So Much For That

So Much For That by Lionel Shriver
Fiction/Literature

Shep Knacker has had a dream for his 'Afterlife'. He wants to settle down in a third world country , relax and have a wonderful life on a few dollars a day. In preparation he has sold his home repair business and his house. His wife Glynis has always found reasons not to go but Shep has finally reached the end of his patience and has booked a one way ticket for his family. He is going no matter what.

On the eve of his departure Glynis returns home with devastating news. She has cancer. She needs Shep's medical insurance and his resources. Shep goes through the frustrations of dealing with doctors and their conflicting procedures which always seem to drain more and more money from his account. Shep has worked as a peon for his former company but when confronted with enormous medical bills, he is fired. Will Shep have his dream?

As a side story Shep's best friend is going through turmoils of his own: addiction, depression and a child with a disability.

This book delivers a bold statement about the health care system and the money involved and the moral issues behind it all.

First Line: "What do you pack for the rest of your life?"

Rating:
(3.5/5)