Love Life

Winner of the Dutch NS Publiek Book of the Year Prize. "A raw, moving and shameless ode to love." —Daily Mirror

Dan and Carmen have it all, it seems: They are young, rich, good-looking, satisfied in their work and love life, and are the parents of a beautiful three-year-old daughter. When Carmen is diagnosed with breast cancer, Dan is unable to cope with her illness and the changes this brings to their happy, yuppie family life. While the beautiful and optimistic Carmen submits to chemotherapy and eventually a mastectomy, hedonistic Dan tries to find solace with his buddies and in several flings before he finally stops running away and succeeds in supporting Carmen in her decision to end her life with dignity. 

Love Life is an account of a terminal illness that is devoid of glitz or fake sentiment. Distressing hospital situations and spot-on characterizations of doctors and therapists alternate with the many heart-wrenching moments through the course of Carmen's illness, as both she and Dan come to terms with what commitment really means. Love Life is completely unapologetic, extremely controversial, but ultimately uplifting and life-affirming.

"A radical 21st century version of Love Story." —Der Spiegel (Book of the Week)

 "Kluun knows how to affect you deeply." —Marie Claire

 "A wonderful novel about courage, helplessness and real love." —Cosmopolitan (Germany)