Death has been described as "the last taboo" which is bizarre in a society with a 100% mortality rate.  This book endeavours to remove the false mystery and unnecessary fear surrounding this most unavoidable of phenomena.  By drawing on the experience of people facing death, whether their own or that of those near to them, the author records their insights into what it is they want of us as neighbours, relatives, or carers.

The 'institutionalisation' of death has, he suggests, contributed to the lack of experience in the population at large in dealing with the practical, emotional, and spiritual issues associated with it.  These are all addressed in some detail.  Questions such as "Why me? What have I done to deserve this? What will become of me?" need to be acknowledged at a deeper level than by recourse to glib recitation of catechisms or other religious or philosophical statements.

A research project (unwittingly) involving the author has demonstrated that elementary and timely bereavement care has resulted in dramatically better readjustment in the bereaved to their loss.  Although this has been the subject of seminars for nurses, doctors, police officers, paramedics, and theological students for over 20 years this is the first time it has been presented for publication.

At a time when religious beliefs seem to be associated with international conflict this book demonstrates that there is an underlying spirituality which breaks through the barriers created by religion, culture, and language.  It also reports on how inadequate is the religious thinking and practice of some self styled Christians in the face of death.  The response of many, whether they have any personal belief system or not, has been of welcome to the author's 'un-churchy' approach.

Specific instances of Out of Body experience, poltergeist activity, and of the paranormal are recorded in detail for the first time. No conclusions are drawn, but the reader may well be challenged by the way the evidence is corroborated.

The book recognises and celebrates the element of humour that arises from even the most unlikely of circumstances.  In the author's experience people seem to need permission to laugh as well as to weep, and this book encourages both.