Over My Dead Body

Over My Dead Body by Hazel McHaffie, published by VelvetEthics Press in 2013, is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the ethical complexities surrounding organ donation and transplantation. The story follows Elvira Kennedy, a young widow who, along with her daughter, faces a tragic fate in a car accident. In the aftermath, a stranger claiming to be Elvira’s boyfriend appears at her bedside, asserting that she wished to donate her organs, which leads to a shocking revelation for her mother, Carole, about a long-held family secret.

Readers will find a narrative that intertwines themes of family life, suspense, and medical ethics. As Carole grapples with the implications of her daughter’s decision, she is torn between honoring Elvira’s wishes and confronting the hidden truths that could disrupt their lives. The emotional weight of guilt and the impact of organ donation are explored through Carole’s journey, as she seeks solace in letters from recipients while facing the potential fallout from a poem that threatens to expose their family’s past. This edition spans 212 pages and is presented in English.