In her work as a ‘death doula’, Clover Brooks ushers people peacefully through their last days, collecting their final words into three notebooks: ADVICE, CONFESSIONS and REGRETS.
But Clover spends so much time with the dying that she’s forgotten how to live…
Can her clients’ hard-won wisdom – and the inspiring love story of a spirited old woman named Claudia – show Clover the way to a happy ending?
After all, what’s the point of giving someone a beautiful death if you can’t give yourself a beautiful life?
A big-hearted and life-affirming novel that turns the normally taboo subject of death into a reason to celebrate life!
The Collected Regrets of Clover is the burst of hopefulness we need right now. A sparkling debut novel from Australian Mikki Brammer, which reminds us all to live our best life with fewer regrets.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I loved this book! The fragility of the main character was portrayed with insight and sensitivity. Her yearning to fit in was realistic and insightful. Ultimately this book is about love in its many manifestations. An absolute joy to read and such a beautiful cover. Lina, VIC, 5 Stars
This book introduces the reader to some concepts rarely addressed in fiction – the role of the death doula in modern society and death cafes. These concepts are delicately explored against the backdrop of loneliness, friendship and family and the highs and lows of everyday life and loving relationships. Mikki Brammer has a warm and engaging style that draws the reader in and motivates you to keep reading. Jan, NSW, 5 Stars
Author Mikki Brammer brings her characters to life and took me on a journey of intrigue and adventure. There were laughter, tears and joy. I became connected with Clover and easily related to her life as it fluctuated along with the many changes and life challenges. The characters are authentic, interesting and engaging. Sometimes holding a mirror up, causing reflection about myself, life choices, friendships, and the relationships that have come and gone and those that have stayed. The Collected Regrets of Clover is an excellent read and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I read it across 3 days (between family and work) and hated putting the book down as I was always anticipating what was yet to come. Thank you for the opportunity to read your book, Mikki Brammer. I look forward to your next book. Margaret, SA, 5 Stars
What an interesting, satisfying debut novel by Australian journalist, now author, Mikki Brammer. The story captured you right from the beginning. After all, how often do you follow the life of a young woman who has chosen as her vocation, to become a death doula? Well, that is what our heroine, Clover Brooks, does! Death is usually a taboo subject, but through Clover, she shows us a reason to celebrate life. Learn to embrace life with Clover. Clover’s personal life is quite a lonely one. She has met a lot of people, but no one to touch her personally if not related to her work, which she is really good at. Until one of her clients, an elderly, spirited lady named Claudia, makes Clover realise that she herself has never experienced LIVING LIFE! I couldn’t read this book fast enough to get on with the story. I think the moral of this story, if one is to find it, is that we need to live our best life with fewer regrets. But to LIVE LIFE. Edith, SA, 5 Stars
This is a great novel full of intelligence, insight, heart and discovery. Fabulous and interesting characters, unflinching content about life and death, meaning and purpose, comfort zones, love and connections. But it’s also more than that: there are gems scattered liberally all throughout. And some gems will land differently for me than for you, but land they will. Highly recommended – so much so, I even recommended it to my mum, and she’s the harshest book critic I know! Cathryn, TAS, 5 Stars
What a truly lovely story. Despite the underlying theme of death, it is at no time a macabre tale. Clover, a “death doula”, is such an interesting, pleasant character despite her loneliness and eccentricity that you can’t fail to like her and be interested in her story. In fact, there are no unpleasant characters at all, though some have their failings. A couple of twists in the tale towards the end of the story just add to the readability of this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something a little bit different without being too heavy or difficult to understand. Easily read in a couple of days but not wanting it to end – a sign of a good book, in my opinion. Michelle, VIC, 5 Stars
A love letter to life. That’s what this book is. Even though it’s all about death. The Collected Regrets of Clover is the story of Clover, a death doula in New York City. As someone whose job it is to usher people peacefully through their last days, you’d think Clover would appreciate the importance of living life to the full. But here she is: in her thirties; never been in a relationship; an 80-year-old neighbour her only friend; and zero social life. She knows how to help the dying but is clueless when it comes to knowing how to live. That is, until she takes on a new client called Claudia. Get ready for all the feels, folks. Heartwarming, relatable and life-affirming, this book is the gentle nudge we all need from time to time to remind us that life is short and you only get one, so live it with no regrets. Eynas, QLD, 5 Stars
