And Finally

Matters of Life and Death

By: Henry Marsh

Narrated by: Henry Marsh

Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Long-listed, Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year, 2023

This program is read by the author.

"As a mature observer of the human condition, Marsh has audible serenity that makes listeners curious about how his story ends."—AudioFile Magazine

From the bestselling neurosurgeon and author of Do No Harm, comes Henry Marsh's And Finally, an unflinching and deeply personal exploration of death, life and neuroscience.

As a retired brain surgeon, Henry Marsh thought he understood illness, but he was unprepared for the impact of his diagnosis of advanced cancer. And Finally explores what happens when someone who has spent a lifetime on the frontline of life and death finds himself contemplating what might be his own death sentence.

As he navigates the bewildering transition from doctor to patient, he is haunted by past failures and projects yet to be completed, and frustrated by the inconveniences of illness and old age. But he is also more entranced than ever by the mysteries of science and the brain, the beauty of the natural world and his love for his family. Elegiac, candid, luminous and poignant, And Finally is ultimately not so much an audiobook about death, but an audiobook about life and what matters in the end.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2023 Henry Marsh (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"In the contemplation of death Marsh illuminates the gift of life, rendering it even more precious. And Finally has all the candour, elegance and revelation we've come to expect from Marsh. I read it straight through carried along by the force of its prose and the beauty of its ideas. It's a book to treasure and reread; I'm very grateful for it."—Gavin Francis, author of Adventures in Human Being and Shapeshifters

"In this superb meditation on life and death, Henry Marsh tackles the matter of mortality with all his trademark wit, wisdom, grace and humility. He turns his formidable intellect and scalpel-sharp prose on himself as well as the medical profession—with marvellous results. Unflinching, profound and deeply humane, And Finally is magnificent."—Rachel Clarke, author of Dear Life

"And Finally is a close and courageous look at the prospect of death by someone who has seen it more clearly and more often than most of us, and who writes with great fluency and grace. Henry Marsh is a great neurosurgeon: he is also a very fine writer. I admire this book enormously."—Philip Pullman, author of His Dark Materials

Death Without Illusions

A prominent doctor receives a terminal diagnosis. Follow his wide ranging musings on mortality and the meaning of his life. He is a gifted writer and narrator of his work. There is much wisdom but be prepared, he takes us on an unfocused journey through the predilections of his mind.

A book for adults. Dr Marsh shares a well/lived life. His rumination’s as he deals with terminal illness is illuminating.

Dr Marsh has a genius with words. He has a gift for explaining complicated medical concepts. He is open with his fears, faults and mistakes he has made. His journey through his well-lived life is all the more meaningful Fi his candor.

Thank you for sharing.

As a 65 year old woman who has her share of illness and loss over the years it was enlightening to hear you speak of the medical profession in a just manner. I am always appreciative of doctors and nurses and grateful they have chosen their profession. Thank you.

Profound

As a retired academic biologist professor/researcher/administrator three years after prostate cancer brachytherapy, and seven years older than Henry Marsh, this book was personal. I found it a profound reflection on life and death and family and love and rational thought. Hearing the author read it was especially satisfying.

Insightful, entertaining, and touching

I put off listening because I was afraid the serious subject would be depressing, but it was an uplifting listen. The author is so intelligent, knowledgeable, and such a good writer that I wanted to hear more every time I stopped listening. He naturally weaves in interesting information on many topics, and sprinkles in humor from his experiences as a doctor and patient. His descriptions of his reaction to and thoughts about aging and a terminal diagnosis were reassuring and encouraging. I’ll be listening to this book again.

One of the best Audiobooks I’ve read

I absolutely loved Henry Marsh’s voice, storytelling ability, his and frank and direct views and her unmasked candor.

Curiously, he says more than once, as his story draws to a close, that we have a duty to be optimistic,

Inasmuch as optimism is an expression of hope (a concept inexplicable through any category of empirical science), I believe he has more reason then he acknowledges to embrace religion’s report of an unseen world about which science knows nothing,

Perhaps his optimism may yet extend that far.

In summary, though, an engaging, pleasurable story and storyteller.

The Meaning of Life

Clearly read and interesting. Science and medicine interspersed with details about the author’s life and impending death.

Interesting Story Until It Wanders Off

Dr Marsh tells an interesting story of his life and recent treatment for prostate cancer. I was an empathetic listener, having experienced a similar treatment for prostate cancer in 2022, and Dr Marsh did a good job of describing the radiation and chemical treatment regime. His writing style is breezy and pleasant and I enjoyed his narration. The story runs out of interest (to me) toward the end with somewhat tedious narration about the tales he recited to his granddaughters during the COVID 19 lockdown. After that, Dr Marsh’s tale just sort of peters out and ends. A reasonable listen but not a “keeper” in my opinion.

Honest memoir

Sympathetic and candid reflections of an aging doctor, now cancer patient. Resonated with my personal, current trials of aging and illness.

Well done

Well done and informative on many fronts. A candid and transparent story of life and demise.