The Heart

The Heart by Maylis de Kerangal, translated by Sam Taylor

Some suffer a tragic car accident. One has severe brain damage and will not recover. However, his heart and other organs are in good condition. The novel then explores the widespread impact of this heart. The family and friends of the surfer must deal with their grief. There is great need of a heart to help others, but it is important to make sure the loved ones do not have regrets. The novel explores the lives of the many people involved, from the doctors, the "donor" and the "recipient" and everyone related to all of them. It all takes place in the very short period of time. There is much history involved in a final action that happens within the span of a day.