A story of three people and how their lives will forever be changed. Stella is in her 40’s and is a nurse. She’s been with Simon for 20 years now. He was/is a singer/guitarist in a band that had some success years ago. He has a second chance now for a possible new deal and is getting ready to leave for a short tour. Stella is suppose to go with him but she’s having second thoughts about it and about their relationship as a whole. As they drink he gives her a pill. He use to do drugs and she occasionally did some. It’s been years since she recalls doing any. After taking them, Simon wakes up the next morning and something is wrong with Stella.
She’s rushed to the hospital and is in a coma. Libby is her Doctor and best friend. She never really liked Simon but is impressed at how Simon is by her side day after day. He also has to get a real job in order to pay the bills. He and Libby become friends and lean on each other. As the months go by Stella is still in a coma until she finally comes out of it. But Stella is not the same person she was before the coma and the lives of these three people will never be the same.
Author Caroline Leavitt has written a sterling novel about relationships, growing up and how a medical crisis can change someone. It’s a compelling story that keeps the reader engaged.
You can pick up With Or Without in stores on Tuesday, August 4th, from Algonquin Books.
