I would like to thank Harper Collins and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
A lonely man named James decides to take his own life. In the modern day equivelant of an old fashioned suicide note, he writes a short text on his phone and sends to all his contacts (like a "black mirror" version of Michael MacIntyre's schtik) hence the title. The book then reveals with how his contacts deal with the news and, in flashback, how he came to be in such a sorry state. Fair to say its not all rainbows and lollipops. There are numerous miseries heaped on our shy, good natured victim of life. I won't describe them, but leave them for the reader to find. However its not the big disasters that crack him, but the multitude of small sadnesses and loneliness that grind him down. Technology and in particular mobile phones form a background thread through the book.
The author is a stand up comedian but this is not a humerous book. He wrings every little bit of guilt and anxiety possible out of the story. He makes you feel uncomfortable and socially awkward. It shows how an intelligent, affable person can be emotionally lost in the crowd. It is a very sad book. I may recommend it to friends but only if I feel they are strong enough to deal with the themes. I listened to the audio book. Mark Watson narrates the story and while the Welshman does not have the rich, melodious tones of a Michael Sheen or a Richard Burton, his voice is suited to the neurotic story. He is a sort of Welsh Woody Allen. The big plus for this book is that, at least in my experience, it will make you rethink how you interact with others and you may learn to be a slightly kinder person. Thats pretty good going for a book.
Interesting concept.
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