A Matter of Death and Life

By Irvin D. Yalom and Marilyn Yalom

A year-long journey by the renowned psychiatrist and his writer wife after her fatal diagnosis, as they reflect on how to love and live without regret.

Internationally acclaimed psychiatrist and author Irvin Yalom devoted his career to counselling those suffering from anxiety and grief. But never had he faced the need to counsel himself until his wife, esteemed feminist author Marilyn Yalom, was diagnosed with cancer. In A Matter of Death and Life, Marilyn and Irv share how they took on profound new struggles: Marilyn to die a good death, Irv to live on without her.

In alternating accounts of their last months together and Irv's first months alone, they offer us a rare window into facing mortality and coping with the loss of one's beloved. The Yaloms had numerous blessings — a loving family, a Palo Alto home under a magnificent valley oak, a large circle of friends, avid readers around the world, and a long, fulfilling marriage — but they faced death as we all do. With the wisdom of those who have thought deeply and the familiar warmth of teenage sweethearts who've grown up together, they investigate universal questions of intimacy, love, and grief.

Informed by two lifetimes of experience, A Matter of Death and Life is an openhearted offering to anyone seeking support, solace, and a meaningful life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scribe Publications
• Release date: May 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781922586124

Irvin D. Yalom

Irvin D. Yalom is emeritus professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine. The author of two definitive psychotherapy textbooks, Dr Yalom has written several books for the general reader, including Love’s Executioner, Staring at the Sun, Creatures of a Day, and Becoming Myself; and the novels When Nietzsche Wept; The Schopenhauer Cure, and The Spinoza Problem. Dr Yalom lives in Palo Alto and San Francisco, California.

Reviews for A Matter of Death and Life

[glennbell_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A touching account of the death and grieving of a psychiatrist who loses his wife. The book is a combination of his and her input and it describes her illness and death. This is an important topic and discussion. I believe that I have learned some from their story.

[hemlokgang · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Such a powerful, moving experience to read this book. I have previously read only Irvin Yalom's fiction. I thought each novel was excellent! This book is a chronicle written by the husband and wife team, sharing, in alternating chapters, their experience of the end of her life due to illness. I personally could identify with Marilyn Yalom, although I am currently chronic vs. terminal. The weariness as long term treatment takes its toll was so well described! I truly appreciate the authors' willingness to share their journey with honesty and openness. A fantastic book for persons and families coping with death and loss.