Spartacus and Me

Life, Love and Everything In Between

By: Vashti Whitfield, Sue Smethurst

Narrated by: Vashti Whitfield, Kate Hosking

A poignant and searingly honest memoir about love and life with Andy Whitfield, breakout star of the television phenomenon Spartacus.

When you meet the love of your life, the one person you want to spend the rest of your days with, what do you do when they're ripped away?

Vashti and Andy Whitfield fitted together like the missing pieces of a perfect jigsaw. From the moment they met, they were inseparable. Vashti inspired Andy to fight fearlessly to achieve whatever he dreamed, and he gave her a love so deep that they both knew their life together would be nothing less than extraordinary.

When Andy was talent-spotted on a Sydney beach, life changed forever. The shy engineer found his calling as an actor, landing the lead role in the hit Hollywood TV series Spartacus, while Vashti achieved her own dream, becoming a highly sought after executive coach. The arrival of their two beautiful children made their world complete.

But then Andy was diagnosed with cancer.

Miraculously he recovered and went back to his starring role. But as Andy fought gladiators in the ring, the cancer was waging its own war inside his body, and this time it wasn't going to be beaten.

Despite the shocking inevitability of his illness, Andy and Vashti were determined to leave a meaningful legacy and bravely chose to share their journey to the end in the award-winning documentary Be Here Now.

Now Vashti has rebuilt her life, and in this honest, heartfelt and at times hilariously moving story, she tells of life, love and overcoming loss - and the legacies we can all leave behind.

©2016 Vashti Whitfield and Sue Smethurst (P)2017 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

" Spartacus and Me can be claimed as nothing else but extraordinary. You will be sobbing into a pile of tissues...but their outlook through the ordeal and the legacy they create together will leave you feeling inspired." ( Better Reading)

A real life love story....

This book was AMAZING! I've only recently become a fan of the show Spartacus after watching the series on Netflix. I was confused when I saw the title character was being played by a different actor in the second season and decided to do a little research. When I discovered Andy Whitfield had passed away from cancer my heart was broken. What a wonderful and talented actor that didn't get the opportunity to reach his full acting potential. Yet I find that the story of his battle with cancer has moved me in ways I don't think any movie or tv series could have.

Thank you Mrs. Whitfield for sharing this wonderful love story. Because that is what I received from this book. This is not only a story of struggle, perseverance and determination... it is the most heartwarming love story I've ever heard. I pray for the day I find someone to share and live my life with for however long destiny allows it as you did with your departed husband.

Amazing story full of excellent quotes, humor, bliss and sadness.

My husband an I were both Spartacus fans. When we learned of his early departure from this world, we were probably not alone in our shock. He was so young, fit, and oozing with life. Through his death, I discovered his wife, and author of this book. She is a fierce and strong woman, as well as an excellent writer. This book hits all of the emotions and is a great story. I would recommend to anyone who has a yearning for a story with substance.

Where is my Spartacus?

Vashti- Thank you for sharing your love story. For that is what was written in this book. I, too can see such beauty in your Spartacus and reading about you I see why he chose you. It was wonderful to go down the road with you and I did watch the series and stopped when I found he wasn't coming on anymore because honestly, I couldn't see anyone taking that role. He embodied it with his heart and soul. Beautiful man, Beautiful Family, Yes, I watched the documentary too. You are brave and courageous. I wish the best and hopefully a different love for the future until you meet again.
Please read this book, I cried, I laughed . It was simply beautiful.

Extraordinary woman

I found myself drawn to Vashti Whitfield's story and outlook on life after seeing Be Here Now. I'm so glad I decided to purchase her book. She is truly an extraordinary woman. I loved the stories about her "cubs" and how her upbringing shaped who she is and how she approaches life. Her 9/11 story gave me chills. Love love love this book.

Spartac"US"

The story starts out about the life's of these two incredible people that came together. For me the beginning is slow, but I get it. By the middle I was intently listening, by the end I couldn't stop listening I didn't want it to end but I wanted to hear the end. I appreciate the listen even more so due to the fact that Vashti reads this instead of someone else. Such a needed personal touch too a touching book. It really made a difference to me that she shared it not only in a book but in reading it at well. This book has caused me many emotions, inspired me in different ways and given me courage to carry out those inspirations.

Spartacus and me

Wonderful true story of love, strength, support , and loss. I'm still so sad about Andy leaving so early. I would give almost anything to have a love like theirs. So proud of you Vashti. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

Truly Inspiring...

I really loved and appreciated this book. It captured my attention entirely and had such a great message. I love books like this that make me reevaluate my own life and encourage improvement. Bravo to Vashti for her incredible introspection and having the courage to share her story with integrity. I am truly inspired! RIP Andy Whitfield.