This book developed from a journal of my thoughts and feelings recorded in response to the shock of my wife’s diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer in December 2015. Initially, I kept it as a personal diary of things that I believed were important at the time, including the poems and prose I wrote which sprang organically from the events as they unfolded. Whilst these few short months were extremely … challenging, at times shocking and ultimately tragic, they were also a time of great love. Hopefully, I have captured some of those few moments of pure happiness, humour and joy which I believe will not only help other people touched by cancer but will show sufferers and their families that there is no right or wrong way to behave, just as long as you continue to show how much you care and as much as possible, be there for each other.
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More Than Love, A Husband’s tale by Peter B Forster is an unaltered account the challenges, emotions, and regrets he experienced during the last few months of his wife’s life. There are many spouses that can relate to the helplessness Peter faced, and by reading his book it can give you a clear view of how to make the most out of a horrific situation.
From my personal experience, when I read books about how others managed grief, bitterness, and regret, it helped me to get through that period in my life. I could then focus on the person instead of the disease. More Than Love, A Husband’s tale is easy to relate with as Peter B Forster opened his life of watching his wife suffer and the defenselessness he went through. This book is raw and beautiful, shows vulnerability and power, heartbreaking and motivating. I would highly recommend reading this for your own healing, or giving as a gift to someone else who needs to know there are others who have felt the depths of emotions they are, or will be, going through.
More Than Love, A Husband’s Tale by Peter Forster is a book he developed from his journal while his wife was fighting pancreatic cancer. I had a lot of interest in this book because of my husband’s family history.
It was a good book if you are looking for raw thoughts on the daily progression of the disease. His wife was diagnosed and progressed quite quickly. She was an inpatient in a hospice center for longer than most people. She also had a history of mental illness which became evident during her illness. I was interested in their journey and had heartfelt sorrow for the things this family went through. This book took place in England and I had a bit of a time with the jargon. The medications are all different than what we are used to hearing about.
If you like poetry, you will like his poetry throughout the book. It is not a particularly happy book. I didn’t expect it to be. It warms my heart that he and his wife loved each other so much. They were an inspiration. He wanted to let people know that there can still be love, laughter, caring and good experiences even when there is a devastating diagnosis. He accomplished his goal!
I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is a very emotional book by an author stricken with grief and missing his wife written as a series of journal entries. There’s a lot of insight here on the struggle of surviving spouses of cancer victims. There’s a lot of stories like this, survivors sharing their stories of loss, but not nearly as many that don’t seem to carry a chip on their shoulder. Even in the dedication you can feel the words dripping with emotion (“…I miss her so much, and I always will.”)
As someone who has suffered loss (though not under the same circumstances), there is so much in this book that just resonates with me. I read a lot of books, almost daily. I try to read as much as I can in one sitting, and I couldn’t do that here. I had to pause, and take breaks. Forster captivates the reader’s emotions, not just their attention, in his own story he shares.
If you, or a loved one, is suffering through imminent loss, or has recently gone through a loss, give this book a read. Hell, even if you’re not, give this book a read. The journey will touch you.
More Than Love, A Husbands Tale, is a journal that Peter kept while he and his family dealt with his wife’s pancreatic cancer. It’s a heartfelt book full of ups and downs as they go through their struggles. She had good days, bad days and everything in between and Peter stayed by her side. He wondered how he would live without her and felt guilty at times that he wasn’t doing enough. He goes through all the emotions from fear of losing her to guilt to sadness to anger and even hope. He realised it’s ok whatever he felt. The book is well written and is a journey that others can relate to and know they are not alone. Though a difficult topic to read about, it can be helpful to others. Yes there are many moments of challenge but moments of pure love as well.
For the past fifteen years author Peter B Forster has practiced as a consulting Counselling Psychologist in a busy East London community health setting, However he has long harboured the ambition to write full length fiction, which is what he is doing now. Like most people the author has experienced tragedy, delight and struggle to account for what might be its unequal measure. In his book “More Than Love, A Husband’s tale” shares his account of dealing with the news of his wife’s terminal cancer and sharing their last few months together.
Although the circumstances surrounding this memoir are sad and tragic the story is written beautifully. I love how Peter shares his emotions and expresses them in such beautifully written poetic prose, which for me added extra heartfelt sentiment to the story. Peter writes in an open and very honest way, so not only does this memoir tell his story it also shares valuable insight and information that could help others who are going through a similar situation.
A heart-wrenching and authentic story that I believe will touch every reader on more than one level. Highly recommended, a must read for anyone.
