Book Review: This Book Will Save Your Life by A. M. Homes

Posted on April 1, 2008 in Uncategorized

Does my life need saving? Maybe. Is it better to believe that the Richard and Judy recommendation, rather than a need to ‘save myself’ made me pick up this book? Definitely.

Contrary to what the title might suggest though, this isn’t a self help book. This Book Will Save Your Life tells the story of a man, Richard, whose life does need saving: he’s not dying; he’s just not living, solely existing. He lives a lonely existence in his upmarket LA house growing rich betting on the markets. With a nutritionist, personal trainer, cleaner and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, Richard keeps his world truly quiet. The present is shut out and his difficult past forgotten: his family; parents, brother, ex-wife and most important of all, estranged teenage son, Ben.

This is the story of what happens when the grim reality of life can no longer be evaded; when the build-up explodes and manifests itself in an irresistible, indescribable physical pain that throws Richard out into the living world once more. Once out, he starts to meet people; people he likes, people who begin to give him a life outside of himself and his previous sterile existence.

A series of unusual events, starting when a rapidly growing sinkhole in his garden begins to swallow his house (and perhaps his life as he knows it), push Richard further out of his comfort zone, and force him to communicate with the outside world once more. The pain, along with the loss of his home, force him to embark on a journey of exploration, where Richard attempts to find his true place in the world; rebuilding floundering relationships, starting new ones with some unlikely people and against his nutritionist’s advice, eating doughnuts.

This book is worth reading; either as a simple story or, if you choose, a richly metaphorical commentary on the trappings of contemporary Western society. The characters are likeable and funny; real in their insecurities and shortcomings. There aren’t any huge surprises along the way, but whilst not giving you a five-step plan to success, the story raises interesting questions about modern-day life – work, family, friends, possessions – what’s really important? It makes you want to get out there and meet new people, do new things, take a chance. The only factor this book doesn’t take into account is ‘real life’ – we all have to work, try to get ahead…don’t we?

By Will Victor, Civil Servant