Among the Cursed and Divine

Epic love story best describes the long and arduous journey of Gilgamesh and Enkidu in this second book. The tale very much parallels the ups and downs of a terminal diagnosis. If you or someone you love is fighting something with a 0.01% cure rate you may identify strongly with the emotions in this book. It had me all over the place for sure. Enkidu has been cursed to die in one year’s time. He knows the date of his death and his lover, Gilgamesh, is determined to find a way to undo this curse. He literally goes to the ends of the earth, into the gods’ territory, defeats monsters, gives absolutely everything he has to save the one he loves. Sometimes you do all the right things, carry all the hope, try to drag your loved one over the victory mark, and death comes anyway. The amount of tissues I used reading this… It built up and destroyed my heart many times over. Bailey makes you FEEL right along with the characters as they navigate the stages of grief from both the afflicted and the loved one’s POVs. The ending is what you know is coming, but in a gentler and kinder way. The last chapter is good and sweet and leaves you with a slight smile on your face. You may feel like you battled the rapids to get there, but it is a most worthwhile and enjoyable ride. Stock up on the tissues first, because you will be crying a river, too!