Happy Thursday all!
Excited to share with you today my review for this quirky little gem!🤩
My Thoughts
Qυιɾƙყ. Uρʅιϝƚιɳɠ. Uɳιϙυҽ.
Richard Roper has crafted a quirky and uplifting story packed with colorful characters and a unique storyline. The blurb of this book compares it to “Eleanor Oliphant”, Generally I’m not a fan of comparing books but I’d have to say this is an accurate comparison. SO if you loved Eleanor you will also love getting to know Andrew. Andrew is 42, a bit of a loner, and he works for the Ministry of Death. His job includes finding the next of kin for those who die alone, searching their home for valuable possessions that will help pay for their funeral, and then even though it’s not compulsory Andrew attends the funerals for these people who have no one in their lives to say goodbye. Andrew returns home every evening to an empty house, his model trains, and group of eclectic online friends who he met on a model train enthusiast website. However, because of an innocent slip up he made on his job interview his boss Cameron and coworkers believe he returns home every evening to a wife and two kids. When Peggy begins working with Andrew and befriends him and his boss Cameron wants the coworkers to have monthly dinner parties, Andrew is fearful that the truth will come out. Is living with this lie truly living? Will the truth set Andrew free or ruin his life?
Andrew was a lovable vulnerable character that I just wanted to give a big hug. Peggy was great a true breath of fresh air. The friendship that forms between these two was so lovely. Andrew had really got himself into quite the pickle, one white lie that snowballed into something involving spreadsheets. It really was sad to contemplate how these people died alone with seemingly nobody in their lives that cared. And then there was Andrew who had the opportunity to make some choices that would prevent him from being in the same position one day. I think Mr. Roper did an amazing job of showing us how we all have more people in our lives than we think, we just need to know where to look.
This was a feel-good story that made me smile. It’s kind of interesting that a story that features death so prominently could be so uplifting, but this book really was. Simply put this was a quirky tale bursting with heart, hope, and humor!
*** many thanks to GP Putnam’s Sons for my copy ***
About the Book
Andrew’s been feeling stuck.
For years he’s worked a thankless public health job, searching for the next of kin of those who die alone. Luckily, he goes home to a loving family every night. At least, that’s what his coworkers believe.
Then he meets Peggy.
A misunderstanding has left Andrew trapped in his own white lie and his lonely apartment. When new employee Peggy breezes into the office like a breath of fresh air, she makes Andrew feel truly alive for the first time in decades.
Could there be more to life than this?
But telling Peggy the truth could mean losing everything. For 20 years, Andrew has worked to keep his heart safe, forgetting one important thing: how to live. Maybe it’s time for him to start.
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