A Good Death?

Original Air Date:

February 24, 2008

The celebrated writer Susan Sontag died a few years ago from a brutal form of blood cancer. She fought her illness to the end and didn't want anyone - including her son - to tell her she was dying. Now that son, David Rieff, has written a memoir of his mother's death. And he tackles a difficult question is there really such a thing as a "good death." In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge we'll talk about life's final chapter.

David Rieff on "Swimming in a Sea of Death"

Audio

David Rieff has written a sobering account of his mother's last days. It's called "Swimming in a Sea of Death," and tells how he tried to do the right thing by his mother - Susan Sontag - while also being true to himself.

Judith Strasser commentary

Audio

Former TTBOOK producer and interviewer Judith Strasser was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2005. Last summer, a tumor in her lungs attacked the nerve which controls the larynx, making it difficult, but not impossible, for her to speak.

David Shields on "The Thing about Life is that One Day You'll Be Dead"

Audio

David Shields talks with Anne Strainchamps about his book, which is a meditation on how our bodies decay and die, and his irrepressible father who is 97 and who doesn't give death the time of day.

Pauline Chen on "Final Exam: A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality"

Audio

Pauline Chen talks with Jim Fleming about her medical training and how ill prepared it left her for dealing with issues like grieving families.

Edward Wohl Commentary

Audio

Edward Wohl tells us about the death of his father in 1999.

Show Details 📻

Airdates

February 24, 2008

January 25, 2009

Guests:

March 17, 2022

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A Good Death?