Publication Date: 5th February 2013 (1st published Jan 2013)
Pages: 432
Book Source: Own purchase
Synopsis: Matt Beaulieu was
two years old the first time he held Elle McClure in his arms, seventeen when
he first kissed her under a sky filled with shooting stars, and thirty-three
when they wed. Now in their late thirties, the deeply devoted couple has
everything—except the baby they've always wanted.
When a tragic
accident leaves Elle brain-dead, Matt is devastated. Though he cannot bear
losing her, he knows his wife, a thoughtful and adventurous scientist, feared
only one thing—a slow death. Just before Matt agrees to remove Elle from life
support, the doctors discover that she is pregnant. Now what was once a
clear-cut decision becomes an impossible choice. Matt knows how much this child
would have meant to Elle. While there is no certainty her body can sustain the
pregnancy, he is sure Elle would want the baby to have a chance. Linney, Matt's
mother, believes her son is blind with denial. She loves Elle, too, and insists
that Elle would never want to be kept alive by artificial means, no matter what
the situation.
Divided by the love
they share, driven by principle, Matt and Linney fight for what each believes
is right, and the result is a disagreement that escalates into a controversial
legal battle, ultimately going beyond one family and one single life.
My Thoughts:
The Promise of Stardust was so intensely emotional
there were times I could barely breathe! It's a story of unconditional love and
heartbreaking decisions.
Moral, ethical, medico-legal issues are covered in
a blend of harsh reality and sensitivity. These are issues that are inherently
divisive and deeply emotive. What's even sadder is that though fiction The
Promise of Stardust isn't that far removed from reality ... I'm sure many of
you followed Marlise Muñoz recent tragic story, it made
the news in Australia and broke my heart.
As I mentioned in my review of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, I have firm
beliefs in our right to die with dignity but the heartache of
premature birth, neonatal death and infertility issues would have me ensuring
my advanced health directive covered every possible eventuality. An action that
would probably do me very little good in some 12 US states ...
As heartbreaking as it was I enjoyed the
nursing/medical side of the story, the legal ramifications were morbidly
fascinating and the flashbacks gave insight to Elle's character and Matt and
Elle's love story. It's not a faultless story and it wasn't about agreeing
or disagreeing with the decisions and actions of Matt or his mother Linney, for
me it was just about sitting with the emotion.
Advanced health directives, living wills, enduring
power of attorney, the importance of updating these documents and letting loved
ones know your wishes as the years pass and circumstances change ... all to often
our good intentions are put off for another day.
A stunning, emotionally wrenching, beautifully
written debut. Priscille Sibley is an author to watch out for and I keenly
await whatever's next.
Connect with Priscille Sibley
Sounds very emotive Sheree, I remember the details of the Marlise Munoz case, just heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteOh yes Shelleyrae, a tragic situation you hope never to face. This was highly emotive without being melodramatic!
DeleteI loved this one too and I agree that it is very emotional. I think I read it around the same time that I read Me Before You. It reminded me of something Jodi Picoult would write only better.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
Thanks Christina I enjoyed (not really the right word but you know what I mean) this a lot more than Me Before You.
DeleteOh boy!! This is def. a MUST READ!!!! Totally reminds me of the story that was recently happening here :(
ReplyDeleteyes similar Julie and this was written before Marlise Munoz, so sad.
DeleteI had not heard about this one before, what a shame
ReplyDeleteI hadn't either B until I saw it on a blog I follow, just can't remember whose.
DeleteI wanted to read this earlier, but didn't get to it. Now that my daughter is pregnant, I think I will wait. Hearbeat by Elizabeth Scott is a lot like this book.
ReplyDeleteyes it's a traumatic read Nise. I read Heartbeat too but for me it didn't really compare.
DeleteAnother one for my list - sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteHope you get to pick it up Mary.
DeleteWow. First I loved the cover and then the summary of the story (I hear echoes of Picoult) and then your raving. I think I must get this one. It's such a hard topic. Especially since Jason and I are going in to finalize our wills tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteStacy I can't recommend this one highly enough, and I hear you it reminded me 'again' about some updates I need to get sorted.
DeleteOh my gods... I need to read this. It sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeleteLast year, in one of my fits of depression/obsession- I did my Living Will and made sure that my Advanced Directives and made a binder with all of this information, life insurance policy, Emma's medical records, birth certificates, etc. plus what I want to happen to Emma in the event of my death.
It's really tough stuff to discuss and actually do and a situation you hope never to find yourself in but I like to think if I'm prepared it won't eventuate! Hope you get to read it Jaime.
DeleteWow Teddyree, this books sounds like one I simply MUST read. I think I would likewise enjoy the medical and legal side of the story…I'll be able to ask my husband what his thoughts are.
ReplyDeleteI recall a legal battle going on when a wife lost her husband to cancer. He had been diagnosed after they had been trying IVF to fall pregnant and she had to battle it out in Court to use his stored sperm after his death. Just tragic. You never know what you would do, but I think if I lost a beloved spouse I would want the child as to me it would be a living part of them here with me.
Another one to chat about with you Karen ... it's even more hard-hitting when you know of 'real life' similarities.
DeleteI just started reading this book for our book club and I think I had tears in my eyes every time I read it...and I'm still in the beginning pages. I think it's one I am going to rate quite highly also. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteHope you're going to post your thoughts and would love to know what your book club thought overall. Definitely one to keep tissues close
DeleteI agree with you completely! I read this about a year or more ago, can't remember, but I do remember how emotional it was, and how much I enjoyed reading it. The story stayed with me, a good indicator of how much I liked it. Back blogging again, Rita @ My Home of Books :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Rita, hard to believe this is Priscille's debut novel! I'll pop over to your blog soon :)
DeleteThis is not a book I could read. The sad thing is this is not a "made up" scenario. In the last year alone I have read articles about this exact situation with three separate couples. I think you are right it would not be about right or wrong but the emotion when reading this book. I already know it would be to much for me :(
ReplyDeleteoh yes Mandy, I found it difficult emotionally and reading about similar 'realities' has me bawling :(
DeleteThanks for the review Teddyree…..I just finished reading The Promise of Stardust and I loved it. Very emotional but a nice change from my usual read. I would love for my husband to read it, even though the US legal system is vastly different to ours, I think he would enjoy the legal aspect of the story.
ReplyDeleteKaren I'm really glad you read it, I know not everyone can but I can't wait to talk to you about it.
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