What do you think?
Rate this book
More Than Love, A Husband's Tale
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.
469 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
29 people are currently reading
22208 people want to read
About the author
Peter B. Forster
3 books1,090 followersFor the past fifteen years I have practiced as a consulting Counselling Psychologist in a busy East London community health setting. Although I have previously been published in academic works and provided chapters in books for counsellors’ psychologists and psychotherapists I have always nurtured a love of and talent for creative writing. Over the years I have attended writer’s workshops, written and performed poetry as well as provided lyrics for jobbing musicians. However I have long harboured the ambition to write full length fiction. And this I am now doing. The plain in simple truth is that I enjoy writing. I always have. Sometimes it feels like the flow of hungry words is never ending and I will be swept right off my feet, carried along on an imaginative stream of unconscious process. But like everybody else I have a life. To some it may seem narrowly defined. Focussed as it is on work, family, writing and music but to others without the opportunity to learn, make relationships build a future and have the freedom to choose it may seem like it is a world of riches. Whilst on most days it really can feel like that to me, on other occasions it can be an effort to maintain enthusiasm: In other words my life is not that much different from many and better than most. I have known tragedy and delight and struggle to account for what might be its unequal measure. But I live, love and am loved so in truth I have to say I am blessed. I hope the same can be said of you.
An example of my academic work can be found in - 'Professional and ethical issues when working with learning disabled clients, in Tribe and Morrissey (eds) Handbook of Professional and Ethical Practice for Psychologists, Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Brunner-Routledge (2005)'
An example of my academic work can be found in - 'Professional and ethical issues when working with learning disabled clients, in Tribe and Morrissey (eds) Handbook of Professional and Ethical Practice for Psychologists, Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Brunner-Routledge (2005)'
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 28, 2019
‘All I do is love and care…whilst crying inside’
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.
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.
January 23, 2020
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.
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.
April 28, 2020
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
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
February 13, 2020
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.
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.
January 20, 2020
‘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.
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.
January 7, 2020
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.
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.
May 4, 2020
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 the family went through. This book took place in England and I had a bit of a time with these 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.
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 the family went through. This book took place in England and I had a bit of a time with these 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.
March 8, 2020
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.
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.
March 15, 2020
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.
February 10, 2020
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.
April 30, 2020
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.
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.
June 5, 2020
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.
May 11, 2020
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.
July 8, 2020
I loved it! This book is almost as a diary, the personal thoughts and suffer of a husband willing to share every emotion he had during the fight of her wife with pancreatic cancer, every thought, every feeling, every emotion that he is willing to share so that others can understand and don’t feel alone in the great struggle that is the disease Cancer, just the word is frightening, the path that he had to witness is heartbreaking and so eye opening.
Peter Forster is sharing every step of the way, from the diagnosis to the truly heartbreaking end. The memories of his wife, the confusion of the emotions he had; as a psychologist he helps to understand with his own experience and that is something that not many people dare to share to the world, this book is amazing!!
Peter Forster is sharing every step of the way, from the diagnosis to the truly heartbreaking end. The memories of his wife, the confusion of the emotions he had; as a psychologist he helps to understand with his own experience and that is something that not many people dare to share to the world, this book is amazing!!
November 10, 2020
[English review + Reseña en español]
More Than Love: A Husband's Tale, by Peter B Forster
Independent. 2019
559 pages.
Non-Fiction / Personal diary, Poetry, Memories.
Themes: Terminal illness in the couple, love, life, family.
In this book, the author kindly shares with us a very painful and complicated part of his life: the terminal illness and subsequent death of his wife Kay, and the general and particular experience that the couple and their family went through.
The narrative style in which Peter B Forster decided to share his memories of such a peculiar and complicated period is very interesting (in addition, of course, to the shared experience of living closely the terminal illness of the loved one): a perfect combination between the entries from his personal diary —which recounts the admissions and discharges from the hospital, the treatments, the personal talks and the most significant day-to-day events with his beloved wife after the beginning of the illness, as well as part of their previous history and relationship as a couple and as members of a family— and a series of poems that beautifully translate the turmoil and depth of the emotions that arose and grew along the way.
This book is beautiful, direct, real and above all very human. Its narrative is direct, polite but open, and its poetry transparent, authentic and beautiful. If you want to read how the true love of a couple can be lived and shared when the days of the most loved one are numbered, this book should absolutely be among your first options.
