How Not to Die Alone by Richard Roper ePub Download

July 3, 2019 Women's Literary Fiction

Download How Not to Die Alone by Richard Roper PDF Free. The “How Not to Die Alone” is a very highly recommended quirky, delightful, funny, heartbreaking, and hopeful debut novel.

Description of How Not to Die Alone by Richard Roper PDF

The “How Not to Die Alone” is a unique, quirky, sometimes dark but mostly uplifting novel. Richard Roper is the great author of this book. Forty-two-year-old Londoner Andrew Smith, the narrator of Richard Roper’s “How Not to Die Alone,” has an unusually grim job. He inspects the properties of solitary men and women who pass away unbeknownst to their neighbors. Andrew enters each residence wearing a face mask (the smells are often horrendous), rubber gloves, and protective clothing. He also brings garbage bags to collect rubbish, searches for cash to help pay for the funeral, and looks for documents that might reveal the existence of financial assets and/or the names of next-of-kin. As a kindness, Andrew attends the funerals; he and the vicar are often the only ones to do so. This surprisingly funny and touching book incorporates a variety of elements, including witty dialogue; an insightful examination of family relationships; and an exploration of how protracted grief can cripple a person emotionally. Andrew is conscientious, good-hearted, devoted to his work and enthusiastic about his hobby—collecting and setting up model trains.

He is also a rabid fan of Ella Fitzgerald, whose music he listens to obsessively. Unfortunately, when Andrew is interviewed for his position, he tells a whopper that could land him in hot water. “How Not to Die Alone” is a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining social contacts, especially as we age. In addition, the author stresses the wisdom of making peace with our loved ones while there is still time, dealing constructively with one’s past, and sticking to the truth whenever possible. The prose and dialogue are polished, and the big reveal, although far-fetched, is poignant and heartbreaking. The quirky cast of characters includes Cameron, Andrew’s exasperating boss, Peggy Green, a new hire to whom Andrew is attracted (too bad she’s already married), and Andrew’s obnoxious and venal brother-in-law. The original and involving “How Not to Die Alone” explores such themes as life’s unpredictability; the value of a strong support system; and the satisfaction we derive from reaching out to others. Dying alone is not a laughing matter, but Roper lessens the gloom with humor and wit in this entertaining and wise novel about loss and healing.