A review by onemorepagecrew
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer follows the life and musings of Clover, a death doula living in New York City.  Now in her adulthood, she is realizing that her life is a bit isolated, by her own design, and she starts to unpack why that might be.  Her reflection on her childhood and career choice are heightened when she is hired to care for a woman whose last wishes lead Clover on a journey that she didn’t expect. 
 
This book is centered on the topic of dying, however it’s not the only focus of the story.  It’s more about the thoughts and feelings experienced by those who are nearing the end of their lives, and Clover’s reflection on her own life.  As an adult, she is making friends and experiencing crushes for what feels like the first time and navigating her way through it. 
 
There were elements that I really appreciated about this book.  I applauded the importance and value placed on death doulas in this book.  Death and illness are unthinkable for so many, and I love a book that highlights grace, love, and honesty in this stage of life.  I also appreciated that it was religion neutral and acknowledged spirituality without being specific, leaving the reader to apply their own beliefs.  
 
There were also elements that didn’t land for me.  Clover’s backstory and flashbacks felt underdeveloped.  They gave the basics of how she became the person she is in adulthood, but it read like a bio and didn’t paint a picture.  I also struggled with the way her trip to Guatemala was presented and the way she reflected on her parents, specifically the analysis on the maternal figure.   
 
All in, a liked not loved book for me.  I am drawn to novels that reflect on life and I am charmed by a character who is awkwardly making new connections, both platonic and romantic.  But to do that well, I need to really feel the characters and their experiences, and I didn’t have that with this book.  
 
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the gifted advanced copy of this book – I am always grateful for the chance to read and share my thoughts.  
Expand filter menu Content Warnings