Last Rights: Struggle over the Right to Die Book

The author of this book is a journalist. In the manner of the good journalist she shows a breadth and depth of knowledge of her subject which is commendable. A great deal has been written, both academically and journalistically, on the issue of end-of-life decisions, and some might suggest that there is little that can be added by one more publication in this area. They would be wrong. Ms Woodman manages to produce an extremely readable book which, although sometimes reflecting her own emotions, nonetheless is committed to fairness and equality of approach. In addition, even where the book is personalised--whether by her own experiences or by her discussions with others engaged in the struggle she mentions in her title--it is clear that she has retained the kind of intellectual clarity which never pushes the book from commenting to proselytising. These are sensitive and complex issues and the author manages to elucidate them in a way which is clear and thoughtful, easily accessible to a wide readership and up to date. This is a book for people rather than academics, and anyone reading it will come away considerably better informed than when they started, and also more able to engage in the debate itself. --Sheila McLeanRead More