Lily Harford’s Last Request
Lily Harford is nearing the end of her once joyful life - and for her, it can't come soon enough. Who will have the courage, kindness and love to grant her last request?
Lily Harford is a woman who has always made her own decisions. So now, aged 86 and with her body and mind deteriorating, she is on a desperate hunt to find someone loving and courageous enough to kill her. But it’s a big ask and, as the clock ticks on Lily’s dementia, she turns further and further into her past for comfort, the layers of time peeling back to reveal her younger selves and the events that have shaped her.
Lily eventually makes a pact with someone. But is it her over-stretched, distraught daughter, Pauline? Her compassionate carer, Donna, battling low self-esteem and wanting desperately to be braver in life? Or someone else from Lily’s world? And will they hold their nerve and go through with the shocking act to the bitter end?
Based on her own family’s experiences, Lily Harford’s Last Request is Joanna’s debut novel, scaffolded on the topic of voluntary assisted dying but also touching on the timeless challenges and inner lives of women. From sexism and ageism, to motherhood and the juggling act, as well as relationships in their various forms, it’s ultimately a story about how we find strength when life deals us a challenging hand.
‘A sensitive and beautifully observed story of how a proudly independent woman and her conflicted daughter face the wrenching realities of old age. Impacts the reader as only unflinching honesty can.’ - David Williamson AO, Australian Dramatist
'Joanna Buckley has done an excellent job weaving a highly sensitive issue into a tale with great humanity.' - The Weekend Australian
'This exquisitely written story reels you in ... I highly recommend this wonderful book.' - Better Reading
Looking for a Book Club idea?
If your Book Club would like to read and discuss Lily Harford’s Last Request, it comes with 10 ready-made questions inside the back cover. Although the story is scaffolded on the topic of assisted dying, it also touches on the timeless challenges and inner lives of women – from sexism and ageism, to motherhood and the juggling act – as well as relationships in their various forms, and how we find strength when life deals us a rough hand.
Joanna is also more than happy to attend your meeting (in person or virtually) to answer any of your questions about the novel! Simply contact her through Instagram @joannabuckleyauthor or Facebook facebook/joannabuckleyauthor.