-------
More Than Love: A Husband's Tale, de Peter B Forster
Independiente. 2019
559 páginas
Género: No-Ficción / Diario, Poesía, Memorias personales.
Temas: Enfermedad terminal en la pareja, amor, vida, familia.
En este libro, el autor comparte amablemente con nosotros una parte muy dolorosa y complicada de su vida: la enfermedad terminal y subsecuente muerte de su esposa Kay, y la experiencia general y particular por la que la pareja y su familia atravesaron.
Resulta muy interesante (además, por supuesto, de la experiencia compartida de vivir de cerca la enfermedad terminal de la persona amada) el estilo narrativo en que Peter B Forster decidió compartir sus memorias de tan peculiar y complicado periodo: una combinación perfecta entre las entradas de su diario personal —que relatan las entradas y salidas del hospital, los tratamientos, las charlas personales y los eventos más significativos del día a día junto a su amada esposa a partir de la enfermedad, así como parte de su historia previa y de su relación como pareja y como miembros de una familia— y una serie de poemas que traducen de muy bella manera la agitación y la profundidad de las emociones que surgieron y crecieron durante el trayecto.
Este libro es bello, directo, real y sobre todo muy humano. Su narrativa es directa, educada pero sin tapujos, y su poesía transparente, auténtica, hermosa. Si quieres leer cómo se vive y se comparte el verdadero amor de una pareja cuando los días del ser más amado están contados, este libro debería estar entre tus primeras opciones.
More Than Love: A Husband's Tale, by Peter B Forster
Independent. 2019
559 pages.
Non-Fiction / Personal diary, Poetry, Memories.
Themes: Terminal illness in the couple, love, life, family.
In this book, the author kindly shares with us a very painful and complicated part of his life: the terminal illness and subsequent death of his wife Kay, and the general and particular experience that the couple and their family went through.
The narrative style in which Peter B Forster decided to share his memories of such a peculiar and complicated period is very interesting (in addition, of course, to the shared experience of living closely the terminal illness of the loved one): a perfect combination between the entries from his personal diary —which recounts the admissions and discharges from the hospital, the treatments, the personal talks and the most significant day-to-day events with his beloved wife after the beginning of the illness, as well as part of their previous history and relationship as a couple and as members of a family— and a series of poems that beautifully translate the turmoil and depth of the emotions that arose and grew along the way.
This book is beautiful, direct, real and above all very human. Its narrative is direct, polite but open, and its poetry transparent, authentic and beautiful. If you want to read how the true love of a couple can be lived and shared when the days of the most loved one are numbered, this book should absolutely be among your first options.
-------
More Than Love: A Husband's Tale, de Peter B Forster
Independiente. 2019
559 páginas
Género: No-Ficción / Diario, Poesía, Memorias personales.
Temas: Enfermedad terminal en la pareja, amor, vida, familia.
En este libro, el autor comparte amablemente con nosotros una parte muy dolorosa y complicada de su vida: la enfermedad terminal y subsecuente muerte de su esposa Kay, y la experiencia general y particular por la que la pareja y su familia atravesaron.
Resulta muy interesante (además, por supuesto, de la experiencia compartida de vivir de cerca la enfermedad terminal de la persona amada) el estilo narrativo en que Peter B Forster decidió compartir sus memorias de tan peculiar y complicado periodo: una combinación perfecta entre las entradas de su diario personal —que relatan las entradas y salidas del hospital, los tratamientos, las charlas personales y los eventos más significativos del día a día junto a su amada esposa a partir de la enfermedad, así como parte de su historia previa y de su relación como pareja y como miembros de una familia— y una serie de poemas que traducen de muy bella manera la agitación y la profundidad de las emociones que surgieron y crecieron durante el trayecto.
Este libro es bello, directo, real y sobre todo muy humano. Su narrativa es directa, educada pero sin tapujos, y su poesía transparente, auténtica, hermosa. Si quieres leer cómo se vive y se comparte el verdadero amor de una pareja cuando los días del ser más amado están contados, este libro debería estar entre tus primeras opciones.
July 3, 2021
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.
September 29, 2020
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.
October 22, 2020
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.
