Lily Harford's Last Request
by
Joanna Buckley
She's always made her own decisions.... why stop now?
Imprint: HQ Fiction
Publication date: 2nd February 2022
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 352
RRP: $29.99AUD
Format read: Paperback
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
My review of Lily Harford's Last Request
Lily Harford's Last Request is a poignant story on ageing, dementia and euthanasia.
Told through the eyes of Lily, in her mid 80's, Pauline, her daughter, and Donna, an aged care worker, the reader receives a well rounded view of how ageing affects all concerned with the person's care.
Joanna Buckley raises the dilemma of an ageing parent and explores this through Lily's slow fall into dementia. Lily is at a stage where she knows her memory is failing and she is terrified of the inevitable outcome. She would rather be dead!
Pauline is trying to help her mother, keep up with her job and see her grandchildren. Multi-tasking as daughter/wife/mother/grandmother. Something has to give!
Donna an aged care worker has a troubled past. She loves her job however is belittled by family members who think her work is demeaning.
Lily Harford's Last Request is an emotional read. The highly emotive topic of euthanasia will open up some heated discussions.
I feel Joanna Buckley approached the subject in a sensitive way although I think some situations may have been over dramatised.
The flashbacks on Lily's life gave the reader a perfect insight into the woman that she was. It was hard to think that this frail old lady was once strong, determined, capable and confident.
A few wonderful and unexpected twists made this exceptional debut a story to remember.
My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the author
Joanna Buckley is an author based in Melbourne. She has a background in creating short stories, poetry, social media content and educational materials, she has also worked as a copywriter and editor. Joanna is a mother of three and part-time careers counsellor, and Lily Harford's Last Request is her first novel.
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