A Reaping

'A Reaping' by E.F. Benson is a novel that begins with a dinner conversation between two friends, one who is health-obsessed and the other who has accepted her incurable illness. The former talks about her morning deep-breathing routine, while the latter discusses her upcoming trip to Scotland, despite being unwell. Through this conversation, the book beautifully portrays how the joys of life and the beauty of the world are often lost in the midst of health obsessions. The book offers poignant and obvious reflections that will make readers question their own relationship with health.