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A review by herheadinherbook
So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
3.5
It’s the worst day of Lewis Madigan’s life - he loses his job and comes home to find his boyfriend is moving to California without him, taking their savings with him. If that isn’t enough, his hate filled, homophobic neighbour Chester Wheeler heckles him about it.
With no way to make his rent, he finds himself agreeing to be Chester’s care. It’s a last resort for both of them. Chester had driven every other carer away and Lewis needs that money. After all, Chester is terminally ill so Lewis can grit his teeth and get through it. But what about when Chester declares his dying wish is for Lewis to drive him 1000 miles across America to see his ex wife?
I find this a hard book to review. It was very readable and I sank into the story right away. Lewis is a great character, I really warmed to him and loved his character development. I think the problem was Chester himself. Like all his previous carers, I found him in insufferable. The homophobia was particularly difficult to read and his character development was a bit underwhelming. There were these beautiful, poignant between the two men but they were few and far between. It ended well and I was sorry to say goodbye to Lewis but yes, so long Chester Wheeler! I have rated this three stars because though it was a quick, page turning read, it wasn’t the emotive, uplifting book I hoped for.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
With no way to make his rent, he finds himself agreeing to be Chester’s care. It’s a last resort for both of them. Chester had driven every other carer away and Lewis needs that money. After all, Chester is terminally ill so Lewis can grit his teeth and get through it. But what about when Chester declares his dying wish is for Lewis to drive him 1000 miles across America to see his ex wife?
I find this a hard book to review. It was very readable and I sank into the story right away. Lewis is a great character, I really warmed to him and loved his character development. I think the problem was Chester himself. Like all his previous carers, I found him in insufferable. The homophobia was particularly difficult to read and his character development was a bit underwhelming. There were these beautiful, poignant between the two men but they were few and far between. It ended well and I was sorry to say goodbye to Lewis but yes, so long Chester Wheeler! I have rated this three stars because though it was a quick, page turning read, it wasn’t the emotive, uplifting book I hoped for.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Death