From the doctor's records, 2006: She attended an out-patient appointment today with her daughter. She lives at home in her own flat, with daily care from the community nurse when none of her family is staying. She says that she has reduced appetite, feels nauseous almost every day, and can feel a slight swelling under her right costal arch from time to time. She has no need to talk to a clergyman, but wishes to see the sea from Jaren beach once more before she dies. I Should Have Lifted You Carefully Over is Wencke Muhleisen's account of her mother's death, and about the distance and intimacy between two women who have come to very different terms with life.

Translated by: Anne Bruce