When Tethers Fray


Fiction - Literary
361 Pages
Reviewed on 07/04/2025
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Author Biography

"When Tethers Fray" began not as a story, but as a question: What do we carry into our final moments? And what do we leave behind in the hearts of others?
I spent time in a palliative care unit—not as a writer researching a setting, but as a witness to endings. I saw grief expressed in glances, in silence, in gentle touches. I watched someone I care about find strength not just to endure, but to overcome. These moments didn't ask for drama; they asked for attention. Stillness. Honesty. That's where this book lives.
Writing "When Tethers Fray" was my way of listening to those spaces between words. It allowed me to explore not just mortality, but the deeply human need to make meaning from who we are, how we're seen, and the quiet myths we carry. It's a novel about the stories we tell ourselves, and what happens when those stories begin to change.
This book remains close to my heart not because it provides answers, but because it trusts the questions. I hope, in some small way, it invites you to do the same.
Thank you for reading. — Rajiv Mittal

    Book Review

Reviewed by Zahid Sheikh for Readers' Favorite

When Tethers Fray by Rajiv Mittal is a deeply moving novel that follows Uma, a hospice nurse who cares for people in their final days. Through her eyes, we see the quiet struggles of patients and their families as they face the reality of death. The story gently unfolds around Uma’s visits to those she tends to, especially focusing on Martha, a woman with late-stage dementia, and her husband Wayne, who is worn down by the burden of care. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the difficult choices people make when life’s threads begin to unravel. It’s a thoughtful look at the moments that often go unnoticed but have great meaning, inviting readers to reflect on the fragility of life and the power of compassion.

Rajiv Mittal’s writing is tender and clear, with a steady pace that allows the emotions to emerge without rushing. The characters feel real and complex, especially Uma, whose quiet strength and vulnerability shine through every page. The plot is subtle, focusing more on small, meaningful interactions than dramatic action, which makes the story feel intimate and authentic. Themes of duty, love, and grief are woven throughout in a way that is both realistic and hopeful. I was deeply touched by the way the author captures the dignity and pain of dying, alongside the resilience of those who care. Reading this book reminded me how important it is to be present for others, even in the hardest times. Anyone who appreciates stories about human connection and the quiet courage of everyday life will find When Tethers Fray heartfelt and unforgettable.