The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

A Tender Exploration of Life, Death, and Everything In Between

You know that feeling when you finish a book and you’re not quite ready to let go of the characters? That’s exactly how I felt after turning the final page of Mikki Brammer’s debut novel, “The Collected Regrets of Clover.” This beautifully crafted story about a death doula in New York City is so much more than just another contemporary romance or piece of literary fiction. It’s a heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting journey through life, death, and all the messy bits in between.

Meet Clover Brooks: Death Doula Extraordinaire

Our protagonist, Clover Brooks, is not your typical rom-com heroine. She’s a death doula – someone who helps guide people through their final days. Yeah, I know, sounds pretty heavy, right? But trust me, Brammer handles this potentially morbid subject with such grace and humor that you’ll find yourself laughing one minute and tearing up the next.

Clover’s fascination with death began when she was just five years old and watched her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic reading of Peter Rabbit. (Talk about a memorable first encounter with mortality!) From that moment on, Clover felt more connected to the dying than the living. Fast forward to adulthood, and she’s made a career out of helping people transition peacefully into the great beyond.

A Life Unlived

But here’s the thing – Clover’s so busy helping others have a “beautiful death” that she’s kind of forgotten to live her own life. She’s in her mid-thirties, has never been in a relationship, and her closest friend is her 87-year-old neighbor, Leo. (Who, by the way, is an absolute gem of a character. I’d totally watch a spin-off series about Leo’s adventures in his younger days.)

Clover’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Claudia, a feisty 91-year-old former photojournalist with a secret past love. Claudia’s final wish sends Clover on a road trip to uncover a long-lost romance, and in the process, Clover starts to discover what she really wants out of life.

A Cast of Colorful Characters

One of the things I loved most about this book was the cast of supporting characters. There’s Sebastian, Claudia’s grandson, who initially seems like he might be Clover’s love interest but turns out to be… well, I won’t spoil it for you. Then there’s Sylvie, Clover’s new neighbor, who becomes an unexpected friend and pushes Clover out of her comfort zone. And let’s not forget Hugo, the landscape architect with a connection to Claudia’s past. Each character feels fully realized and adds depth to the story.

Themes That’ll Make You Think

Brammer tackles some heavy themes in this novel, but she does it with such a light touch that you almost don’t realize how deep you’re getting until you’re fully immersed. The book explores:

1. The nature of grief and how we process it
2. The importance of living life to the fullest
3. The power of human connection
4. The regrets we carry and how they shape us
5. The beauty and pain of falling in love

Writing Style: A Perfect Balance

Brammer’s writing style is a perfect blend of wit, warmth, and wisdom. She has a knack for finding humor in even the darkest situations, which keeps the book from feeling too heavy despite its subject matter. Her descriptions of New York City are vivid and bring the setting to life. You can almost smell the street vendor hot dogs and hear the honking taxis.

What really impressed me was how Brammer handled the scenes with Clover’s clients. These moments are tender, often profound, and never feel exploitative. They’re a reminder of the humanity we all share, regardless of our circumstances.

A Few Minor Quibbles

Now, no book is perfect, and I did have a couple of small issues. There were a few moments where the pacing felt a bit off, particularly in the middle section of the book. And while I appreciated the growth Clover experiences throughout the story, there were times when her transformation felt a bit rushed.

But honestly? These are minor complaints in what is otherwise a beautifully crafted debut novel.

Who Should Read This Book?

If you enjoyed books like “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig or “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman, you’ll probably love “The Collected Regrets of Clover.” It’s perfect for readers who:

• Enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of romance
• Aren’t afraid to confront big questions about life and death
• Love a good New York City setting
• Appreciate a mix of humor and pathos in their reading

Final Thoughts

“The Collected Regrets of Clover” is one of those rare books that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even reconsider your own life choices. Brammer has created a protagonist in Clover who feels real and relatable, even if her job is somewhat unusual.

What I appreciated most about this book was its message that it’s never too late to start living the life you want. Clover’s journey from someone who’s more comfortable with the dying than the living to someone who embraces life with all its messy complications is truly inspiring.

As a debut novel, “The Collected Regrets of Clover” is impressively polished. Brammer’s voice feels fresh and authentic, and I’m excited to see what she comes up with next. If this book is any indication, we’ve got a talented new author on our hands.

In Summary

The Good:

• Engaging and relatable protagonist
• Well-developed supporting characters
• Beautiful exploration of life, death, and everything in between
• Perfect balance of humor and poignancy
• Vivid New York City setting

The Not-So-Good:

• Occasional pacing issues
• Some aspects of Clover’s character development felt rushed

A Personal Note

You know, as I was reading this book, I couldn’t help but think about my own grandmother. She passed away a few years ago, and I wish I’d had someone like Clover there to help guide her (and us) through that process. It made me realize how important and valuable the work of death doulas really is.

Reading “The Collected Regrets of Clover” also made me reflect on my own life. Am I living it to the fullest? Are there things I’m putting off that I should be doing now? It’s not often that a book prompts this kind of self-reflection, and I think that’s a testament to Brammer’s skill as a writer.

Similar Books You Might Enjoy

If you enjoy “The Collected Regrets of Clover,” you might also like:

1. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
2. “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
3. “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
4. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune
5. “The Authenticity Project” by Clare Pooley

These books all share themes of personal growth, the importance of human connection, and finding joy in unexpected places.

Final Verdict

“The Collected Regrets of Clover” is a gem of a book that deserves a spot on your to-read list. It’s the kind of story that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even inspire you to make some changes in your own life. Mikki Brammer has crafted a debut novel that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

So, grab a copy, curl up with your favorite blanket and a cup of tea, and prepare to fall in love with Clover Brooks and her quirky world of death and rebirth. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself hugging your loved ones a little tighter after you finish reading. After all, as Clover learns, life is precious and meant to be lived to the fullest.