Book Review 1 by Ny Murphy
Author: Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Title: On Death and Dying
Published: 1st January
1969
The book explores the emotional
and psychological aspects of individuals facing mortality. In this compassionate and insightful book, Kubler-Ross introduces the now widely known stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – that individuals often experience when confronting death. Through personal anecdotes, patient stories, and her own experiences as a psychiatrist, the author sheds light on the human experience of dying and the profound impact it has on both patients and their loved ones. Kubler-Ross’s sensitive approach and keen observations offer readers a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding death, making this book a great resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the various dimensions of the end-of-life journey. After this book was published it shortly became a best seller, leading Kubler-Ross to global fame and recognition for her work.
Kubler-Ross wrote more than 20 books on death and related subjects after “On Death and Dying.
Some of her books include “To Live Until We Say Goodbye” (1978), “Living with Death and Dying” (1981), and “The Tunnel and the Light” (1999).
She also co-authored two books with David Kessler, one of those
being “On Grief and Grieving” (2005)
The book engages readers by presenting thought-provoking questions and insights that keep them pondering throughout the book. One of the key elements that keeps readers engaged and guessing is the exploration of the human psyche and emotions in the face of death. Kubler-Ross delves into the intricate and often unpredictable ways that individuals respond to the prospect of their own mortality, which can create a sense of curiosity and intrigue. Additionally, the book challenges readers to consider their own beliefs and attitudes towards death and dying. As Kubler-Ross presents various patient stories and scenarios, readers are prompted to reflect on how they might personally react in similar situations. This self-examination creates an ongoing sense of uncertainty and reflection as readers grapple with the complex and often uncharted territory of their own feelings about mortality.
A real standout feature of this book is how Kubler-Ross uses real-life patient stories and personal anecdotes. This makes it easy for the reader to connect with these narratives on a personal level, finding them relatable and moving. These stories humanize the experiences of those facing death and create an emotional connection that resonates with readers. This can provoke a variety of emotions whilst reading, however Kubler-Ross’s empathetic style of writing, allows the reader to feel safe whilst exploring these intense emotions. Another standout feature of the book is the introduction of the five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – These stages provide a framework for understanding the complex and often unpredictable emotional responses to death and offer readers a new lens through which to view their own feelings and experiences.
Kubler-Ross challenges traditional, societal norms and medical practices surrounding death and dying. She emphasizes the importance of open communication between patients and medical professionals, advocating for honest discussions about prognosis and treatment options. This challenges the prevailing tendency to shield patients from the truth, encouraging a more transparent and empathetic approach to end-of-life care. This aspect of the book can be gripping as readers consider the potential impact of improved communication on patients’ emotional well-being and decision-making. Kubler-Ross delves into the emotional journey of caregivers – the family members and loved ones who provide support to the terminally ill.
She highlights the emotional strain, feelings of helplessness, and personal growth that often accompany caregiving. These sections can be gripping for readers who may relate to the experiences of caregivers, prompting them to reflect on the challenges and rewards of supporting a loved one through their final moments. Kubler-Ross’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the caregiver’s perspective and emphasize the need for support networks and self-care in these situations. Throughout the book, Kubler-Ross engages in philosophical discussions about profound existential questions that arise when facing mortality. She prompts readers to contemplate the meaning of life, the nature of suffering, and the search for purpose in-the-midst of inevitable death. These explorations can be gripping as readers are led to confront their own beliefs and perspectives on these timeless and deeply personal subjects.
Kubler-Ross encourages readers to confront their own mortality and consider how their beliefs and values shape their approach to life and death.
One of the standout patient stories that resonated with me is the case of “Mrs. Schwarz.” This story illustrates the stages of grief and the emotional journey of a terminally ill patient in a way that captures the heart. “Mrs. Schwarz” represents a composite of several patients Kubler-Ross encountered during her work. Mrs. Schwarz initially responds to her diagnosis with denial, believing that the
doctors have made a mistake. As her illness progresses, she transitions through anger, bargaining, and depression, reflecting the emotional turbulence that often accompanies the process of facing one’s mortality. Kubler-Ross takes you on a journey showing Mrs. Schwarz’s emotional evolution, her struggles to come to terms with her impending death, and the support she receives from both
medical professionals and her family. Through Mrs. Schwarz’s experience, you can really empathize with the complexity of emotions that individuals undergoing similar circumstances may feel. This patient story is a clear reminder of the universal human experience of confronting mortality and the emotional challenges that come with it. It encapsulates the book’s core message about the
importance of compassionate care, open communication, and understanding when dealing with patients at the end of life.
The book’s patient stories and examples primarily reflect a Western cultural context, which may not fully capture the diverse experiences and perspectives surrounding death and dying across different cultures and belief systems. This limited cultural scope can potentially make certain readers feel that their experiences or viewpoints are not adequately represented.
The book leaves the reader with a desire for more in-depth psychological analysis and discussion, sometimes giving you the feeling that the book occasionally glosses over certain aspects of the emotional and psychological experiences of patients and their families. In areas, a deeper exploration of the underlying reasons behind certain behaviours and reactions would make for a more interesting and captivating read.
To summarize, Kubler-Ross provides readers with a profound understanding of the complex journey individuals undertake as they approach the end of life. While the book’s emphasis on honest communication, empathy, and the stages of grief resonated deeply with me, the book has limited cultural scope and can create a desire for deeper psychological analysis. Nevertheless, “On Death and Dying” is fantastic work that encourages introspection and opens conversation about a topic often avoided. I would give this book a strong rating of 4 out of 5, making it a must-read for those seeking to better comprehend the human experience in the face of mortality.