What happens in the book
The Collected Regrets of Clover is a 2023 debut novel by Mikki Brammer. Its protagonist, Clover Brooks, works as a death doula in New York City, which means she supports people through the end of their lives. She has spent so much time with the dying that her own life has become small and lonely. After the wishes of one of her clients send her on a trip, she begins to examine her own choices, relationships and regrets.
The publisher’s description positions the book as a warm, hopeful novel that treats a subject often seen as taboo as a reason to think about how to live. This guide keeps spoilers to a minimum and marks the final questions.
Themes
- Death as a conversation. The book asks why death is so rarely discussed openly and what changes when it is.
- Grief that does not follow a schedule. Clover’s past shapes how she sees loss.
- Regret and learning from it. She helps others reflect on their regrets before she faces her own.
- Loneliness and connection. Her work gives her intimacy with the dying but makes ordinary friendship harder.
- Living on purpose rather than by habit.
Content notes
The novel deals with death, dying, grief and loss, including casual descriptions of how people die. Some members may have recent bereavements. Let everyone know the subject matter ahead of the meeting and make it clear that no one has to share more than they want to.
Discussion questions
First impressions
- Were you apprehensive about reading a novel about death? How did you feel about it afterward?
- How does the opening set the tone for the rest of the book?
- What role does Clover’s early exposure to death play in how comfortable she is talking about it?
Talking about death
- The book suggests that death is hard to talk about in Western society. Do you agree, and does that differ in other cultures you know about?
- How did your upbringing or family traditions shape how you think about mortality?
- Did the casual way death is discussed make you uncomfortable? Did that change as you read?
- What do you think Clover learns from her clients about supporting someone who is dying or grieving?
Grief
- Clover is told her grief has lasted too long. Why do you think this bothers her, and should grief be seen as something to overcome within a set time?
- How does her relationship with her grandfather influence the rest of the book?
Loneliness and connection
- Clover is seen as a loner but is skilled with people in her professional role. Why might that gap exist?
- How does she cope with loneliness, and how healthy is it? What might she do differently?
- What did the friendships and new relationships in the book offer her?
Regrets and living well
- Clover tries to learn from other people’s regrets but avoids her own for much of the book. Why is that easier?
- One of her regrets concerns living out of habit. What does that mean in practice?
- The idea that a beautiful death comes from a beautiful life appears in the story. How would you define a beautiful life?
- Is there something you have been putting off that the book made you think about?
Reflection and ending (spoilers)
- Did the ending feel earned? What did you want to happen?
- Which character will stay with you, and why?
- Would you recommend this book to someone who is grieving?
Hosting tips
- Open gently. A pot of tea and a simple icebreaker, such as a favorite book that changed how you think, can help.
- If your group is comfortable, use the regrets theme as an optional exercise: members can share something they would like to do more of, without discussing painful details.
- Offer a content note in the invitation, especially for online groups. See how online book clubs work for ideas about managing group norms.
- Keep time for lighter topics too. The book has humor.
What to read next
If you liked the personal reflection here, Wild is a memoir that also explores grief and rebuilding, and Violeta follows one woman’s long life.