Thursday, June 18, 2009

Cape Catley Publishers and the Takapuna Friends of the Library
invite you to join Dame Cath Tizard in launching Sean Davison’s riveting and heartfelt account of his mother’s last days

Before We Say Goodbye

Before We Say Goodbye is Sean Davison’s autobiographical account of the increasingly agonising situation he and his mother, Dr. Pat Davison, face day by day.
A prominent woman doctor in her eighties, Pat Davison has terminal cancers, and insists she has had enough of life. When her professor son returns to New Zealand to be with her, she asks him to help her die. Highly intelligent and having lost her ability to paint – her passion – she decides to starve herself to death, but then . . .
The book raises important questions about voluntary euthanasia. It’s candour, immediacy and straight-talking are relieved by humour and tenderness. Although a cautionary tale, it can also be seen as a love story.

Born in Takapuna, Sean Davison is a Professor of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town where he heads the Forensic DNA Laboratory shich specialises in DNA identifications in resolving human rights cases in South Africa. This has already resulted in the freeing of innnocent blacks from jail.

Sean Davison says, “I am sure this book will generate debate as my mother was an experienced medical practitioner who had thought hard about the issues surrounding voluntary euathansai. Her approach to dying may also create some interest, together with admiration for her courage and resourcefulness in choosing to stop eating, which she saw as the most uncomplicated method at her disposal.”

Sale of the book is embargoed until June 20.

Monday, 22 June 2009
Takapuna Library
The Strand, Takapuna

Refreshments from 6pm, Author talk from 6.30pm
For catering purposes, please RSVP to Helen Woodhouse, ph 486 8469 or email helenw@shorelibraries.govt.nz
Footnote:
Sean Davision is talking about the issues raised in the book on Campbell Live TV3 Fri 19 June 7pm , with Kim Hill on RNZ Saturday 20th and the national press.
He is also taking part in discussion panels in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin iin the coming week.

1 comment:

Keri Hulme said...

While I cannot be at the launch, this book is certainly one I will buy. Kia kaha Sean, and my reguards to the memory of your mother -