Some people can write a tome and not really tell a decent story, but then authors like ’Nathan Bourgoine can create an entire lifetime—or two—in a short work of fiction that cuts right to the soul.

In Memoriam follows the story of James, an editor who has just been given a diagnosis that will debilitate and soon eradicate his brain function. He knows his remaining existence can be measured in days or weeks, maybe months, and he races against time to find the one person he regretted letting go of, and who he never stopped loving.

As serious as this theme is, I actually laughed in parts. James has a good sense of humour. Then my heart ached as he tried to remember his early days with Andy, and how his mind would rewrite history, even as James tried to recall the facts by reading his own journals. By the end of the story, I was gutted, but in that way that also leaves you uplifted.

Then I just wanted to cling to the people I love for dear life.

This piece is so masterfully crafted, I don’t think the words have been invented to describe how brilliant it is. I highly encourage you to grab it, and support this fantastic author.

In Memoriam was the first work I read from ’Nathan Burgoine, but it won’t be my last. That’s for sure!

/cg

Cait Gordon is an Irish-Canadian warrior princess and author of Life in the ’Cosm, a space opera about a little green guy who’s crushing on the female half of his two-headed colleague (Renaissance). Cait’s also the editor of the Spoonie Authors Network, a blog that solely features writers who manage disabilities and/or chronic illness. She might make pasta for lunch.