A Matter of Death and Life

A Matter of Death and Life is a deeply moving joint memoir written by renowned existential psychiatrist Irvin D. Yalom and his wife, acclaimed author and scholar Marilyn Yalom. After 65 years of marriage, following Marilyn's diagnosis with terminal illness, the couple decided to co-write this book to navigate her final months together. Alternating chapters, Marilyn reflects on her impending mortality, end-of-life choices, and saying goodbye, while Irvin writes about the agonizing prospect of losing his lifelong partner and experiencing the very grief he spent decades helping patients face. Following Marilyn's death, Irvin completes the book alone, offering a profound reflection on bereavement, memory, and how to continue living after a devastating loss.

Because it offers a profoundly touching, honest, and philosophically rich look at love, mortality, and grief through the eyes of two extraordinary minds facing the end of life together.

For readers of memoirs, fans of Irvin Yalom's existential psychology and literary works, healthcare workers, and anyone coping with grief, loss, or end-of-life reflection.