Happy almost weekend all!
This is the UK title and cover for “How Not to Die Alone”. Different title, different cover, same great book! I thought this was a quirky unique story that really touched my heart!💕
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
With the warmth of David Nicholls and the charm and humour of Nick Hornby, this brilliant debut explores one man’s attempts to let go of the past and start his life afresh.
‘Tender, funny, compelling – this wonderful book deserves to be huge!’ Lucy Foley, author of THE HUNTING PARTY
‘Funny, moving and thought-provoking – I loved this.’ – Clare Mackintosh
‘A charming, humorous and life-affirming tale about human kindness that strikes a chord in a world where loneliness is a growing problem’ BBC News Online, Top Fiction of 2019
‘I completely fell under its spell. It pulls you in, makes you laugh and breaks your heart – in short, does everything that you want a novel to do. While it is very much in the David Nicholls’ tradition of sympathetic quirk and comedy, it is, at the same time, so fresh and different. I loved the voice, the people, the world….. Who couldn’t? What an extraordinary debut.’ – Gill Hornby
‘Heart-breaking. Hilarious. Life-affirming. Some descriptions of loneliness took my breath away. This book deserves to be HUGE!’ Holly Bourne
‘Funny, moving and uplifting…I loved it.’Libby Page, author of THE LIDO
Sometimes you need to risk everything…
To find your something
All Andrew wants is to be normal. He has the perfect wife and 2.4 children waiting at home for him after a long day. At least, that’s what he’s told people.
The truth is, his life isn’t exactly as people think and his little white lie is about to catch up with him.
Because in all Andrew’s efforts to fit in, he’s forgotten one important thing: how to really live. And maybe, it’s about time for him to start.
Let’s Connect!
About Shelley Noble
Berit Talks Books 