November 23, 2020
More Than Love, A Husband's tale by Peter B Forster is a gut-wrenching and heartache filled memoir that recounts the author's time with his wife Kay after she is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Written in journal form the author follows his stream of consciousness during the time his wife is in the hospital and ultimately her death. It is heart-rending and beautiful, fully capturing their love for each other. You feel Peter's pain as he struggles daily to endure, how complicated his emotions are, his guilt, but most importantly his love for his wife. The inclusion of poetry within the text of the journal greatly expands on the emotional time and explores more nuance than a simple memoir might contain. Not only is Peter's journey through his wife's illness explored, but he expands on that to include familial relationships as well, never forgetting how far-reaching are the effects of cancer. This is an important book that can help families grieving during a difficult time to understand they are not alone. Highly recommend.
June 16, 2021
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.
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.
June 22, 2021
Behind the scenes look in emotional journey of a caregiver and spouse of a terminally ill loved one.
It just takes one day and one visit to the doctor to change a normal life from the same O same old, To find yourself staring into an abyss of unknown predictions. This happened to Peter and KNN this book it is peters journal of the good days and bad days with his wife and her journey with pancreatic cancer. They have some very sad entries in this book and other times you can see Peter trying to scraping glances of goodness to make for a good day. He is honest and very authentic. I think if you are going through a similar situation with the spouse or a loved one you should read this book it certainly helps. I highly recommend this book if not for the help just to get a glimpse into something hopefully most of us won’t experience. I want to thank Peter for his book and for sharing it with all of us. I just want to say I am so sorry for losing K in Warren honored to her to have written this book to hear her journey. Thank you for sharing your loss and again I’m so sorry you lost her.
It just takes one day and one visit to the doctor to change a normal life from the same O same old, To find yourself staring into an abyss of unknown predictions. This happened to Peter and KNN this book it is peters journal of the good days and bad days with his wife and her journey with pancreatic cancer. They have some very sad entries in this book and other times you can see Peter trying to scraping glances of goodness to make for a good day. He is honest and very authentic. I think if you are going through a similar situation with the spouse or a loved one you should read this book it certainly helps. I highly recommend this book if not for the help just to get a glimpse into something hopefully most of us won’t experience. I want to thank Peter for his book and for sharing it with all of us. I just want to say I am so sorry for losing K in Warren honored to her to have written this book to hear her journey. Thank you for sharing your loss and again I’m so sorry you lost her.
October 5, 2020
More Than Love is a journal type book written by the husband of a terminally ill cancer sufferer. Peter states that he started the journal as a way to process and manage his own feelings in order to be strong for his wife, Kay, during her time of need. The book is obviously very emotional and also contains a number of poems written by Peter but the book also serves as a guide to what is happening and why with lots of medical references and explanations of the side effects. A deeply touching book and also a helpful guide for anyone that may, unfortunately, find themselves in a similar situation.
September 28, 2021
More Than Love, A Husband’s Tale
by Peter B. Forster
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Peter B. Forster is a retired senior counselling psychologist and writer. He composed this book as a journal when his lovely wife, Kay, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Putting pen to paper, or in his case on a laptop in random spare moments to help sustain his focus during the trying times he and Kay experienced and “a comfort to those who read them.”
The author writes from day to day, indeed frequently each day, openly concerning the discomfort and emotionally raw passion on every page, in every word concern clear for his loving spouse, even down to his perception of his inadequacy and overwhelming heartache.
It is a remarkably intimate, tragically beautifully written emotional record of their history together before and after the diagnosis, an authentic record of his upset and anguish, concerned for Kay’s suffering.
“Can it be happening, is it true? Will there be peace in a world without me and you?“
As we follow the author’s phrases, interspersed by meaningful prose, the grief is complete, bringing tears to my eyes. The concerns and worries noted down, even random thoughts, hit like a brick when his desperation seeps through. All combined with the confusion and unfairness of the situation in trying to imagine what his life would be like without her… obviously unimaginable.
What I found painfully true is a reference to comments by people enquiring as to the wellbeing of his partner by acquaintances, and do they want to know? Genuinely? Is it out of kindness; are they expecting an actual truthful response or only a “yes she’s fine “ throwaway remark? I have encountered this attitude and the inquiry as they continue walking, indifferent. I concluded that many people either don’t know how to express their concerns or fear facing their mortality.