Peter Forster has done a wonderful job of documenting his thoughts and feelings while helping his wife through terminal cancer. I know this book will offer great comfort to others going through the same thing. The book documents his emotions and struggles as well as K’s demise and includes some beautiful poetry. A very raw and authentic journey through loss and grief.
This a really heartbreaking story that had me in tears throughout. The strength displayed by Peter to stay strong and care fully for his wife is both admirable and heart wrenching. He gives full insight into the various stages and the effects suffered by Kay as well as the emotional impact on everybody involved. The poems were simply beautiful and you can feel the full force of Peter’s struggle and determination to honour his wife.
This is such an emotional and touching book. The day to day emotional struggles documented along side the physical affects but also the better times Peter and his wife shared will move you. The dedication and unwavering love for his wife in her greatest time of need is inspirational and heartbreaking, especially for anyone with similar experiences. The poetry was a beautiful expression of emotion and I adored this book.
This is a heart-wrenching story, put together from journal entries written by Peter B Forster as he journeyed through his wife’s terminal medical diagnosis, and the painful path that lay ahead of them. Despite the tragedy of the circumstances, this is a beautifully written story that takes the reader on an emotional journey. Some entries are so raw, they will leave a lump in your throat, while others are filled with such love, joy, and even humor, reminding the reader that light can be found in even the darkest of moments. Slotted between journal entries are elegantly written poems, which have great depth and feeling.
Survivors of loss, or anyone with a family member facing death, will find comfort and solace in this book, as well as recognition of many of the thoughts and emotions that Forster grapples with through his journey. This book is a touching and inspirational read.
This book gives a daily account of the struggles faced by people diagnosed with cancer and the impact on them and their loved ones. The events told in the book are heartbreaking and will resonate with anyone that has experienced this disease directly or indirectly. I felt so much empathy for Peter and his wife when reading their experiences and believe this book could help anyone in a similar position to process their emotions and come to terms with such a difficult time. A touching account of true love and loyalty during a time of so much devastation.
This is a journal of writings by Peter Forster as he cared for his wife, K, who was dying of pancreatic cancer. He poured out his thoughts as he sat by her bedside, slept next to her, and cared for all of her needs. It is a difficult story to read, especially if you know someone that is dying of, or has, cancer. It is helpful that it shares all of the medical issues and health issues (incontinence, lack of appetite, confusion, etc) that are experienced by the patient.
I was touched at Peter’s caring and thoughtfulness towards his wife, even as she was soiling the bed. He loved her so desperately. It is obvious in his writing that K was his rock, although she called Peter her rock. It really gives you an appreciation of the caregiver, and the toll it takes on them physically and emotionally.
Much of this felt like I was reading a caringbridge site article, as it was nearly daily observations of what was happening. I know this is a physical journal account of the journey, but I would have edited some of the book. I did enjoy the poetry that was interspersed throughout the journal. Very moving.
All in all, this is a good book for someone to read to help you understand the toll that a serious illness takes on the patient and those that love the patient.
#MoreThanLoveAHusbandsTale #Peter Forster
The loss of a loved one to cancer is one of the hardest challenges any of us will face, and Forster’s journal-like handling of such deep and profound emotions is genuinely moving. I feel this would be a worthwhile read for anyone who has been through a similar experience themselves, or even perhaps readers interested to see how someone has coped with such a difficult few months in their life. The writing is, as you’d expect, peppered with emotion and struggle, but there is also an underlying hope that runs through the narrative as well. A worthwhile read.
Reading the synopsis of A Husband’s Tale by Peter B Forster, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it was going to be a really sad memoir. It’s true, some parts of Peter’s book did give me a lump in my throat, but his journal detailing his thoughts and feelings following his wife’s cancer diagnosis was also funny, joyful, and full of love.
This could be a really important book for anyone directly or indirectly affected by cancer or other serious illness, or even just spend time apart from their families. It shows how important it is to make the most of the time you have with your loved ones and that being there for one another is the greatest gift you can give.
An emotional and beautiful read.
If you love to read true stories then this book is for you! This book has been beautifully written and at times is heartbreaking and emotional. I shed a few tears reading this book as I almost felt the pain and anguish that both K and Peter have endured.I would recommend this book especially to anyone out there that has been through something similar as they I think would benefit greatly and would undoubtedly relate to many of the situations and experiences. 4 stars.
More Than Love was recommended to me by a friend and I am so glad I read it. Although the subject may be very difficult for some I found that overall the story was calming. The book was very well written and very heartfelt. I think that this subject will touch so many other people that are gong through the same or similar situations in life and may offer insight, understanding and hope through the toughest of life experiences.
