BEAR IS NOW ASLEEP

by WILLIAM VERITY

Used softcover book in very good condition, name on first page. Published in May 2007, 248 pages

'If only I hadn't gone to work that day. If only I had gone to the soccer gala day instead. If only Caroline and India had walked a foot to the left or to the right. If only they had passed those goalposts a second or two sooner, a second or two later. If only India had been walking on Caroline's right, not left.

If only.'

One June day in 2003 William Verity's beloved three-year-old daughter, India, was killed when she was hit by a falling portable goalpost. She was singing and dancing to her favourite Wiggles song, Rock-a-Bye Your Bear, minutes before the accident.

Far more than a simple diary of events, this moving account of a family in crisis explores many of the bedrock issues of life that challenge and confront us all. From the remarkable opening words about the random nature of death to the final embrace of an enduring love, this is a gently uplifting and inspiring narrative, in which William wrestles with the idea that life may end in death, but love endures for ever.

About the author

William Verity is a journalist who has worked for Fairfax papers including the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD and the SUN-HERALD. He has also edited community papers in Western Sydney, and now works at the ILLAWARRA MERCURY. He lives in Mittagong with his wife Caroline and sons Joe and Liam.

Bear is Now Asleep by William Verity