Thank you to LibroFM and Hachette Audio for an audio version of Delia Ephron’s memoir, Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life.
Delia Ephron, the youngest sister in the famous writing/show biz Ephron family, has written a memoir that is primarily focused on finding late-in-life love and facing the same type of leukemia that killed her beloved sister, Nora.
Left on Tenth begins with the loss of Ephron’s husband Jerry, whom she had been married to for nearly forty years. This monumental loss and life change sent Ephron into a deep grief as she learned to cope with her post-Jerry life. After writing an article on her loss, she is contacted by Peter, a psychiatrist living in California, who felt a connection to Ephron’s grief, having lost his own wife. Even more surprising, Peter had been on a date with Ephron when they were in College, which Ephron did not remember. They reconnect through emails, which eventually progress to phone calls, and quickly, a meet-up in person. Their connection is magnetic and their courtship is brief, as they decide to get married and Peter moves to New York to be with Ephron. They are both in their early 70’s and eager to enjoy their time together.
Soon after marriage, Ephron is diagnosed with the same aggressive leukemia that killed her older sister, plunging her into a long battle with cancer, which also coincided with the pandemic. Newly married, their life is once again, turned upside down with illness, fear, and uncertainty.
Left on Tenth is a heartfelt memoir on taking chances on love and the importance of the relationships we develop with others. In Ephron’s case, this goes beyond her husband and family, to include deep friendships. She never had children, but she plays a mother-like role to several young women in her life, bonds that she holds dear. I come from a very small family and I saw this play out when my aunt and uncle, who did not have children, grew older. Their friends became a vital part of their care and connection to the wider world. It made me keenly aware of the need to cherish and grow all of the relationships in our lives, especially when times are good. We need to show up for each other.
The audio book is read by Ephron, which I appreciated. Hearing her tell her own story added an important dynamic. Despite being heavy with intense situations, Ephron also has a keen sense of humor, which shines through in both her writing and vocal intonation. A memorable scene includes her frustrations with a phone company in the wake of her husband’s death. As someone who has had to handle the affairs of several deceased loved ones, I can relate to the ridiculous and mind-numbing frustrations that occur when closing out accounts.
I highly recommend Left on Tenth. It’s a reminder that although life can be harsh and unfair, there are also wondrous and beautiful moments especially those found through connections with others. Also, don’t sell yourself short, as incredible things can and do happen at all stages in life, including new relationships, new adventures, and new projects. Life does not happen on a preset timeline.
