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charlwarbo's review
It just hit too close to home for me with the topics it covered, I’m still a bit raw when it comes to deaths and cancer.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Cancer
noveldeelights's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes deciding to step out of your comfort zone and read something that’s far removed from your favourite genre leads to the discovery of a true gem. Being completely unfamiliar with Andy Jones, I had no idea what to expect from The Last Act of Adam Campbell. Except, based on the book description, possibly tears, or at the least a lump in my throat. And yes, that did happen but there was so much more than that.
Adam Campbell used to have it all. He loved his job, he had a nice home, a loving partner and a great six- year-old daughter. And then it all went to pot. It started when Adam cheated on his partner and she kicked him out of the house. Unfortunately things got even worse when Adam was given about a year to live. A year really isn’t very long, especially when it’s your last. So much to do, so little time left. Can Adam turn things around before his time runs out?
Adam and the reader are soon introduced to a delightful group of characters who are all living on borrowed time and trying to deal with their situation as best as they can. We meet Pat, a nun whose experiencing a crisis of faith; there is former junkie Tom and Laura, who is barely eighteen years old and really does not want to die a virgin. Not only are friendships formed, this group ends up having an actual mission, a goal to accomplish and something to still live for. There will be tears, laughter, cake and a whole lot of Shakespeare.
These characters will worm their way into your heart effortlessly and Andy Jones really takes the time for the reader to get to know each and every one of them. You just can’t help but love them all. My heart ached for them and I so desperately wanted things to be different for them. Their circumstances are incredibly realistic and believable and I felt like I was right there, going through it all right alongside them. The Last Act of Adam Campbell isn’t an easy read. It’s extremely emotional, at times heartbreaking and yet also heartwarming. I chuckled, I shed a tear and I wondered what I would do if I had just one year left.
This novel pulled me in from the very beginning. The utterly fabulous cast of characters and the absolutely beautiful writing captivated me and had me going through a whole range of emotions. You might be thinking it sounds awfully depressing but it actually really isn’t. It seems odd to say I enjoyed The Last Act of Adam Campbell considering the topic but I did and every minute I spent with these characters was a true delight.
I am so glad I was offered the opportunity to read The Last Act of Adam Campbell. It’s not the kind of novel I would have sought out on my own and I would have missed out on such a wonderful story. Now that Andy Jones is known to me, I’ll be sure to check out some of his other work.
Adam Campbell used to have it all. He loved his job, he had a nice home, a loving partner and a great six- year-old daughter. And then it all went to pot. It started when Adam cheated on his partner and she kicked him out of the house. Unfortunately things got even worse when Adam was given about a year to live. A year really isn’t very long, especially when it’s your last. So much to do, so little time left. Can Adam turn things around before his time runs out?
Adam and the reader are soon introduced to a delightful group of characters who are all living on borrowed time and trying to deal with their situation as best as they can. We meet Pat, a nun whose experiencing a crisis of faith; there is former junkie Tom and Laura, who is barely eighteen years old and really does not want to die a virgin. Not only are friendships formed, this group ends up having an actual mission, a goal to accomplish and something to still live for. There will be tears, laughter, cake and a whole lot of Shakespeare.
These characters will worm their way into your heart effortlessly and Andy Jones really takes the time for the reader to get to know each and every one of them. You just can’t help but love them all. My heart ached for them and I so desperately wanted things to be different for them. Their circumstances are incredibly realistic and believable and I felt like I was right there, going through it all right alongside them. The Last Act of Adam Campbell isn’t an easy read. It’s extremely emotional, at times heartbreaking and yet also heartwarming. I chuckled, I shed a tear and I wondered what I would do if I had just one year left.
This novel pulled me in from the very beginning. The utterly fabulous cast of characters and the absolutely beautiful writing captivated me and had me going through a whole range of emotions. You might be thinking it sounds awfully depressing but it actually really isn’t. It seems odd to say I enjoyed The Last Act of Adam Campbell considering the topic but I did and every minute I spent with these characters was a true delight.
