Louise and Tim Arthur
Harper Collins, 2000; £5.99
ISBN 000653242X
Rating: 3/4

When she was told that she had an incurable brain tumour and had only one year to live, Louise ("Weeze") Arthur made an unusual decision: to set up an internet diary. She wrote this until just before she died earlier last year. After she died her husband, Tim, constructed this book, a compilation of the diary and his reflections on Louise's life.

The book's message is "Life is short. Enjoy every second." However, the mood swings from optimism to despair are recounted. There are many truths in the book, like the feelings created by depression and the "one life in a billion" insignificance that many people could empathise with.

The Arthurs' sentiments have an edge of raw honesty. They rage against the New Age self help mantra that "you can love yourself better," that cancer is down to bad karma and is something to feel guilty about. They were angry at being urged to "fight" their cancer. Their messages reflect the anger felt when hearing that evidence based medicine is rubbish. I suspect many feel the same anger when they hear that we should all put our faith in colour-aura-karmic-cabbage-soup treatment, because it is the only thing that can cure you.

This is also a story about the love between a man, a woman, and a daughter, born shortly before "Weeze" was diagnosed with cancer. We also learn intimate details about their sex life. Some may find it refreshing to hear their message: it is okay for someone ill to remain a sexual being. Beyond this, the book discusses the breaking of the news of Mummy's illness to the child and other dilemmas facing the family.

The book is an honest and moving account of the final year of the writer's life. Much of what a family may go through in facing a loved one's illness is addressed. I believe that others facing similar situations will derive comfort from this book, and I recommend it to any doctors, students, or families dealing with cancer.