Do you think that is UK specific or do you think it is wider across the world? I know it depends on culture.

It does depend on culture.

I mean, I can't claim to be an expert on cultures all across the world because I've spent my whole career working in the United Kingdom.

But I think many cultures struggle talking about death and dying.

And I think it's interesting even hearing you introduce this podcast because I recognize people will have experiences that make this difficult.

But rather than avoiding listening and avoiding talking, I would encourage people to go gently but to engage because people often have stories they can share and lived experiences that can help other people.

And the way this book is written, it's not a textbook.

What we see, what we perceive it to be like is so different to the reality.

But actually, the worst thing is that they are desperately trying to protect their parents from the very thing that the parents are trying to protect them from.

Absolutely.

I have had multiple families tell me not to tell their children what's happening.

People who haven't wanted to tell the siblings what was happening.

And...

It is fascinating how much the young people have picked up on their own and how much they know and how everybody's trying to protect everyone.

And I would love society to talk more openly about death and dying anyway.

And yeah, if you would be able to read for us, as I say, this was my favorite bit of the book.