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A review by bianca89279
The Temptation to Be Happy by Shaun Whiteside, Lorenzo Marone
4.0
The Temptation to Be Happy should be called In Search of Happiness.
Seventy-seven year old, Cesare, is a widower, who lives by himself in an apartment filled with memories. He's quite the character, as he's outspoken and set in his ways. He's always been selfish, and he's well aware of it. He's also unable to tell his two kids, Sveva and Dante, that he loves them just the way they are, because he's old school and doesn't do touchy-feely.
Cesare has always been a womanizer. He reminisces about his long lost loves, and the failing to be a good husband. As it's the case for all human beings (unless one is a sociopath), the old man has lots of regrets: for staying in a job he hated, for staying in a marriage after he'd stopped loving his wife, for not having gone after what, better said who he wanted.
The novel is filled with witty observations and self-deprecation. It's somewhat short on plot, but that shouldn't put you off. I like a book with an unlikeable character. Cesare is not the worst, but he's no angel either. He's determined to make the most of what's left of his life. And in order to enjoy life, one has to appreciate the small pleasures.
There seem to be a plethora of grumpy old men novels out there. I have no problem with that. I wouldn't mind reading some books with grumpy older or middle aged women. I enjoyed this novel a great deal, although not quite as much as A Man Called Ove .
Many thanks to OneWorld Publications for the ARC.
Seventy-seven year old, Cesare, is a widower, who lives by himself in an apartment filled with memories. He's quite the character, as he's outspoken and set in his ways. He's always been selfish, and he's well aware of it. He's also unable to tell his two kids, Sveva and Dante, that he loves them just the way they are, because he's old school and doesn't do touchy-feely.
Cesare has always been a womanizer. He reminisces about his long lost loves, and the failing to be a good husband. As it's the case for all human beings (unless one is a sociopath), the old man has lots of regrets: for staying in a job he hated, for staying in a marriage after he'd stopped loving his wife, for not having gone after what, better said who he wanted.
The novel is filled with witty observations and self-deprecation. It's somewhat short on plot, but that shouldn't put you off. I like a book with an unlikeable character. Cesare is not the worst, but he's no angel either. He's determined to make the most of what's left of his life. And in order to enjoy life, one has to appreciate the small pleasures.
There seem to be a plethora of grumpy old men novels out there. I have no problem with that. I wouldn't mind reading some books with grumpy older or middle aged women. I enjoyed this novel a great deal, although not quite as much as A Man Called Ove .
Many thanks to OneWorld Publications for the ARC.