Something to Live For

All Andrew wants is to be normal. He has the perfect wife and 2.4 children waiting at home for him after a long day. At least, that's what he's told people.

The truth is, his life isn't exactly as people think and his little white lie is about to catch up with him.

Because in all Andrew's efforts to fit in, he's forgotten one important thing: how to really live. And maybe, it's about time for him to start.

Andrew works for the council, helping to organise "paupers' funerals" for people who die without friends or family. Their sad stories are inserted throughout the text, coming to life in a few short pages. Predominantly older and male, these are people who have, for whatever reason, dropped out of society. Particularly sad is the story of Alan and Beryl, a couple in love separated by depression.

The charming, touching story about a lonely man in his 40s (with a penchant for the music of Ella Fitzgerald) is firmly in the up-lit category of commercial fiction and a good choice for an easy beach read this summer.

Submitted by Pete