Never Can Say Goodbye: The Life of a Death Doula and the Art of a Peaceful End

Narrated and written by Darnell Lamont Walker, Never Can Say Goodbye is a compelling narrative that illuminates the role of a death doula and the often-unseen ways people show up for one another at the end of life.

“Never Can Say Goodbye is deliciously woven from threads of guidance, memory, and devotion to the sacred labor of holding space at the end of life." —Alua Arthur, author of Briefly Perfectly Human

Across cultures and communities, death is frequently surrounded by silence and uncertainty. Many of us are taught to avoid conversations about loss, grief, and dying, even as we find ourselves quietly doing this work for loved ones, sitting at bedsides, holding hands, listening to final stories, and loving people through their last moments. Never Can Say Goodbye invites readers to recognize this shared human experience and to see themselves in the sacred act of holding space.

In his debut book Never Can Say Goodbye, death doula, Darnell Lamont Walker:

• Delves into the reasons behind the silence surrounding death, especially within the Black community. • Narrates his personal experiences of holding space for individuals at the end of their lives. • Guides and comforts those navigating grief, who silently mourn.

Walker shares personal stories from his role as a compassionate guide navigating the delicate space between life and death. These narratives unfold as intimate accounts of individuals, each seeking solace, closure, and the opportunity to share the stories that define them.

This book is for anyone wanting to:

• Witness the healing that unfolds when someone is afforded the chance to articulate their life's journey. • Find closure in their own narrative. • Face the inevitable with a newfound sense of peace.

Never Can Say Goodbye captures the essence of these profoundly human moments while exploring the connection between the grieving and their doula, revealing the transformative power of storytelling in the face of mortality. Walker helps you process feelings and emotions from past losses and instills wisdom on how you can hold space and provide your loved ones with the closure they deserve.

© 2026 HarperOne (Lydbog): 9780063421844

Udgivelsesdato

Lydbog: 10. februar 2026