The Story of a Heart

What a force of a book. I found the systematic weaving of the lives of the children and their families overwhelmingly powerful. As somebody who is incredibly squeamish, the medical details were difficult to read, but have made me appreciate the whole transplant experience in a way I had never contemplated. I will admit that this took me weeks to read as I couldn’t finish a chapter without needing an emotional break.

From the very beginning, The Story of a Heart captivated me with the real-life journeys of the families involved. Clarke does not simply narrate this chronologically but weaves the stories of Keira and Max together with immense care, illuminating the connections between their experiences in a way that is both heartbreaking and profoundly human.

Due to the highly emotive content of The Story of a Heart, it is a book that I would recommend preparing yourself to read: it is not light, but it is deeply rewarding. Clarke invites readers not just to witness, but to feel—to consider the personal cost, the bravery, and the extraordinary love at the heart of organ donation. It’s a book that stays with you, long after the final page.

I very rarely read non fiction but I found this really interesting and the narrative style helped keep me engaged.

The two children's stories were both told very respectfully. Although it was very emotional to read about, the fact that Keira could go on to save so many lives made a very powerful and compelling argument for organ transplants.

It was also very interesting to read about the history of transplant medicine and how hospital care and understanding of how to treat children and families has changed through time.

A very powerful and also very readable book.

I very rarely read non fiction but I found this really interesting and the narrative style helped keep me engaged.

The two children's stories were both told very respectfully. Although it was very emotional to read about, the fact that Keira could go on to save so many lives made a very powerful and compelling argument for organ transplants.

It was also very interesting to read about the history of transplant medicine and how hospital care and understanding of how to treat children and families has changed through time.

A very powerful and also very readable book.

A deeply emotional look into heart transplants and the impact they have on lives.

A book I would encourage everyone to read. The marvel of medicine has always amazed me, however I’ve never thought too much about it as I work in a creative field. So to read an account that details the history and reality was fascinating and thought provoking. Clarke does a wonderful job of not being too emotive yet describing things in such a way that you can envisage the room, the smells and the tension.

I love the cover and felt instantly drawn to it. I would have benefitted from some photographs of the historical elements of the book and maybe a diagram of the heart particularly in the part where the doctor draws a heart on a napkin. As a visual learner I think this would have added value.

In areas I did have to reread paragraphs that were particularly scientific (not due to complex language used by Clarke) as my brain doesn’t work that way.

It has been a joy to read and has encouraged me to raise the topic with loved ones, I have always opted in however was unaware that your family could choose not to donate your organs so I’d like to ensure they all know that if the situation arose I would be willing.

I cannot imagine how difficult it was for Keira’s family to deal with the loss of Keira and it was heart warming to hear how her gifts have given them some joy. It was also great to read how their lives have progressed in the epilogue.

I would like to caveat that I rarely read non-fiction and felt that Clarke wrote this book in a way that intrigued me to read more, and yet I almost avoided reading more as I didn’t want to cry - definitely one to avoid reading on public transport.

Wow—what a book! The Story of a Heart is a powerful and thought-provoking read that completely captivated me.

The story follows two families faced with heartbreaking decisions. One family’s son has an inoperable heart condition and urgently needs a transplant. The other family's daughter has been in a devastating car accident, leaving her brain-dead—her parents are now confronted with the unimaginable decision of whether to donate her organs.
The book is rich with information about the history of transplant surgery and includes current statistics for both adult and pediatric transplants. But what truly stayed with me were the deeply emotional accounts from parents, families, and healthcare staff who lived through these moments.

I sobbed multiple times while reading—moved by the stories, the unimaginable choices families had to make, and the heartbreaking reality that so many critically ill children never receive the transplants they need. As someone with a medical background, especially in cardiology, I found this perspective incredibly eye-opening. It offered a side of medicine I don’t often witness in my day-to-day work.

A deeply human, unforgettable read.

A brilliant account of the miraculous world of transplant.
I sea sawed between why would we do this to we should do more. Rachel brings the evolution of medical practice and the voices of all those involved at exactly the right time which helped balance the enormous emotional overwhelm. This account beautifully conveys that we are ultimately beings who care, hope and love.
Would recommend to anyone.