Mortality by Christopher Hitchens

Christopher Hitchens never sought to comfort his readers or listeners. Instead, he believed in writing whatever was on his mind uncensored and without platitudes, and thus he made many uncomfortable. But he did have a certain charm admitted by the very people with whom he sparred in debates. Love the man and hate his ideas was the stance of many. When he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, they prayed for him despite his disparaging of prayer.

In Mortality, a small collection of essays that he wrote before his death in 2011, Hitchens discussed his illness and the reaction of his friends and acquaintances. He included and responded to a few letter-writers who claimed that Hitchens deserved a painful death. His descriptions of pain, medical procedures, and frustrations can be appreciated by readers who also have to face their own demise, but few will love this book.

Hitchens intended to write more, and this book definitely has an unfinished feel. Still, it can be a portal for discussion and contemplation. It is already in many public libraries.

Hitchens, Christopher. Mortality. Twelve, 2012. 104p. ISBN 9781455502752.