Throwback Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Renee at It’s Book Talk. Throwback Thursday was designed as an opportunity to share old favorites as well as older books in our TBR. As I started reviewing on Goodreads long before I started my blog, it seemed a great way of sharing my earlier reviews (which I hope have improved since the early days).
So this week I’m revisiting The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes by Anna McPartlin, first reviewed in July 2014.
Here is a truth that can’t be escaped: for Mia ‘Rabbit’ Hayes, life is coming to an end . . .
Rabbit Hayes loves her life, ordinary as it is, and the extraordinary people in it.
She loves her spirited daughter, Juliet; her colourful, unruly family; the only man in her big heart, Johnny Faye.
But it turns out the world has other plans for Rabbit, and she’s OK with that. Because she has plans for the world too, and only a handful of days left to make them happen.
Here is a truth that won’t be forgotten: this is a story about laughing through life’s surprises and finding the joy in every moment.
My Review
The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes, is exactly what it says it is. We meet Rabbit (Mia) Hayes as her family take her to the hospice as she loses her 4 year battle with cancer.
The book is at turns, poignant, funny and heartwarming though ultimately it is heartbreaking. From the beginning of her initial diagnosis of breast cancer, Rabbit had been upbeat and honest and sought to share her thoughts via a blog which helps her cope. Around her she has her siblings Grace and Davey;her friends; and her parents Molly and Jack who are constantly seeking a cure or a new drug trial as they refuse to believe she will die. She also has her daughter, Juliet who at 12 is her own particular reason for trying to fight her illness for as long as she can.
The book deals with how Rabbit is coping with her imminent death as well as how the wider circle of family and friends cope with the loss of a loved one. The story is not just about Rabbit’s present but also tells the story of her past, her hopes, her dreams and the love of her life.
The characters are all very real and likeable which makes it much easier to care for them as the book progresses. But ultimately it is Rabbit and her relationships especially with Juliet and Johnny that will touch your heart.
Given the subject matter it might be easy to treat the topic in a maudlin way, but this never happens. The story is as much a celebration of Rabbit’s life and achievements as about her illness. It is a heartwarming look at friendship and families and above all love, that will make you think about your own life and loves. It is emotional and heartbreaking but also full of warmth and humour and well worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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