Joel Monroe, stuck in the same room in the old people's home where first his wife, then his comatose roommate, died, has had enough of what now passes for his life. Enough of being told what to do (and what not to do), when to eat and take pills, of being treated by a child and of sitting in limbo waiting to die. An idea forms in his head : he will take back control of his life - and death - by committing suicide. His new roommate, the dapper and exuberant Frank Adams, becomes his confidant and partner in crime and together, they set out to plan the utimate way to go out with a bang.
It's a tenderly written and poignant narrative, packed with humour. I loved watching the new friendship develop and thoroughly enjoyed the childish glee that the old men felt every time they got one over on the staff, breaking out for a pint and a taste of freedom despite the constant surveillance.
I've visited elderly relatives in several nursing homes over the years and, however professional and efficient they may be, they are generally soulless and depressing places, so I could really empathise with Joel. He's far from perfect though - the ultimate grumpy old man - and it is heartwarming to see Frank bring out the best in him and help him develop as a person, rebuilding bridges with his family and the nursing staff.
It's one of those uplifting books that will make you laugh all the way through but still shed a tear at the end.
star rating : 5/5
- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: Legend Press (15 Aug. 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1787198855
- ISBN-13: 978-1787198852
for more information : http://www.legendtimesgroup.co.uk/legend-press/books/1915-the-great-unexpected
The Great Unexpected is Dan Mooney's second book. You may also like to read my review of his first novel, Me, Myself and Them.
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Disclosure : I received a review copy of the book in return for my honest opinion.