Absolute joy to read! I loved this book so much, the characters, the emotions, the wonderful insights into life, love and death. Written with such care and consideration for every little piece of knowledge and wisdom that passes between all of the characters. Highly recommend. Sherridan, SA, 5 Stars
Death. Is anyone really comfortable talking about it? I’d say no, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a fascinating basis for this extremely likeable book. I really enjoyed this novel – it was a different take on a difficult subject and the main character, Clover, was very relatable. A loner with a compulsion to seek out the dying and comfort them. I didn’t even know that these ‘death doulas’ existed. It’s funny how introverts naturally attract people to them. Friendship and trust are echoing themes in this book. Watching Clover’s subtle metamorphosis was truly inspiring – like a phoenix rising from the ashes. ‘The secret to a beautiful death is living a beautiful life.’ Yes, it certainly is. Take a chance and jump – you never know where you might land. Kathy, VIC, 5 Stars
I do not like to use cliches, but this novel hooked me in straight from the opening chapter. I absolutely loved the way the author drew out her characters, especially the protagonist Clover, and the beautiful exploration of relationships touched by death and grief. Although an awkward character, I found Clover so endearing, so likable despite her self-imposed isolation. The description of New York City and all its characters were beautifully portrayed with honesty and affection. In addition to the engaging characters, Grandpa and Claudia to name two, the writer’s style with descriptive and poignant details really tugged at my heart strings. A wonderful debut novel. Helen, NSW, 5 Stars
The Collected Regets of Clover by Mikki Brammer is an amazing book and an enjoyable read. It is a beautiful, uplifting story that highlights the beauty and magic in life in spite of sadness and adversity. There is a lot to be learnt from this wonderful book. Gai, NSW, 5 Stars
Clover being a death doula is what initially drew me to this story, I didn’t expect that I would identify so much with her character. Despite collecting confessions, advice, and regrets from her patients, she’s not really living her life, and has regrets of her own. I loved reading about Clover’s story as she started putting herself out there and learning how to let other people in. This book may seem depressing as it is about death, grief and how to deal with it, regrets, and the end made me cry. But, it’s really a heart-warming book that shows us that death is not something to be feared about. It’s a beautiful, emotional book that makes you re-think how to live your life without, or at least with fewer, regrets. I highly recommend reading this. Ann, NSW, 5 Stars
I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to read The Collected Regrets of Clover and it reminds me of a precious flower that takes its time opening up but when it does, reveals incredible beauty and charm. A deeply touching story that remains with you long after you have finished the final chapter. It offers much food for thought and opens you up to some valuable life lessons along the way. You can’t help but be moved and feel uplifted by the beauty of this book. It is good for the soul and stirs a fresh appreciation for life and loved ones. It was even finished off sublimely, making this a truly satisfying read. Coral, VIC, 5 Stars
A refreshing, interesting read that is both sad and joyful. I learnt quite a bit about what a ‘death doula’ does but it was not a ‘mournful’ book. Lots of useful ‘life lessons’ we all should take note of. Loved it! Jenny, VIC, 5 Stars
What a great book! Engaging storyline, wonderful cast of supporting characters, and Clover herself is a complex delight. The dialogue works well (I find poorly written ‘conversations’ often spoil a good story) and lots of little side ‘lives’ that complement Clover’s. The book also delivers a snapshot of modern-day New York and all its quirks. This has been added to my Must Recommend list. Victoria, NSW, 5 Stars
This was a terrific, heart-warming, and thought-provoking story about one woman, Clover Brooks, who lost her parents in a holiday accident and went to live with her grandfather from a very young age. She ends up becoming a ‘death doula’ in which she navigates her clients through their last days of life as peacefully as possible. As Clover lives her own life she realises she has to put herself ‘out there’ and take some risks or she won’t reap the rewards of a full happy existence. A rewarding read with plenty of wisdom on living life to its fullest. Vicki, VIC, 5 Stars
If ever there was a book that wants you to embrace life after reading it, then The Collected Regrets Of Clover by Mikki Brammer is it. I found it thought-provoking, heartwarming and so easy to read. Clover Brooks helps people in their final days by organising anything they need and listening to stories of their life, both good and bad. With her caring nature, she does this beautifully. Her own life, though, is not like this. Losing family through death and friends because she seems strange, her life is very isolated. She would like to experience life but is afraid and not sure where to start. Life suddenly changes for her when she meets her new neighbour, Sylvie, and meets Claudia, who she is helping through her final days. Between them, Claudia’s grandson, Sebastian and others, she finally realises the only person who can change her life is her. Death can be daunting but through Clover’s story, it becomes a beautiful lesson on what’s important in life. This is a book I will read again as I loved it so much. Theresa, NSW, 5 Stars
