Death is inevitable, and yet for most of us it is also unimaginable. This enlightening book is not about death and dying, but about how life-limiting illnesses influence culture, society and how we understand ourselves. It provides a critical, existential perspective on palliative care, examining the key issues affecting both those with life-limiting conditions, and their friends and families. Examining the lived experience of people across the lifespan, and supported by the author's primary research, its contribution will make it essential reading for both professionals working in palliative care, as well as students and researchers of health psychology, nursing and social care.