Book Club Pages

Book Club by Lynne Smith

The book we read this month was Exit by Belinda Bauer

In Bauer's darkly comic thriller, an elderly widower discovers no good deed goes unpunished when his act of charity goes horribly wrong. As a member of the Exiteers, an anonymous, secret group in Devon that supports the right to die, 75year-old widower Felix Pink witnesses the suicides of terminally ill patients. Afterward he disposes of the evidence to ensure that the deaths appear natural. But on an outing with new partner Amanda, a normally smooth operation quickly turns disastrous when the duo accidentally helps the wrong patient to die. Was it an accident or a setup for murder? After urging Amanda to leave so he can take the blame, Felix awaits the police before remembering his dog at home. "But he couldn't be arrested. Not yet. Not until he had made sure Mabel would be alright." The septuagenarian flees over a garden fence just as PC Calvin Bridge and his partner arrive to investigate. The unambitious Calvin is happy to be back in uniform after a brief stint as a plainclothes detective, despite DCI Kirsty King’s belief in his investigative talent. But this odd case forces him to leave his comfort zone. Bauer’s lively and amusing comedy-of-errors narrative alternates between Felix's and Calvin’s perspectives as both men seek answers. In the process, the endearing, gentlemanly Felix, who has stocked his own

nitrous oxide cylinders for the day he joins his wife and son in the cemetery, gains a new interest in life, and Calvin, long ashamed of his family’s criminal history, develops confidence in his abilities. A supporting cast of well-drawn, oddball characters adds interest. Right up until the end the theme of the story stayed true when Skipper sailed away in an unseaworthy boat that Felix had had cheaply refurbished, in order to fulfil his wish of dying at sea! i Four of us met on 7th December to discuss the book in person (delicious mince pies!!) and other members sent in their comments for discussion too.

Felix was particularly popular with readers who found him ‘a hoot’ and ‘loved him’ with his endearing ways. All thought that the characters were well described and life like and there was a good story line. What could have been a depressing story was full of comedy moments and interest, with a plot that was clever and believable.

‘Brilliant, enjoyable and funny’ were words used to describe this book which was completely different, an unusual story, with a gentle crime thriller pace.

However, as you can imagine the more serious side of euthanasia was discussed also. Is there a place for it in modern society? Should individuals be allowed to choose? Should someone else be allowed to choose if the person is incapacitated? Religious implications of ‘taking a life’. If you purposefully take your life it is suicide so policies won’t pay out!!! It was interesting and lively discussion on a topical subject and it was agreed that what could have been a dark subject was a light read.

This book was positively received by the group with scores from 7-9 and an average score of 8/10.

Next book for discussion on January 4th is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.