Naomi is haunted by a troubling secret. Stuggling to come to terms with her husband's death, her biggest dread is finding out that Adam knew of her betrayal. He left behind an intimate diary — but dare she read it? Will it set her mind at rest — or will it destroy the fragile control she has over her grief? Caught by the unfolding story, Naomi discovers more than she bargained for. Adam writes of his feelings for her, his challenging career, his burning ambition. How one by one his dreams evaporate when he is diagnosed with a degenerative condition. Motor Neurone Disease. How he resolves to mastermind his own exit at a time of his choice…but time is one luxury he can't afford. Soon he won't be able to do it alone. Can he ask a friend, or even a relative to commit murder? Adam's fierce determination to retain control of his own body against insurmountable odds fills his journal with a passion and drive that transcend his situation, and transfix the reader. A startingly clear — sighted and courageous story, this novel explores the collision between uncomprimising laws, complex loyalties and human compassion. REVIEWS There are few novels which deal with the issues of contemporary medical ethics in the lively and intensely readable way that [these] do.— ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH
