Scan barcode
A review by marthaos
Exit by Belinda Bauer
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
This was a surprisingly good read, a sort of blend of cosy mystery and crime procedural, funny and sad all at the same time. It reminded me a lot of “A man called Ove”, which I loved, and the writing here was as funny and easy to read and the story cleverly plotted.
The main storyline follows Felix (known as John in his role as an ‘Exiteer’) Exiteers are those who attend / help those who are dying in their last moments, a form of assisted suicide. Felix is a very lovable old man, like Ove, but less grumpy. Being an ‘exiteer’ is by far the most colourful part of his otherwise very dull life. He considers himself quite good in this new role until one job goes horribly wrong. From there things spiral completely out of control.
In a series of misadventures, Felix becomes embroiled in a much messier situation than he would have ever imagined. A large cast of characters, each with their own back story, play out the almost comical denouement of this mystery.
While the plot is far-fetched and there are too many crazy coincidences, especially towards the end, I loved the way the story unfolded, seeing the way the characters were connected to the central action and the neat way it was finally wrapped up. The characters were well developed, if a little cartoonish at times, and the dialogue was pitch perfect.
Overall there was real warmth and heart in this novel, and I really enjoyed it.
The main storyline follows Felix (known as John in his role as an ‘Exiteer’) Exiteers are those who attend / help those who are dying in their last moments, a form of assisted suicide. Felix is a very lovable old man, like Ove, but less grumpy. Being an ‘exiteer’ is by far the most colourful part of his otherwise very dull life. He considers himself quite good in this new role until one job goes horribly wrong. From there things spiral completely out of control.
In a series of misadventures, Felix becomes embroiled in a much messier situation than he would have ever imagined. A large cast of characters, each with their own back story, play out the almost comical denouement of this mystery.
While the plot is far-fetched and there are too many crazy coincidences, especially towards the end, I loved the way the story unfolded, seeing the way the characters were connected to the central action and the neat way it was finally wrapped up. The characters were well developed, if a little cartoonish at times, and the dialogue was pitch perfect.
Overall there was real warmth and heart in this novel, and I really enjoyed it.