The Collected Regrets of Clover

Clover is no stranger to death. They first met when her kindergarten teacher suddenly died during a reading of Peter Rabbit. Then her parents died in a boating accident, their bodies never to be found. Years later, Clover has become a death doula, providing guidance and companionship to those dying, and helping them navigate end-of-life processes. However, in her comfort with death, Clover has forgotten what life has to offer.

When joy, love, and peace always seemed so far out of reach, suddenly – call it fate, a god, or some other mystic force beyond our control – Clover is brought into the path of those who will change her life. There is Sylvie, her new neighbour, who is intent upon becoming Clover’s best friend; Sebastian, a cute boy who brings Clover out of the cocoon she’s built to protect herself from her fear and her excitement; and Claudia, Sebastian’s grandmother, whose wise words and inspiring stories of her youth ignite something deep in Clover’s dark and lonely heart.

Although at first this seems like a book about death and tragedy, it subtly and beautifully reveals itself to be a celebration of life instead. With every passing, Clover records her clients’ last words – their advice, their confessions, and their regrets. With each dying word, Clover’s heart is filled with a sense of urgency to lead a worthy and fulfilling life, one overflowing with beauty, love, and friendship.

Mikki Brammer’s debut is a heart- warming, bittersweet push to take risks and seize every opportunity life throws your way. She implores the reader to laugh every time like it’s the first time; to love someone with all your heart, no matter how many times it’s been broken in the past; to make mistakes, but to live with as few regrets as possible; and to live like there’s no tomorrow.