A Completed Life By RodneySyme, HelgaKuhse, CathyHenkel, and Dying With Dignity Victoria, 2023. 286 pp. A$28 (soft cover). ISBN: 978‐0‐64‐688535‐3

Abstract

A Completed Life is Rodney Syme's final publication. It is a culmination of his life's work; a dedication to personal choice and guidance on how to alleviate, in Syme's view, intolerable suffering or circumstance. A Completed Life was compiled posthumously with the support of Rodney's children, Dr. Helga Kuhse, Dr. Cathy Henkel and Dying with Dignity Victoria. A Completed Life draws the reader into uncomfortable territory by tackling death, dying, palliative care and voluntary assisted dying (VAD). While now legal in most jurisdictions in Australia, Syme builds his case for circumstances in which VAD could be made available to people living with dementia. Syme draws on evidence from global jurisdictions in which VAD is legal, his years of professional experience and his personal experience—including the death of his late wife due to dementia—to inform his position. Syme also provides a structured appendix to guide those making an advance care plan and directive. The concept of a completed life is a compelling idea. Although the concept is succinctly defined, it is not explored in as much depth as one might expect given the book's title. A more comprehensive exploration of the implications of a completed life would have been valuable since it touches on fundamental questions about the meaning of life and what is most threatened when people experience suffering. Syme applies a narrative synthesis to support his arguments, the nature of which leaves contrary perspectives largely absent. Recent developments in the VAD field are not referenced, particularly following its legalisation in additional Australian jurisdictions. Had Syme completed the book before his death from stroke-related complications, he may have deepened his discussion of a completed life and addressed countervailing narratives. Syme is deliberately provocative throughout, prompting the reader to deeply consider the plight of others, particularly those living with dementia. Syme expresses strong support for staff working in the aged care sector and, reflecting findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, is unflinching in his criticism of the sector's failures. A Completed Life is polarising, foreseeably lauded by some and fiercely opposed by others. Owing to the vast diversity of cultures surrounding death and dying across Australasia, the work's appeal and application across the region may be limited. Despite this, the potential readership of A Completed Life spans the age and demographic spectrum, reflecting the universal human experiences of life and death. On finishing the book, one is left hoping that, by his own measure, Syme achieved a completed life. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.