I was hopeful but skeptical that there could be another Eleanor Oliphant out there, but this really is a fair comparison. If you liked Eleanor or A Man Called Ove, this is a great choice. It's sad and funny and true and I'm glad I read it!
I like Brit writers. I like them because they write the way ordinary people live, think, and speak. Roper uses a deft hand introducing an under-the-radar, lonely, 40-something Andrew with ISSUES, who's earning a living in some obscure job setting to rights the affairs of people who've died alone. On the surface this may seem unexciting, but don't be fooled. Not only do still waters run deep, and despite his solitary lifestyle, Andrew is complex yet still manages to be absolutely lovable. His story is entertaining as he navigates his barely tolerable work mates while soliciting advice from his online train forum pals, and is eye-opening in an I-get-life sort of way. This debut novel is definitely worth reading. 4 stars.
