Review: A Long Long Way Down By: Nick Hornby

A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Topper House is the highest place in London and popular for one thing, suicide - jumpers, that is. It is on New Years Eve that four people collide with the same idea, finding themselves on the roof, with the same idea, and now find themselves forever linked in each other's lives.
Martin, used to have a wife a successful career, a relationship with his two little girls; he has also slept with a fifteen year old, gone to prison, and knows that this is the punishment that he deserves.
Maureen, has no husband, never did, but has a full handicap son which has given her no life, taking hers would make no difference in the world.
Jess, is mercurial, having a missing sister, a famous political father, an ex who won't explain just what happened, well, maybe all this comes and goes but the feeling is rather passionate and necessary just to stop going on.
JJ, had a band, had a girl, had the possibilities and then it ended, everyone moved on but him and the depression has gripped him and labeled him as a waste and loser.
Mr. Hornby writes with humor and honesty about these characters, making them very real, vulnerable. I think that this was his finest and best work that I have ever read! Switching the point of view between characters, allowing the reader to gain more insight into each one and way others seem outside of themselves - brilliant!
Perfect to read on your own, to read with a group (imagine the discussions to had with one!!!), I am sure that you will want to share this one.

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