I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love reading foreign books. The author’s cultural background and viewpoint always intersperses with the story to give it a unique twist and give me a little insight on their lifestyle, which is just as enjoyable to discover as the actual storyplot itself. I know that a lot of people don’t like reading translated books because some of the nuances and meanings are lost, since it’s pretty much impossible to capture these aspects perfectly between different languages. But I don’t really mind too much, as long as the translation has been done well (which is usually the case)! This novel has actually been out for a long time but I hope that after reading my review, you will be persuaded to give it a try!
The 21st century is long gone and the world is filled with despair and environmental chaos. The general consensus is that there really doesn’t seem to be much of a reason to live. And so, they head to The Suicide Shop run by the Tuvache family, where they can find a professional and successful way to end their life. With all sorts of toolsat their disposition, customers can choose the right type of death that matches their personality – and budget. The Tuvaches conduct their business with appropriate depression and mournfulness – but that all changes when the youngest member of the family is born. Alan is a cheerful boy who always manages to find a happy outlook to life, which only leads to anger and confusion for the rest of the family. Though Alan may be small, he is the one force that can threaten their very existnce … by giving them a chance to love life.
This novel is darkly comedic and cute. The whole premise of the story is interesting: what happens if we have mass-scale depression, and suicidal tendencies, such that it becomes a norm in life? This novel explores the role of happiness, love, and faith in goodness in a droll way. It’s a short read, but in that span of time, I felt a myriad of emotions and fell in love with every single character in the book. I don’t want to say more, for fear of revealing too much, but if you are looking for a novel unlike any other other, and you enjoy dark humor, then give this book a shot!
Happy reading~
If you are looking for a book with a great ending (and possibly reader satisfaction) alongwith an entertaining plot that conceals it well, you cannot go wrong with the Suicide Shop. I was extremely caught off-guard by the finish, having expected 2 different outcomes. The art of the finish is imbibed well in this book, and I would love to relive that exhilaration again. Thanks for the review & recommendation!
I definitely agree that the endingis the cherry on top of the cake for this book. My favorite thing about the ending is that we have no idea how the Tuvache family will reach to it. I mean, we can guess, but it is all just speculation. I usually don’t like when a book leaves an open ending like this but I made an exception for this novel!