Book Review: A Most Excellent Midlife Crisis (Good to the Last Death…)
When I first spotted "A Most Excellent Midlife Crisis (Good to the Last Death…)" by Jessica Anastasopoulos on the shelf, I can’t deny it was the quirky title that instantly caught my eye. A midlife crisis intertwined with death counseling? My curiosity was piqued! And it didn’t take long for me to find myself diving headfirst into this wonderfully irreverent exploration of life, death, and everything in between.
The protagonist, Daisy, is genuinely a breath of fresh air. Learning she’s a Death Counselor—a quirky title for someone helping the dearly departed tie up loose ends—Daisy’s world quickly unravels into the extraordinary. One moment, she’s responding to a soul’s need for a beautifully crafted last letter to a beloved, and the next, her living room is overflowing with unfinished business of an entirely different kind. It’s hilarious yet poignant, creating a delightful dichotomy that had me chuckling and pondering all at once.
Anastasopoulos captures the essence of midlife struggles with humor that is both rude and ridiculously relatable. Daisy’s journey is laden with revelations—from discovering her father is actually Michael the Archangel (a nod to John Travolta’s iconic role) to grappling with her powers and dealing with an existentially absent boyfriend—the Grim Reaper himself! This concoction of relatable human experiences (wine-fueled chats with friends, bursts of laughter, and unexpected revelations) and supernatural elements paints a vivid landscape that dances between the absurd and the heartfelt.
The writing style is engaging and brisk, with a delightful rhythm that sweeps you along. Anastasopoulos balances humor with deeper themes of connection and growth, making it tough to put this book down. Each chapter left me eager for the next revelation or laugh. The narrative flows seamlessly, and the characters, especially Daisy, are memorable, vibrant, and terribly inviting.
One of my favorite moments came when Daisy—amidst a particularly chaotic scene—quips about the absurdity of life, saying, “If only death came with an instruction manual.” It resonated so deeply, encapsulating the essence of navigating life’s uncharted waters. It had me nodding in agreement, thinking, “Yes, wouldn’t that be lovely?”
This book offers not just a humorous take on a midlife crisis but also a heartwarming look at friendship and support. Whether you’re deep in your own midlife reflections or simply searching for an entertaining read that has the potential to make you laugh out loud, Anastasopoulos’ novel delivers it all.
In conclusion, "A Most Excellent Midlife Crisis" isn’t only for those grappling with life’s big questions; it’s for anyone who has ever pondered what “unresolved” means in the grand scheme of life. It’s a unique blend of humor and poignancy that had a noticeable impact on me, reminding me of the beauty in both life’s absurdities and connections. Grab a glass of wine, settle in, and prepare for a journey that offers both laughs and life lessons—you won’t regret it!
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