This book is a celebration of life and love – the good, the bad and the ugly.įrom a medical point of view, this book is also exceptionally interesting for several reasons. The rallying of the Courtenay family and Damon’s partner Celeste around him is a testimony to the strength of the loving family (from going along with Damon’s delusions to taking him to the hospital on many occasions). Damon was a brave battler and his strength while living through chronic pain, bleeding and countless infections is to be commended. The story of his son Damon, born a haemophiliac who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion and later died of AIDS related complications is compelling for so many reasons. I always respected Courtenay as a writer before this, but after reading this book, I have the utmost respect for him overall. Such a powerful story – all completely true, you can’t make up this sort of thing and an incredibly emotional, harrowing journey for the Courtenay family. I started reading this on my daily commute but soon I was hooked. Enter a Popular Penguin edition and an edict from my mother that I must read this book and she knew I would enjoy it immensely. If you liked this, try: Holding the Man by Timothy Conigrave, which also deals with HIV and AIDS.Īpril Fool’s Day was a book I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read initially for several reasons – I don’t read as much non-fiction as fiction, surely Bryce Courtenay’s talent lay in fiction and it was probably out of print. Strengths: Very emotional and brutally honest. Inventory No: 19040269.A quick rundown… The true story of Bryce’s son, Damon who contracts HIV through a blood transfusion. Category: Biography & Autobiography ISBN: 085561479X. This life-affirming book will change the way you think. A testimony to the power of love, April Fool's Day is also about understanding- how when we confront our worst, we can become our best. Damon's story is one of lifelong struggle, his love for Celeste, the compassion of family, and a fight to the end for integrity. In this tribute to his son, Bryce Courtenay lays bare the suffering behind this young man's life. Damon Courtenay died on the morning of April Fool's Day. Damon wanted a book that talked a lot about love. *** ABOUT THIS BOOK: In the end, love is more important than everything and it will conquer and overcome anything. Edges of dust jacket have moderate bumping and superficial wear. More specifically: Edges of boards have moderate wear. *** CONDITION: The book itself is in good condition and comes in good dust jacket. *** PUBLISHING DETAILS: Heinemann, Australia, 1993.

April Fool's Day by Bryce Courtenay