`It is the most awesome performance of both participating in, and watching, an event. Even though Didion does not allow herself to break down, only a terribly controlled reader will resist doing the same.' John Freeman, Independent `Ultimately, and unexpectedly for a book about illness ... Read moreand death, this is a wonderfully life affirming book.' Lisa O'Kelly, Observer `Searing, informative and affecting. Don't leave life without it.' Financial Times `This is a beautiful and devastating book by one of the finest writers we have. Didion has always been a precise, humane and meticulously truthful writer, but on the subject of death she becomes essential.' Zadie Smith `Taking the reader to places where they would not otherwise go is one of the things a really good book can do. The Year of Magical Thinking does just that, and brilliantly. Powerful, moving and true.' Cressida Connolly, Spectator `A great book, a great work. Angular, exact, pressured and tough, precise as a diamond drill bit.' Nick Laird Show Less