From the Orange Prize-winning author of We Need to Talk About Kevin comes the most entertaining novel about illness and death one's ever likely to read and asks the uncomfortable fiscal question: how much is one life worth?

Shepherd Knacker has been saving all his working life for a one way ticket away from the daily grind. When he sells his handyman business for $1million, 'The Afterlife' seems tantalisingly within reach. Yet his wife has concocted one reason after another why now isn't the time to go. Determined to take the plunge, Shep announces that he is leaving for an island off the coast of Tanzania: with or without her. However, Glynis has an announcement of her own - she needs his health insurance.

About the Author

LIONEL SHRIVER's novels include the National Book Award finalist So Much for That, the New York Times bestseller The Post-Birthday World, the international bestseller We Need to Talk About Kevin and the Sunday Times bestseller Big Brother. Her journalism has appeared in the Guardian and the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and many other publications. She lives in London and Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

'Wide-ranging, sometimes zany and unpredictable, this is a compelling read. And however many twists Shriver shoves in, you always believe her'
The Times

'Many people will like Lionel Shriver's ninth novel - admirers of gripping and clever contemporary fiction, discerning critics and, if there is any justice, literary prize committees'
Guardian

'Shriver proves she is not afraid of anything...'
Observer

'It's a wonder that subject matter on the surface so bleak can be transformed into something so uplifting'
Daily Telegraph

'Yes, a brilliantly funny cancer book! You can rely on Lionel Shriver to upend your expectations'
Daily Express

'Required reading for all mortals'
Daily Mail

'...witty, observant and beautifully controlled. British readers will close this excellent novel feeling grateful for the NHS'
Literary Review

'...a visceral and deeply affecting story, a story about how illness affects people's relationships, and how their efforts to grapple with mortality reshape the arcs of their lives'
Michiko Kakutani, New York Times

Book Information
ISBN 9780007578061
Author Lionel Shriver
Format Paperback
Page Count 544
Imprint The Borough Press
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 380g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 35mm