Forgive me, Leonard Peacock
Matthew Quick
Little Brown: New York, August 2013.ISBN: 978-0316221337
ARC reviewed, provided by publisher
Leonard
Peacock has resolved to do something on his birthday: say goodbye to
the four people who have influenced his life, and then kill his former
best friend and himself. Though he begins the novel as ultimately
unlikable, in visiting his four connections, Leonards own story is
revealed in fits and spurts. Though he is justifiably disturbed and his
thoughts are often upsetting, he humanizes himself despite his best
efforts to alienate the readers. Not the cheeriest or most uplifting of
premises, this is both a book worth picking up and sticking with.
Despite the bleak outlook, Matthew Quick turns out what is ultimately a
hopeful novel that demonstrates the importance of the human connection.
For the right person at the right time, this book could be a very
powerful tool. It is recommended for older teens 16 and up, and adults.
