Last Will and Testament of a Lover: A Journey Through Grief

Ian W. Toal is a registered nurse in Barrie, Ontario.

This book is a fictional “love will” written by a husband to his
wife. The author believes that “[d]eath is selfish,” and feels that
we need to be unselfish in death and leave behind a will that deals with
our “love assets” as well as our physical assets.

It is a curious book. Given its purpose, I was expecting more poetry,
an emotive expression of love toward a partner. Instead, the writer’s
focus is on guiding his wife through all the grieving steps she will
have to go through after his death. He opens with a disclaimer and then
moves on to the shock of his death and the funeral arrangements. He
advises her on how to find new meaning in life, and whether or not to
remarry. Written in concise, smooth prose, the advice given is generous
and not binding. For example, in discussing the subject of remarriage,
Ellis says that he accepts whatever choice she makes that will increase
her happiness.

The book has a very strong Christian influence that may be a problem
for some readers. However, it will give support to anyone who has lost a
loved one.