'How depressing', you may be thinking, 'to spend my free time reading a book about death!' Please reserve judgement for a moment while I give you a glimpse into this remarkable book. Ling states that 'all Christians should aim for a good life and a good death'. It seems to me that one is not truly possible without the other. As medics we work in an environment where the general feeling is that death is simply failed medicine. It is therefore crucial for us to refocus on what God tells us about life and death. For what we believe about death has a tremendous impact on what we believe about life and therefore how we treat not only the living but also the dying.

Oddly enough, Ling's book is a celebration of God's wonderful gift of life. It is a very readable, concise discussion about death and the myriad issues surrounding it, pleasantly structured into bite-size chapters, with an excellent index.

Firmly founded on biblical theology, Ling first provides a general overview of the Christian doctrine necessary to understand the complex issues. He then develops the concept of 'principled compassion', which he states should motivate our reponses. He gives clear and level-headed arguments that are very useful in clinical situations. Not only does he discuss broad issues such as euthanasia and infanticide, but also has specific chapters on peripheral issues such as quality of life and living wills. The chapters detailing specific situations like the Tony Bland case and the Nazi Holocaust are very informative and helpful, as well as profoundly disturbing. They serve to anchor Ling's arguments in reality - these are pressing issues that are costing lives every day.

I have greatly enjoyed the passion with which Ling writes. The Edge of Life is brimming with intelligent and (dare I say?) righteous indignation at the foolishness and evil that abound in today's society. This makes such a refreshing and inspiring read. We should be angry about these matters: innocents are dying, God's love is being scorned and his sovereignty is disregarded.

I feel that this book would be inspiring to any Christian, not only medics - we all have opportunities to discuss our beliefs about death and the sanctity of human life, especially when there are high profile cases like that of Diane Pretty or Tony Bland. Medics may be at the coalface but it is principally non-medics who petition, vote and make laws.

Christ offers us peace that surpasses understanding, love beyond measure and life itself. The Edge of Life expounds the beliefs and arguments that can equip us to take these gifts into the world. I highly recommend this read.

Reviewed by Jessica Whitworth, a house officer in Bodelwyddan, North Wales