The Story of a Heart

Book of the Year in the Spectator, New Statesman, New Scientist and Prospect

This is the unforgettable story of how one family's grief transformed into a lifesaving gift. With tremendous compassion and clarity, Dr Rachel Clarke relates the urgent journey of a young girl's heart and explores a history of remarkable medical innovations , stretching back over a century and involving the knowledge and dedication not just of surgeons but of countless physicians, immunologists, nurses and scientists.

'Extraordinary... There are moments, within this intricate tapestry, where Clarke's evocative, empathetic writing makes you catch your breath' Guardian

'Clarke brilliantly interweaves the tragic story that links the two children with that of the medical staff who looked after Keira in her final hours and those who helped her heart to give Max new life... offers some hope in a dark place' Sunday Times

'Rachel Clarke has written a profound piece of investigative journalism and wrapped it up in poetry' Christie Watson