Never Can Say Goodbye: The Life of a Death Doula and the Art of a Peaceful End

“Never Can Say Goodbye is deliciously woven from threads of guidance, memory, and devotion to the sacred labor of holding space at the end of life."" —Alua Arthur, author of Briefly Perfectly Human

Compelling narrative that highlights the importance of a death doula and generational traumas faced by the Black community.

Embedded within the fabric of American society are deeply ingrained taboos surrounding death. For African Americans, these taboos are compounded by a complex interplay of factors that make conversations about death even more elusive. The echoes of systemic racism, unequal access to healthcare, and the enduring impact of generational traumas have created an environment where death is often seen as a subject best left untouched.

In his debut book Never Can Say Goodbye, death doula, Darnell Lamont Walker:

• delves into the reasons behind the silence surrounding death within the Black community. • narrates his personal experiences of holding space for individuals at the end of their lives. • guides and comforts those navigating grief, who silently mourn.

Walker shares personal stories from his role as a compassionate guide navigating the delicate space between life and death. These narratives unfold as intimate accounts of individuals, each seeking solace, closure, and the opportunity to share the stories that define them.

This book is for anyone wanting to witness the healing that unfolds when someone is afforded the chance to articulate their life's journey, find closure in their own narrative, and ultimately, face the inevitable with a newfound sense of peace.

Never Can Say Goodbye captures the essence of these profoundly human moments while exploring the connection between the grieving and their doula, revealing the transformative power of storytelling in the face of mortality. Walker helps you process feelings and emotions from past losses and instills wisdom on how you can hold space and provide your loved ones with the closure they deserve.

© 2026 HarperOne (Audiobook): 9780063421844

Release date

Audiobook: 10 February 2026