I Am, I Am, I Am

Seventeen Brushes with Death

By: Maggie O'Farrell

Narrated by: Daisy Donovan

Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

An extraordinary memoir - told entirely in near-death experiences - from one of Britain's best-selling novelists, for fans of Wild, When Breath Becomes Air, and The Year of Magical Thinking.

We are never closer to life than when we brush up against the possibility of death.

I Am, I Am, I Am is Maggie O'Farrell's astonishing memoir of the near-death experiences that have punctuated and defined her life. The childhood illness that left her bedridden for a year, which she was not expected to survive. A teenage yearning to escape that nearly ended in disaster. An encounter with a disturbed man on a remote path. And, most terrifying of all, an ongoing, daily struggle to protect her daughter - for whom this book was written - from a condition that leaves her unimaginably vulnerable to life's myriad dangers.

Seventeen discrete encounters with Maggie at different ages, in different locations, reveal a whole life in a series of tense, visceral snapshots. In taut prose that vibrates with electricity and restrained emotion, O'Farrell captures the perils running just beneath the surface and illuminates the preciousness, beauty, and mysteries of life itself.

©2018 Maggie O'Farrell (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"How appropriate that this audiobook memoir, an unlikely examination of life through brushes with death, is narrated by the talented Daisy Donovan. Her tone of voice exudes a veneer of vulnerability overlaying a steely strength, and her delivery is ideal for this collection of interconnected remembrances.... Donovan's pacing and appealing accent make the vignettes come alive for the listener." (AudioFile)

Heartwarming, heart-wrenching and captivating.

Daisy Donovan does a splendid job of narrating this tragic yet inspiring story. I am moved by the strength and tenacity of Maggie O’Farrell and great full that she has chosen to share her struggles and triumphs with the world.

Loved it

Brilliant and captivating narrative. Narrator did an exceptional job bringing the story to life. I would highly recommend.

Gorgeous story

A personal beautifully written work. I wish there were more like this It is unlike any other memoir without being tricky. I will read it again in a few years. The girl can write!

Near death experiences are real

This book comes at it from all directions without going down the tunnel of light. Beautifully crafted, some may think it trite, but it feels quite real. Good quick read.

I am speechless.

What a journey. it took several chapters for me to truly understand the meaning behind the "seventeen", but as the book progressed, I was drawn in more and more. I chose this book on an absolute whim, and I am so grateful I did. Some beautiful descriptors which masterfully laid out the scene - I love books I can "see". This is one.

Amazing !

Maggie O’Farrell is such a talented and beautiful story teller. She truly spoke to me as a person, as a mother and as a companion on the journey of life.

So engrossing

The searing reality of a memoir written by a talented novelist. Written to show how each of these events happened and also how they felt and how they impacted her life later.

I want more!

I want more about her amazing life, determination and resilience. She is just amazing in my eyes.
And I could listen to the narrator talk forever.

Amazingly truthful and searingly real

Second of Maggie's books I've read. I love her writing and honesty. And I need to continue ie to gift myself with her exquisite works!

Not About Acceptably Defined NDE’s (Near Death Experiences)

This is more stories of inadequate healthcare in the UK and childhood diseases of the author and her children. I was hoping to hear more of those who actually left the body for a time. This is more of close encounters with death or dangerous and sickly living.