Peter states repeatedly in the journal that he is exhausted, has lost weight and is also in physical pain, but clearly describes that he does not call for sympathy, that the narrative is wholly for Kay. This is so very humbling, and on arrival at the end, I did expect a few lines representing his way of life after the passing of Kay. He keeps to his word, the journal in complete reverence to his fantastically brave wife apart from one simple sentence, “I still miss her so much.”
This is everything and smashed my heart.
I definitely recommend, a superb narrative in honour of a courageous lady and the author, Peter B. Forster, who cared, loved and dedicated himself to the love of his life until the end and beyond.
I rate More Than Love, A Husband’s Tale 5 out of 5 stars.
by Peter B. Forster
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Peter B. Forster is a retired senior counselling psychologist and writer. He composed this book as a journal when his lovely wife, Kay, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Putting pen to paper, or in his case on a laptop in random spare moments to help sustain his focus during the trying times he and Kay experienced and “a comfort to those who read them.”
The author writes from day to day, indeed frequently each day, openly concerning the discomfort and emotionally raw passion on every page, in every word concern clear for his loving spouse, even down to his perception of his inadequacy and overwhelming heartache.
It is a remarkably intimate, tragically beautifully written emotional record of their history together before and after the diagnosis, an authentic record of his upset and anguish, concerned for Kay’s suffering.
“Can it be happening, is it true? Will there be peace in a world without me and you?“
As we follow the author’s phrases, interspersed by meaningful prose, the grief is complete, bringing tears to my eyes. The concerns and worries noted down, even random thoughts, hit like a brick when his desperation seeps through. All combined with the confusion and unfairness of the situation in trying to imagine what his life would be like without her… obviously unimaginable.
What I found painfully true is a reference to comments by people enquiring as to the wellbeing of his partner by acquaintances, and do they want to know? Genuinely? Is it out of kindness; are they expecting an actual truthful response or only a “yes she’s fine “ throwaway remark? I have encountered this attitude and the inquiry as they continue walking, indifferent. I concluded that many people either don’t know how to express their concerns or fear facing their mortality.
Peter states repeatedly in the journal that he is exhausted, has lost weight and is also in physical pain, but clearly describes that he does not call for sympathy, that the narrative is wholly for Kay. This is so very humbling, and on arrival at the end, I did expect a few lines representing his way of life after the passing of Kay. He keeps to his word, the journal in complete reverence to his fantastically brave wife apart from one simple sentence, “I still miss her so much.”
This is everything and smashed my heart.
I definitely recommend, a superb narrative in honour of a courageous lady and the author, Peter B. Forster, who cared, loved and dedicated himself to the love of his life until the end and beyond.
I rate More Than Love, A Husband’s Tale 5 out of 5 stars.
November 2, 2023
Gross. I hated it. This book seemed much more like a love story to himself than it was to his wife. I know we all grieve deeply and differently but good God. Too many unnecessarily graphic depictions of situations I doubt K would have freely agreed to have publicly broadcast to strangers. At least the author admits he is a narcissist. Almost the only thing I could agree with in this entire account.
Read
November 10, 2021I refuse to rate this honest account of a loving, loyal husband to his wife through her last months of struggle against pancreatic cancer.
This is a journal, and depicts the day to day life of living with this monster in the last stages. It honestly portrays the yo-yo effect... Some days good, which spikes your hope, the next day down in the gutters. This depicts the exhausting roller coaster ride. But it also shows his absolute devotion and love for his wife, his world.
I take my hat off to the author, as I have walked this road myself, but have been unable to write. And that is why I refuse to rate this, as he had the courage, firstly to write, and secondly to publish it.
This is a journal, and depicts the day to day life of living with this monster in the last stages. It honestly portrays the yo-yo effect... Some days good, which spikes your hope, the next day down in the gutters. This depicts the exhausting roller coaster ride. But it also shows his absolute devotion and love for his wife, his world.
I take my hat off to the author, as I have walked this road myself, but have been unable to write. And that is why I refuse to rate this, as he had the courage, firstly to write, and secondly to publish it.
October 24, 2024
4.5 stars
It is in the eyes,
the spark a brightness,
vital, hopeful, it is love.
It is in the fingers, tightly clasped
Small fragile hands,
A perfect fit, so much said with a squeeze.
It is love.
