A review by charleslev
The Epicure's Lament by Kate Christensen

funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

very good book you should read it

Hugo is a morally twisted man who, for the most part, wishes to stay to himself. However, due to situations out of his control, people from earlier in his life reenter it. During Hugo's time of solitude, he always longed for and achieved control of his chosen surrounding world. Without that power, only his health and mortality were up to him. That's why he decides to continue smoking despite his disease and ultimately concludes that his life is complete at the end of the book. Through planning and anticipation, Hugo brought the end of his life poetically. However, as proven repeatedly, the people around him took away his control. As Hugo wakes up in a hospital bed, his euphoric moment is cut short by immense dissatisfaction. The reader and Hugo both are deprived of seemingly the perfect ending to Hugo's life, leaving the reader more connected to the character than ever thought possible.