems that oncoming death, as in life gives her the same frustrations in that no one complies with anything she wants them to do. The other main character is Vivian’s husband Clint – seemingly their relationship has been declining for years earlier, in itself a cause of fun and heartache. I liked Vivian, I liked Clint even when they were not liking each other. A good read and recommended. Samantha, QLD, 4 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The familiar language made it an ease to read. I found it uplifting, hilarious and sad all wrapped up in one. As a list maker myself I could very much relate to Vivian the main character who desperately tried to achieve everything on her ever-evolving list. Vivian a courageous woman who didn’t like to cry, liked loose leaf tea in a pot and adored her son Ethan. The book has scatterings of terrific quotes and I highly recommend it. A wonderful read. Karen, VIC, 4 Stars
It’s taken me a little while to think of what I feel about this book. I’ve felt critical towards Vivian, particularly in regard to how she treats her husband Clint. In the latter part of the book, I got some insight as to why she behaved the way she did toward him, although it doesn’t excuse slapping a spouse. For me, this story was more about identifying patterns in behaviour and relationships and working hard to not carry them in to current relationships, or to make amends if bad habits have carried on. It’s hard for Vivian to let someone love her the way she deserves, and she seems to have a tough time really showing people how much she genuinely loves them. She has a tough, prickly exterior like a cactus but has many moments of light and warmth. I feel for Vivian’s son, Ethan, and wonder if he will take the things he has seen in his mum and dad’s relationship through to his own as he grows up. Or will he break the cycle of fight first and ask questions later. Vivian has reminded me every single person has a story, and it might not be what I think it is. Taking the time to get to know Vivian, and her little family, and I have come away from this book with more understanding and compassion than I did at the start. Rebekah, NSW, 3 Stars
Vivian Walker is dying and this doesn’t appear on any of the multiple lists she has written. She ‘knows’ the house, Clint, her husband, and Ethan, her son, will shrivel up and regress without her there to oversee everything. Vivian is an unlikeable, prickly, and argumentative character. The deep loss and verbal abuse aimed at her since childhood, make her armour impenetrable except to her girlfriends. Megan Albany introduces the reader to a woman dying without any veneer of civility. Vivian castigates her husband for not doing things when and how she would do them. She doesn’t care what anyone thinks, she just wants them to know. Vivian highlights that marriage and motherhood are hard work – even when you’re dying. The detail we learn of Vivian’s real concerns through her thoughts and conversations with friends, lighten the book a little. Regrettably, her combative nature quashed any empathy I had towards her. Cynthia, NSW, 3 Stars
I found this to be an interesting read on themes of family, love and dying. It was a warts-and-all examination of coming to terms with terminal illness, with flawed characters and less than perfect scenarios. Penny, QLD, 3 Stars
Although I enjoyed the book overall I found the main character (Vivian Walker) extremely frustrating. To be told you have a terminal illness with only a short time to live and then spend that time compiling ‘to do’ lists seems pointless. And to then make to do lists for family members – and be frustrated when they don’t complete these tasks – is a very controlling, and ultimately pointless, action. My main take away from this book is pay attention to your body and to make sure you have regulator health checks. And just as important is to life live to its fullest. Jan, WA, 3 Stars
This book follows the life of Vivian Walker who has recently received notice that she has terminal cancer. She is used to making lists to track her goals in life, so she makes one final list with the aim of tying up any loose ends before she passes away. Despite the dark theme this books is quite humorous, Vivian is quite sassy and often cynical. Most of the book describes her relationships with various friends and family members, going into her history with each person. I found the book to start to drag on a little towards the middle, but picked up again soon after. Overall I enjoyed it, and was very touched by the ending. Aidan, NSW, 3 Stars
Vivian Walker is dying, she has aggressive cancer, there is only one way that this story will end. In the meantime Vivian is pragmatic and compiles a list of things she wants to achieve before she dies. Her husband Clint and her son Ethan have a list each as well. I had not thought about that aspect of dying before, that each person in the family is in the process of letting go and their priorities are all different. Vivian has been living a very ordinary life, she has no remarkable achievements and yet she is loved and appreciated by those who know her. As she works through her list it is remarkable to see how her choices impact others. Without dwelling on the disease process there is still insight into the losses and pain experienced. Uplifting and humorous ways that her close friends help her to deal with what needs to be done so that those who are left behind can be supported. It is a sad story for we know that Vivian will not get to see her son grow up and be involved in his journey of life. Her husband Clint will need to cope with bringing up his son on his own and navigate a different way of living without Vivian. However, I feel that the story gave a valuable insight into how even with a seemingly unremarkable life we all have an impact on those around us. Our unique abilities and traits will be missed. The author has shown us one person’s life and death that we can all relate to. Christina, VIC, 3 Stars
Vivian is dying of cancer and has very little time left. We (the reader) walk beside Vivian as she brings closure to her life through her attempts to complete endless lists, as well as making lists for the future to help her family cope (particularly her husband and son) when she is gone. The lists will be her voice when she has died. The reality of dying has not been glamorised in this book and the truth of life’s battles, including Vivian’s strained relationships are continually referred to throughout the story. Both have been written with honesty, humour and a rawness that at times is confronting but very real. A beautiful glimpse into the importance of relationships and the special people in Vivian’s life who support her to the end: her husband, her young son Ethan, her extended family and her eccentric, bold and loving friends. An emotional roller coaster that will make you laugh and cry. Priscilla, ACT, 3 Stars
I almost had tears on reading ‘Dear Readers’ as this was describing the author’s real life. Also was a link to a song written as a soundtrack to her debut novel. So nice to hear the author’s voice, a precedent. So, it started very well. The backstory is of a woman who has lost many loved ones in just as many years. This was confronting, Megan Albany has had a lot of practise with death and I cannot imagine that. She’s created a list loving fiery, and almost cantankerous woman in Viv, who is facing her own death at a rate of knots. Ethan her only offspring and long-suffering husband. Her beloved lists aren’t being ticked off; a sign of what was not coming to fruition. We see a real couple that never claimed to live in fairy land, and I didn’t quite get the sense of a husband mourning his beloved, yet on the flip side Viv wasn’t designed to be a flowery salt of the earth woman. She admitted her many failings, and I think to the core her lists showed who she was. Task focused, a little cold, a mother who loved her little boy fiercely who did not hold any airs or graces. She wanted this legacy to live on in Ethan. In her fierceness she didn’t warm to me as much as I hoped. She did not suffer fools gladly but gave life (and death) a good hard crack. Suzanne, NSW, 3 Stars
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