A Heart That Works: The Sunday Times bestselling, moving true story of love and loss - as heard on R4's Desert Island Discs

For Henry: I was initially motivated to buy this book because I loved Rob's work on Catastrophe. Given he was part of the two person writing team on Catastrophe, it was clear he was a very talented writer who puts a lot of himself into his work. Anyway, I have to admit that the subject matter of his book didn't really appeal much - but as I follow him on Twitter, I was moved to buy it anyway. Given the profits are going to some amazing children's charities it felt like giving a donation and getting a gift in return. Bargain. Good feels and a pressie. The book itself it just amazing. I found myself blasting through it in a weekend, reading a bit, having a good cry, reading a bit more. It was filled with honesty and tragedy and humour and lots of other stuff too. It gave real insight into what to my mind (even as a childfree person) must be the biggest tragedy to be suffered by any sentient being, the loss of a child. In conclusion, buy this book. Keep a hanky nearby for when you read it. Maybe have something comforting to hand also, like chocolate or a friend. It's beautiful and deserves to be read. I wish Rob and his family joy.

Such an honest book about loss and grief. Definitely recommend. Devastating book with also traces of humour!

Loved how savage and raw and moving and joyous it was to read their journey as a family. To voice those brutal angry feelings that grief bring up is so brave and wondrous and normalising. Lost my second Dad this year and my cousin and this book helped me to feel joy and laugh and cry and rage at the injustice of life. A great and necessary and inspiring read.

Heartbreaking, laugh out loud, and thought-provoking. I can’t for one moment imagine what Rob and his family went through; being a father of three young kids, it made me realise that the problems we sometimes have are minuscule and the fun, laughter and joy we have together everyday is massive! Thanks for writing the book; it must have been incredibly difficult to write and talk through with editors etc, but I will always remember yours and Henry’s story together. Beautiful book, a definite read!

I read this in one sitting. It is funny, poignant, heart-breaking, and sob inducingly brilliant. It shows the reader what real grief looks like whilst doing my favourite thing during hard times, laughing. It is filled with genuine love and emotion with the perfect amount of anger. What they went through is so unfair it could make me burst but I laughed out loud several times. It has been a long time since I have read a non-fiction book that pulled me right in from the first page. I highly recommend this book. It's everything that makes us human!

On a beautiful beach in West Wales, blessed by a half-term of sunshine this was my afternoon read. Behind my sunglasses I repeatedly sobbed, and my daughter couldn’t work out why I pestered her for bonus hugs. Thank you Rob Delaney for sharing your pain, the beauty and wonderful times with Henry; and the caring, professionalism of the NHS and support services. A monthly direct debit has been set-up to the Rainbow Trust.

I have just finished reading Rob's book. Reading an account of a person's darkest, most traumatic times, you detect the ins, outs and workings of a person's mind, and I'm a huge fan of Rob's mind. Rob is an incredible, natural writer - poetic, uses beautiful metaphors, with a brutal honesty that makes you soak up everything he is telling you - he's a very reliable narrator. When he says 'f*** those people who think this way,' I nod enthusiastically. This, of course, wasn't an easy read, and you need to take a break to process what you've just read. I don't think talking about death, especially child death should be a taboo topic, and this book is helping those families who face a similar battle and have to endure others' insensitivity and ignorance when they tiptoe around a subject that makes them uncomfortable. People are scared of others in pain like it's contagious. If someone has to endure the agony and pain of losing a child in this drawn-out hell, the least I can do, and others can do, is share in their pain, read, sob, and listen alongside them. It's the very least and we owe it to them. This book will stay with me for the rest of my life. I heard Rob on Radio 4 speaking of Henry's loss, and naturally, I cried. But, in my ignorance, I didn't fully comprehend the entirety of the loss; Henry's disabilities, daily, monthly struggles, deterioration; his courage and desire to live...The trauma Rob and Leah had to process, with each setback piled on top of them. There are moments in this book that are truly torturous, and with Rob's writing, you feel it viscerally - you recoil and flinch, feel sick and despair at the world for slowing this to happen. However, there are moments of joy - the dog visit in the hospital, sitting under the stars with Henry, afternoon naps with blissful music - the countless members of staff who are angels in the comfort they bring. The family comes together, splitting the care of Henry between them, bathing Henry in love (literally and metaphorically). The writing is philosophical - it tries to find a purpose in hopelessness and does. The book gives hope and gives a voice to parents of sick children. Those experiencing grief but can't articulate it can find solace in the words of this book. It is physically providing funds to incredible charities. It changed my perspective permanently for the better, almost in a spiritual way. It shows you what's important, what truly matters. Child Grief is relentless; it is pain and it is hopeless longing for what was and the potential of a beautiful, meaningful life that was never given the opportunity to grow and thrive... Early on in the book, Rob says to the reader that we'll remember Henry but then forget and get on with our lives. Whilst I cannot promise I'll be thinking of Henry every second of every day like I know Rob and Leah spend their waking hours doing. But, I can promise that I'll never forget Henry and his short yet long life. Long in the sense of the impact his little life has made on me and thousands of others who have read and lived his story.

It's a few months since I read this. I read it because I enjoyed Rob Delaney as a writer and performer in Catastrophe, and I love that he is an outspoken critic of the UK government and champion of the NHS on social media. I was interested in his story and the life of his beautiful son. He wanted to let people know about his story and about his son's life, and so I wanted to do him the courtesy of reading his book. He talks about things that we rarely talk about and he is so honest and open. The book is affecting, important, full of love and pain. He experienced every parent's worst nightmare (I'm not a parent), but we can all learn a little more about ourselves and about what matters from this book. Having had that privilege as a reader of his, i will always give Rob Delaney my ear.

This is a must a read. tears pouring down by page 8 I couldn't contain myself. and I am someone who hardly cries. I felt Rob's shattered heart through his words in this beautifully written book. Buy it now!

Good read

It is a beautiful story that made me cry and then consider how lucky I am to not have had these problems. My heart goes out to those that have suffered in the manner described In the book, the author writes about it courageously.

I loved this book. I usually don’t write reviews but let me tell you, this is one of the best books I have ever read. It shows you a perspective of a loving father and shows how strong love can be during a tough time. Rob Delaney, I admire you so much and if you do read this. Thank you for writing this.

I’ve been a fan of Rob Delaney’s since catching the first season of Catastrophe several years ago. Hearing of his son’s cancer and how willing Rob was to speak publicly about it was touching. Recently, after hearing Rob on a podcast (Fresh Air maybe?) I immediately bought the book, and read it in one sitting. Delaney is such a kind soul and so appreciative for the love and people he is surrounded by, it was a lovey read for such a gut-punching, life-altering event. The comedic bits had me laughing out loud and reading passages to my husband sitting nearby. As someone born and living in the US, I will say I am glad their family was able to receive such terrific health care, and really hope we are able to create a system like that over here one day.