The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

A Touching Tale of Life, Death, and Everything In Between

You know that feeling when you finish a book and you’re not quite sure what to do with yourself? That’s exactly how I felt after turning the last page of Mikki Brammer’s debut novel, “The Collected Regrets of Clover.” It’s one of those rare gems that manages to be both heartwarming and heartbreaking, often on the same page.

As someone who’s always been a bit fascinated (and, let’s be honest, terrified) by death, I was immediately drawn to the premise. A death doula who helps people through their final moments? Sign me up! But what I didn’t expect was how much this book would make me think about life—and how I’m living mine.

Plot Summary: From Death to Life

Clover Brooks has always felt more comfortable with the dying than the living. After watching her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic reading of Peter Rabbit (talk about a memorable first day of school!), Clover develops a unique connection with death. Fast forward a couple of decades, and she’s working as a death doula in New York City, helping people navigate their final moments with grace and dignity.

But here’s the twist – while Clover’s great at ushering others towards a peaceful end, she’s not so great at actually living her own life. She’s like that friend we all have who’s amazing at giving advice but can’t seem to follow it herself. You know the type, right?

Everything changes when Clover meets Claudia, a feisty old woman with a secret love story from her past. Suddenly, Clover finds herself on a road trip to uncover this long-lost romance, and in the process, she just might find her own happy ending. It’s like “Thelma & Louise” meets “The Notebook,” but with fewer car chases and more existential crises.

Characters: A Quirky Cast You Can’t Help But Love

Let’s talk characters, because boy, does Brammer know how to create some memorable ones:

Clover Brooks

Our protagonist is a fascinating mix of wisdom and naivety. She’s seen more death than most people twice her age, but she’s also painfully awkward when it comes to social interactions. I found myself alternately wanting to hug her and shake her throughout the book.

Claudia

The catalyst for Clover’s journey, Claudia is the kind of sassy grandma we all wish we had. Her zest for life, even in her final days, is truly inspiring.

Hugo

The grandson of Claudia’s long-lost love, Hugo is the perfect foil for Clover. He’s charming, laid-back, and helps bring Clover out of her shell. Their slow-burn romance had me rooting for them from the start.

Leo

Clover’s elderly neighbor and only friend at the beginning of the book, Leo provides some much-needed comic relief and wisdom. He’s like the Mr. Miyagi of death doulas.

Themes: Life, Death, and Everything In Between

Okay, let’s dive into the meat of the book. Brammer tackles some heavy themes here, but she does it with such a light touch that you hardly realize you’re contemplating your own mortality until you’re halfway through a box of tissues.

Living vs. Existing

The central theme of the book is the difference between truly living and merely existing. Clover spends so much time helping others die that she forgets to live her own life. It’s a powerful reminder to all of us to seize the day, carpe diem, YOLO, or whatever the kids are saying these days.

The Nature of Regret

As the title suggests, regret plays a big role in the story. Clover collects the regrets of the dying, but she’s also accumulating her own. It’s a poignant exploration of what we wish we’d done differently and how those wishes shape our lives.

The Importance of Human Connection

For someone who spends her days with the dying, Clover is surprisingly disconnected from the living. Her journey throughout the book is as much about forming meaningful relationships as it is about uncovering Claudia’s love story.

Writing Style: A Perfect Balance of Humor and Heart

Brammer’s writing style is what really sets this book apart. She manages to tackle heavy subjects with a light touch, peppering the narrative with moments of humor that had me laughing out loud. One minute you’re contemplating the meaning of life, and the next you’re chuckling at Clover’s awkward attempts at small talk. It’s like going on an emotional roller coaster, but in the best possible way.

The pacing is spot-on, alternating between Clover’s present-day journey and flashbacks to her childhood and the stories of those she’s helped. It keeps things interesting and helps build a full picture of who Clover is and why she does what she does.

What Works: The Good Stuff

1. The premise: A death doula as a protagonist? It’s unique, it’s intriguing, and it sets the stage for some really deep explorations of life and death.
2. The characters: They’re quirky, they’re flawed, and they feel real. Even the minor characters are well-developed and memorable.
3. The humor: Brammer strikes a perfect balance between the heavy subject matter and moments of levity. It keeps the book from feeling too dark or depressing.
4. The romance: The slow-burn relationship between Clover and Hugo is sweet and satisfying. It’s not the main focus of the book, but it adds a nice layer to the story.
5. The emotional impact: I’ll admit it—I cried. More than once. But I also laughed, and smiled, and felt all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s a book that really makes you feel.

What Could Be Better: The Not-So-Good Stuff

1. Pacing in the middle: There are a few spots in the middle where the pacing drags a bit. It’s not a deal-breaker, but a little tightening could have made the story even stronger.
2. Some predictable plot points: While the overall story is unique, there are a few plot developments that feel a bit formulaic. But hey, sometimes a little predictability can be comforting, right?
3. Clover’s initial passivity: At times, especially early in the book, Clover’s passivity can be frustrating. But stick with it—her character growth is worth it.

Final Thoughts: A Book That Stays With You

“The Collected Regrets of Clover” is one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished it. It’s a story about death that somehow leaves you feeling more alive. Brammer has crafted a tale that’s both deeply philosophical and utterly human, tackling big questions about life and death while never losing sight of the small, everyday moments that make life worth living.

Is it perfect? No. But then again, what is? And isn’t that kind of the point? Life is messy and imperfect, but it’s in those imperfections that we find beauty and meaning.

For a debut novel, this is an impressive offering. Brammer’s voice is fresh and engaging, and I’m excited to see what she comes up with next. If you’re a fan of books like “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” or “The Midnight Library,” you’ll find a lot to love here.

In the end, “The Collected Regrets of Clover” is a book that makes you laugh, makes you cry, and most importantly, makes you think. It’s a gentle reminder to live life to the fullest, to take risks, to love deeply, and to leave this world with as few regrets as possible.

And isn’t that what we’re all trying to do, in the end?

Who Should Read This Book

• Fans of quirky, character-driven fiction
• Anyone who’s ever pondered the big questions about life and death
• Readers who enjoy a mix of humor and heart in their books
• Those who loved “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” or “The Midnight Library”
• Anyone who’s ever felt stuck in life and needs a little push to make a change

Who Might Want to Skip It

• Readers looking for fast-paced action or thriller elements
• Those who prefer their fiction without philosophical musings
• Anyone who’s uncomfortable with frank discussions about death and dying

Similar Books You Might Enjoy

1. “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
2. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
3. “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
4. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
5. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune

So, there you have it—my thoughts on “The Collected Regrets of Clover.” If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe reevaluate your life choices (in a good way!), give this one a shot. Just maybe don’t read it in public unless you’re okay with strangers seeing you ugly cry. Trust me on this one.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some living to do. And maybe a few regrets to un-collect.