THE FINAL book written by the wife of the Bishop of Worcester before she passed away will be launched at a special service this weekend.
Denise Inge, who lost her battle with cancer on Easter Sunday, began writing it when she moved into her house in Worcester, which is built above a crypt full of human skeletons.
The book, entitled ‘A Tour of Bones: Facing fear and looking for life’, explores other charnel houses in Europe and looks into the meaning of bones themselves.
Although she started the book before her cancer was found in June 2013, her work takes on a new significance after she is diagnosed with the inoperable sarcoma.
The book will be launched at a service on Saturday (November 15) at 7.30pm at the city’s cathedral where Worcester Festival Choral Society (WFSC) will perform their first concert of the season in memory of Denise.
Her husband, Bishop John, who is president of the society, said: “It’s often said that death is a taboo in our society and people just do not want to face up to it or talk about it.
“In the book, Denise does but, as she herself observes, she discovered that preparing to live and preparing to die are in the end the same thing.
“My hope is that the book will help people to live well as well as die well.”
Well-renowned author Alexander McCall Smith added: “This is an exquisite book. It is a beautifully written and constantly engaging reflection of life and mortality.
“It is impossible to read this book and not be profoundly moved by the love that infuses it. It may be about our physical existence, but it is also about the spirit that transcends the physical. It is, quite simply, a gem.”
Tickets for the concert can be bought by visiting www.wfcstickets.org.uk/ or calling the Worcester Live box office on 01905 611427.