Highly recommend this touching and heartfelt book to anyone.
British author Peter B Forster is a Counseling Psychologist and has published articles on professional and ethical issues when working with disabled clients, in addition to his books WHEN A TEAR FALLS, MR CHARALAMBUS AND THE ONE SOUL, INTO THE GREY (these three volumes form his The One Soul series), THE FIRST WAVE: A COLLECTION OF DAILY MISSIVES, as well as lyrics for musicians, and poetry. In this fine book Peter shares his journal of events that began with the diagnosis of his wife’s pancreatic cancer – and now he publishes his thoughts with the hope that the book will be a source of comfort and healing for others who have encountered that challenge.
The initial entry shares Peter’s feelings: ‘K’s diagnosis of Pancreatic Caner was finally confirmed, on Thursday the 3rd of December 2015. All the things I write, the words I choose to use, will be from my perspective…and in no way can be compensation or even a genuine reflection of the depth of suffering K is being forced to endure…I am merely an observer…a player in the drama…’
What follows are not only the daily responses to this life altering situation, but also some elegantly rich poetry, such as the following:
Words are not enough
Not mine, cut off at the throat before they breathe
Never forming, broken and swallowed,
Tossed into the void before they are heard
It would be easy to follow
Fall to my knees, prostrate before the deli counter
Sweep the shelves clear scatter the tins
Pound the cakes to powder.
Supermarket isles stretching out in macabre displays
Christmas madness, sad songs and mistletoe, packed car parks.
Rotten leaves banked up in corners,
Forgotten reminders of summer before the storm.
Never trust a promise, they take prisoners
And wishes never come true, fairy stories have grim endings
And I don’t know how I will face the world without you.
The tenor of the entries and poems alter as the course of time proceeds and the visceral response of losing his wife becomes a reliquary of love and compassion and devotion, providing a substantial resource of comforting and intuitive thoughts for all of us who will face the loss of a loved one. The message is a support system for suffers and their families. Very highly recommended.
Touching and heartfelt
This book was recommended to me by a friend and I am so glad I read it. Although the subject may be very difficult for some I found that overall the story was calming. The book was very well written and very heartfelt. I think that this subject will touch so many other people that are gong through the same or similar situations in life and may offer insight, understanding and hope through the toughest of life experiences.
Highly recommend this book to anyone.
‘More Than Love, A Husband’s Tale’ by Peter Forster is sure to touch so many people. He chronicles his struggles through his wife’s journey with pancreatic cancer, from the shocking diagnosis to the inevitable, yet heartbreaking conclusion.
How many of us have had a loved one diagnosed with cancer? And how many of us have struggled with how we feel in such a tragic situation? Peter Forster helps to normalise all those feelings – like guilt, anger, sadness, and relief when it is all over – which can cause so much guilt when a loved one is suffering so much. Whilst the subject is hard and the emotions are so real, the overall impression of the novel is comforting. If shows that you are not alone in your feelings and that there is a way through the hardest of experiences.
It was really moving and beautiful reading about the treasured memories Peter has of his wife. Plus, his strength and the obvious strength of his wife are really inspiring. A worthwhile read for sure.
More Than Love, A Husband’s Tale – Peter B Forster
First time author for me and I can’t wait to read more.
When I first started this book I thought it’d be more uncomfortable but I found it soothing.
The many things said were right up my alley and I had dealt with and got a better understanding in my mind what was really going on during my time of hardship.
Starts out in diary form when the author learns of his wife’s cancer and how he not only deals with it but finds comforting things to help him cope with the devastation.
Love the parts of how he treats his wife throughout her illness.
Treasure the most personal of details as they would be some I’d not share about my husband and myself.
Love how he is in charge of her drugs and knows what she needs when. Heartbreaking when they have the hospice conversation…
Can never have enough of the special memories, the escapes and special time with one another.
Like how past events are discussed and it gives you a better detailed understanding of what transpired prior to the illness.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
More Than Love, A Husband’s Tale by Peter Forster is sure to touch so many people. The author chronicles his struggles through his wife’s journey with pancreatic cancer, from the shocking diagnosis to the inevitable, yet heartbreaking conclusion. Like many memoirs about death and dying, Peter B Forster’s More than Love is a combination of personal and societal remembrances. Some of the personal memories in this book are raw, but could offer help to others on how to help a loved one through treatment in today’s world of cancer medicine. And how to help that loved one towards as humane and comfortable a death as possible. This is a very well written book and I highly recommend it.