I Am, I Am, I Am

Seventeen Brushes with Death

By: Maggie O'Farrell

Narrated by: Daisy Donovan

An extraordinary memoir - told entirely in near-death experiences - from one of Britain's best-selling novelists, for fans of Wild, When Breath Becomes Air, and The Year of Magical Thinking.

We are never closer to life than when we brush up against the possibility of death.

I Am, I Am, I Am is Maggie O'Farrell's astonishing memoir of the near-death experiences that have punctuated and defined her life. The childhood illness that left her bedridden for a year, which she was not expected to survive. A teenage yearning to escape that nearly ended in disaster. An encounter with a disturbed man on a remote path. And, most terrifying of all, an ongoing, daily struggle to protect her daughter - for whom this book was written - from a condition that leaves her unimaginably vulnerable to life's myriad dangers.

Seventeen discrete encounters with Maggie at different ages, in different locations, reveal a whole life in a series of tense, visceral snapshots. In taut prose that vibrates with electricity and restrained emotion, O'Farrell captures the perils running just beneath the surface and illuminates the preciousness, beauty, and mysteries of life itself.

©2018 Maggie O'Farrell (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"How appropriate that this audiobook memoir, an unlikely examination of life through brushes with death, is narrated by the talented Daisy Donovan. Her tone of voice exudes a veneer of vulnerability overlaying a steely strength, and her delivery is ideal for this collection of interconnected remembrances.... Donovan's pacing and appealing accent make the vignettes come alive for the listener." (AudioFile)

Heartwarming, heart-wrenching and captivating.

Daisy Donovan does a splendid job of narrating this tragic yet inspiring story. I am moved by the strength and tenacity of Maggie O’Farrell and great full that she has chosen to share her struggles and triumphs with the world.

Loved it

Brilliant and captivating narrative. Narrator did an exceptional job bringing the story to life. I would highly recommend.

I am speechless.

What a journey. it took several chapters for me to truly understand the meaning behind the "seventeen", but as the book progressed, I was drawn in more and more. I chose this book on an absolute whim, and I am so grateful I did. Some beautiful descriptors which masterfully laid out the scene - I love books I can "see". This is one.

Gorgeous story

A personal beautifully written work. I wish there were more like this It is unlike any other memoir without being tricky. I will read it again in a few years. The girl can write!

Near death experiences are real

This book comes at it from all directions without going down the tunnel of light. Beautifully crafted, some may think it trite, but it feels quite real. Good quick read.

Amazing !

Maggie O’Farrell is such a talented and beautiful story teller. She truly spoke to me as a person, as a mother and as a companion on the journey of life.

Her prose is beautiful!

Have you ever listened to a book where the prose is so beautiful that it makes you want to cry? A book in which every sentence astounds you? A book with sentences that make you want to exclaim, “What inspired her to write it like that? Where did those words come from?”
This is that kind of book.

Unforgettable

Maggie OFarrell is a magician when it comes to writing words. I don’t think I will ever forget this story.
Narration by daisy Donovan is excellent I could listen to her read the ingredients off a cereal box and still want to hear more.

Sets the memoir bar high

Just Beautiful! I had to go back and double check that I Am. I Am. I Am is, in fact, a memoir, and not a novel. The narration is perfect. The prose lovely. I’m so glad I own this book! I plan to purchase a hardcover copy as well.

Wonderful

This is a magnificently written memoir in the form of the author’s many brushes with death. She reads it really beautifully and it was a great lesson. Highly recommend.