an NPR Best Book of 2010...and I like Lionel Shriver (who wrote We Need To Talk About Kevin...could NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!)

Hmmm. This book was, similar to the last book I read, depressing and filled with characters who are bitter. ???

This novel made me very anxious. The main character saves and scrimps his whole life for an early retirement in a developing country where his money can go far and his responsibilities are few. He sells his company and is preparing to leave for his dream retirement, when his wife is diagnosed with mesothelioma (a type of cancer without possibility of cure, apparently). He then spends his entire nest egg on treatments for her, knowing all along that she will die and that he is only extending her life by months. Still, it's what you have to do, right?

Depressing!

The last 60 pages of the book turned around a bit, and were almost enjoyable, but the twist the story took didn't seem very real or realistic.