Eyes Open

More about the book

Jon W. C. Flanagan is in his mid-sixties when a combination of auto accident, stroke, and seizure leaves him apparently comatose. Involuntary reflexes remain; he can breathe on his own, but is unable to move. Unbeknownst to the medical team, he can see and hear. Expected to quickly pass away, he lingers reflecting on his life while observing the staff and infrequent family/friend visitors. He develops a relationship of sorts with Rachel, the primary treating nurse who is less sure of the diagnosis than the physicians. Meanwhile, an 'angel of death' is working in the hospital. Flanagan identifies the killer and determines to somehow tell Rachel. His life now is a race against time and a quest to perform a final, perhaps his only heroic act. Provided a rare gift of total self-reflection, he is provided a rarer opportunity for personal redemption.