Catholic Company Book Review: Until Lily

Until Lily

About the Book:

Bev Greeley could have never predicted that the burden she tried to cast off long ago would become her only source of joy in her final days. Until Lily is a moving book, rich in the universal struggles we all face, illuminated by Bev's contrite reflection on the life chosen for her -- a life filled with the strife, chaos, tragedy, loss, laughter, redemption and deep meaning possible only when you hand yourself over to love.

My Comments:

Wow!  I don't give many A's but this self-published novella gets one.  Bev is dying of Parkinson's Disease.  She lives in a nursing home and the highlight of her day is her daily visit from her niece/adopted daughter, Lily, who has Down's Syndrome.  The book, told in the first person, is the story of how she encouraged her sister, a single mom, to do the sensible thing when pregnant with Lily, how she came to be Lily's adoptive mom and how Lily has returned the love given to her tenfold.  She talks about the struggles inherent in raising a special needs child, and how she often failed to love Lily as she ought.

It is a Catholic novel, with a re-conversion/confession scene.  Other than that, lack of faith in the hereafter is more prominent than faith, and I'd by no means call the book preachy.  It is the story of a woman who did not completely choose motherhood looking back at her life and the difference motherhood made.  It is beautiful story that is beautifully written and I highly recommend it.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Until Lily . They are also a great source for a baptism gifts or first communion gifts.