It is in the kiss,
Soft gentle sweetly tender,
Transported to another place, a different time,
The greatest escape.
It is love.
--------------------
Pains me to read. At times, I had to pause to catch my breath as my own memories flashed back. The profound pain came from witnessing a loved one's soul and vitality fading bit by bit. The unspeakable anguish was a mix of inadequacy, helplessness, guilt, yearning, and bittersweet love. Thank you, Peter, for capturing these tender moments in such raw and pure words.
On a side note, while written from Peter's perspective mainly as a husband, he is also a father. I particularly enjoyed reading the passages describing the dynamics between him, his wife, and their adult children. The grief he experienced was compounded by the fact that their adult children still had their lives ahead, while he had lost the love of his life.
He wrote about asking his adult children to just "be" instead of keep "doing"—so genuine, yet with such a heavy heart accepting this hard truth.
I said. “K if you are worried just say…you can say anything at all.” I also repeated this again when we were alone, after she escaped the room when the dogs showed up. Then she said she didn’t want them there. “…it is too much…” i said, “ okay but you need to support me when I tell Matthew.”
In this life journey, we take up different identities, sometimes life throw us curveballs. Yet, never forget our most important identities, being a husband, a wife, a child...
It is in the eyes,
the spark a brightness,
vital, hopeful, it is love.
It is in the fingers, tightly clasped
Small fragile hands,
A perfect fit, so much said with a squeeze.
It is love.
It is in the kiss,
Soft gentle sweetly tender,
Transported to another place, a different time,
The greatest escape.
It is love.
--------------------
Pains me to read. At times, I had to pause to catch my breath as my own memories flashed back. The profound pain came from witnessing a loved one's soul and vitality fading bit by bit. The unspeakable anguish was a mix of inadequacy, helplessness, guilt, yearning, and bittersweet love. Thank you, Peter, for capturing these tender moments in such raw and pure words.
On a side note, while written from Peter's perspective mainly as a husband, he is also a father. I particularly enjoyed reading the passages describing the dynamics between him, his wife, and their adult children. The grief he experienced was compounded by the fact that their adult children still had their lives ahead, while he had lost the love of his life.
He wrote about asking his adult children to just "be" instead of keep "doing"—so genuine, yet with such a heavy heart accepting this hard truth.
I said. “K if you are worried just say…you can say anything at all.” I also repeated this again when we were alone, after she escaped the room when the dogs showed up. Then she said she didn’t want them there. “…it is too much…” i said, “ okay but you need to support me when I tell Matthew.”
In this life journey, we take up different identities, sometimes life throw us curveballs. Yet, never forget our most important identities, being a husband, a wife, a child...
October 7, 2021
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.
April 18, 2024
A heart warming real story of pain and love written day to day. Many parallels to my own journey with my mum who was treated for PC at PAH. Certain symptoms such as unexplained confusion I now appreciate were very early signs of dying for my mum. A devastating disease, but Peter revealed how his and Kay’s loving relationship was the centre of everything. Death ends a life, but not a relationship.
January 30, 2025
more than Love
Excellent narrative of a real life coping with a wife’s pancreatic cancer journey - what a great job he chronicled
Excellent narrative of a real life coping with a wife’s pancreatic cancer journey - what a great job he chronicled
Want to read
June 14, 2024It feels wrong to rate a book which is a journal of person writing of the last months of someone they loved leading up to their death. I have full empathy for Peter. The idea is wonderful and it is extremely likely that if I would ever be in his shoes, I would write too, to cope.
It is a day by day account of K's deteriorating condition. There were few mistakes and sentences were abrupt. This annoyed me and I wondered if only it was edited well. But this book is about Peter and not about readers. There was understandably not much change from day to day in several periods in the book. This was difficult as it was a personal account but you didn`t know the person.
I had completely different expectations from the book. I thought it would be a story with character development supported by some journal entries. It is hugely different from when people write for others and when they write for themselves.
It is a day by day account of K's deteriorating condition. There were few mistakes and sentences were abrupt. This annoyed me and I wondered if only it was edited well. But this book is about Peter and not about readers. There was understandably not much change from day to day in several periods in the book. This was difficult as it was a personal account but you didn`t know the person.
I had completely different expectations from the book. I thought it would be a story with character development supported by some journal entries. It is hugely different from when people write for others and when they write for themselves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews