Assessment:
Plot: The pace of Barry's story is quick and driving without feeling rushed. As Lamar completes his father's request and then navigates the fallout from his sister's accusation, the reader enjoys a riveting ride.
Prose/Style: Barry's prose is adequate and neither distracts from or particularly elevates the plot. Characters speak and sound realistic and genuine, and the story is almost compulsively readable.
Originality: This is an exciting and engaging thriller that pushes the edge of believability without going over the top. It will please fans of thrillers while also providing unexpected introspection about what it means to die and who gets to decide when we go.
Character/Execution: Lamar's anguish and struggle with his decisions are apparent in the resulting stress that follows. His emotions are visceral and real, and he proves a compelling protagonist.
Date Submitted: May 29, 2020
Lamar Rose's father, Robert, had terminal cancer and worsening dementia. Robert had begged and pleaded to Lamar, a psychotherapist, to end his life.
Lamar's mother had passed 6 ears ago. One night, Lamar (with a tank of nitrogen gas) decides it is time to grant his father his last wish. Not without a hitch, Lamar's plan to assist his father is complete. Since his father had lived in Chicago, Lamar travelled from New Mexico frequently to visit his dad.
After seeing his father die, Lamar returns to New Mexico. Meanwhile, Lamar's sister, Andrea, gets "the call" from the retirement home to let her know that her father had passed. She is angry. She had finally been communicating with her dad (so she thought) and he was not yet ready to die. An inconvenience for her?
At Robert's memorial service, which is well attended, Andrea announces, from the pulpit, that Lamar killed his father. The mourners (and the press) are shocked. Things really heat up when Andrea meets Paula, an activist against any type of assisted suicide.
Paula and Andrea go on TV and the press eats it up- Andrea comes across as an angry, self-serving bitch. This action demands Lamar lawyer up and start a defense. T
his where the story really heats up!
Great character development. Superb, unique plotline, and a fast read.
A Must READ!
