Mend the living by Maylis de Kerangal
Just stumbled upon a promising review of this book. Originally published in French, the German translation is now out – but the English one is apparently still pending, scheduled to be released in paperback in February 2016.
The book describes the 24 hours between a young man’s fatal accident and the moment when he finally dies – by the machines keeping him alive being turned off. In between, all the decisions in regard to donating his organs are illustrated, together with what it means for all the involved people: doctors, his parents, recipients ...
It seems, the author has managed to find the right mix of touching language and good research to let the reader take part in something which hopefully none of us will ever have to experience in real life.
First suggested: July 2015
Supporter: Leon, Richie, Jennifer, Nela