I am so glad I was offered the opportunity to read The Last Act of Adam Campbell. It’s not the kind of novel I would have sought out on my own and I would have missed out on such a wonderful story. Now that Andy Jones is known to me, I’ll be sure to check out some of his other work.
_p0ssum_'s review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
This could be a 5 handkerchief out of 5 as I cried a lot and loved this story.
It's poignant, realistic and moving.
The well thought characters are faulted but you cannot help loving them while reading their ordeal and how they face cancer.
The plot is well crafted and kept me hooked. I loved the style of writing and the empathy of the author toward his characters.
It was an excellent read and I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions
It's poignant, realistic and moving.
The well thought characters are faulted but you cannot help loving them while reading their ordeal and how they face cancer.
The plot is well crafted and kept me hooked. I loved the style of writing and the empathy of the author toward his characters.
It was an excellent read and I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions
hookandbookclub's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this novel.
It is clear from the title and the opening scenes that this is a book about death... but it is also about life in many ways.
And it’s not just about Adam Campbell - there is a whole cast of characters behind the scenes.
Adam Campbell is no stranger to death, He lost both his parents at a young age. But receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis and facing his own mortality, he is referred to a support group for people living with cancer.
When the group find themselves without their facilitator (no spoilers), not wanting to disband, they decide to put on a show, inspired by the page of Shakespeare quotes they were given on joining the group.
Each of the cast has their own battles to fight, illness related and otherwise, and the connections they make with each other feel real and honest.
The parallels to Shakespeare and theatre are perfect for fans of the stage and the bard, but even if you’re not, you will still enjoy this heartwarming novel.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.
It is clear from the title and the opening scenes that this is a book about death... but it is also about life in many ways.
And it’s not just about Adam Campbell - there is a whole cast of characters behind the scenes.
Adam Campbell is no stranger to death, He lost both his parents at a young age. But receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis and facing his own mortality, he is referred to a support group for people living with cancer.
When the group find themselves without their facilitator (no spoilers), not wanting to disband, they decide to put on a show, inspired by the page of Shakespeare quotes they were given on joining the group.
Each of the cast has their own battles to fight, illness related and otherwise, and the connections they make with each other feel real and honest.
The parallels to Shakespeare and theatre are perfect for fans of the stage and the bard, but even if you’re not, you will still enjoy this heartwarming novel.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.
matt_gwynn's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
fictionalsarah's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful book about a group of cancer patients (who come from all backgrounds, and ages), who come together to put on a small play based on Shakespeare’s famous deaths. While the title only mentions Adam, I was happily surprised to discover a slew of other characters, all of whom are so well developed, that the book also focus on.
It doesn’t flinch away from the reality of cancer, and what dealing with a diagnosis like that must be like, while also having a nice level of humour and bittersweet moments. The whole subject matter can be hard to handle properly, and I think this author did a brilliant job of it.
Highly recommend.
It doesn’t flinch away from the reality of cancer, and what dealing with a diagnosis like that must be like, while also having a nice level of humour and bittersweet moments. The whole subject matter can be hard to handle properly, and I think this author did a brilliant job of it.
Highly recommend.
wern_vz's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Some people can spend good chunks of their lives ignoring death, letting the regrets pile up until they can no longer outrun them. But, just like with some of the characters in this book, the story turns your head and makes you look at it for a while... There is sadness there, of course, but also tenderness, and most of all, a gentle reminder to those who still have some time left, not to waste too much of it. What a sad and peaceful ending...
jemsmart's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookishlou's review against another edition
5.0
This book was an emotional roller coaster, I fell in love with all the characters. Through Adam you meet Tom, Raymond, Vernon, Pat, Erin and Laura. Each with their own journey with a terminal cancer.
A book that threatened to be heartbreaking, was uplifting and educational.
One of the best reads of the year.
A book that threatened to be heartbreaking, was uplifting and educational.
One of the best reads of the year.