Cancer biographies are coming out thick and fast this year and Dear Eddie is another of these. Danny Russell (previously a journalist) has written this one a little differently though. This is an account of Danny and his wife Kerrie-their marriage and life leading up to a cancer diagnosis, the battle through, and pain of death. This honest account also continues into the period after her death and the life Danny continues to hold together for his young son Eddie. Through all of these diarised events are poignant letters to Eddie about his mother and their life, as well as letters to Kerrie about Eddie and life after her death. The jumping around of dates was not seamless. The book is honest, well-paced and funny. While crying in certainly one part, laughter was more prevalent at the many antics of Eddie and Danny. It was also inspiring to read of the various methods and moods Kerrie went through to battle her cancer. Ultimately, while another cancer biography, this is an uplifting and entertaining read-a real tribute to the life of Kerrie and one to appeal to those who read inspiring biographies.

Melanie Barton is fiction category manager with Angus & Robertson

Tags: danny russell