I didn’t expect to love this story so much, because I found the title a little underwhelming. I couldn’t put this novel down; having death as the central theme is bold and unusual, but it works so well. By following the characters’ stories, I was challenged and forced to reflect on my own perceptions on the meaning of life and death. I will definitely recommend this book to my friends. Marjolaine, WA, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book. I have always been fascinated by the role of a death doula and this book really brought that to light. What a wonderful and beautifully written story about life and death and how people live with regrets. The characters were very well written and felt like friends and family. I was just absorbed in this story from start to finish. One of my favourite sections of the book was Clover keeping three separate books from her role as death doula with regrets being the most poignant. How very true is it that people wish they had done more or something different when they are leaving this earth. What a wonderful way of remembering and paying tribute to those she sat with, to undertake some of those regrets in honour of the person who has died. I thought this story was beautiful and a nice reminder to not live with regrets, to take action before it’s too late. I really hope we hear more from Clover and Hugo in future books. Definitely a five-star book. Jodie, VIC, 5 Stars
A beautifully inspiring story that tackles the challenging topic of death in a sweet and uplifting manner. The main protagonist Clover Brooks is a death doula who guides people passing away through their emotions, fears, joys and regrets. However, her interaction with dying Claudia proves to be a life-changing experience for Clover instead. I really enjoyed Clover’s character development through the story, her growth from the orphaned child, and facing her fears and inability to let anyone close to her. Her relationship with Claudia was so wonderfully evolved and brought tears to my eyes. The setting of New York City was so wonderfully described, the hustle and bustle, yet the sense of loneliness amongst that was skilfully written. This book made me look at my own life, and question if I am really getting the most out of it that I can. Will I look back with regrets, or will the life I am living now bring me peace when my time comes? Well done Mikki Brammer for creating this quirky, yet deeply beautiful story. Vivienne, VIC, 4 Stars
It was refreshing to read about a very different topic that is not usually dealt with in mainstream novels. The plot was entertaining and thought-provoking. I was hooked from Chapter One. I did get a little bogged down at one stage, but then Sylvia and Claudia came into the story and the story took off on a different path, so I was totally on board again. It was easy to read and I would happily recommend this book. Janette, TAS, 4 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Collected Regrets of Clover thanks to @betterreadingpreview. Mikki Brammer has written a book that not only tells a great story, but also stays with the reader after they finish, as it prompts thoughts about what it means to live a full and meaningful life. At times, this book reminded me of Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, as both books feature a rather solitary protagonist without much in the way of social support or network. I found Clover to be a likeable character and loved following her journey as she came to learn what is really important about interpersonal relationships and who she needs in her life. Neralie, SA, 4 Stars
Was happily taken on the journey of this book and shared many emotions. Can’t wait to pass the book on to other friends to read as I think it would appeal to a broad audience. Everyone wants to read about a love story. I loved the beautiful ending and the closure it contained. Natalie, WA, 4 Stars
Reading The Collected Regrets of Clover is like watching a feel-good rom-com, just like the ones enthusiastically viewed by the novel’s protagonist, Clover Brooks. It’s a sweet tale of the soothing, caring advice giver who is a death doula – a young woman who’s experienced in dealing with death more than life. Clover’s surrounded by death, grieving her own family losses, as well as attending to and consoling her paying (dying) clients, all of which has constricted her way of living. I enjoyed the insights into the profession as well as Clover’s three notebook collections. These are her record of final words from the departed… advice, confessions, and regrets. Eventually, Clover comes to the realisation that giving someone a beautiful death is admirable, but it’s time for her to live a beautiful life. Cheryl, NSW, 4 Stars
A wonderful debut novel about a subject that should be spoken about more often. A quirky, page-turner and I look forward to reading more from Mikki Brammer. Astrid, VIC, 4 Stars
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