The Long Way Down

Funny, fast-paced, and filled with dark humor - the new Nick Hornby. Four people on the roof of a London high-rise, each planning to take their own life on New Year's Eve, make a pact: their new joint suicide date is Valentine's Day. They have six weeks to survive together.

On New Year's Eve, on the roof of a high-rise: it's unfortunate that four people have come up with the same idea. Since it's hard to commit suicide with others watching, the strange group first descends from the roof to help the latest candidate, who doesn't understand why her boyfriend left her. Gradually, they share their stories.

There's the spinster Maureen, whose son Matty is severely disabled and whom she must care for alone; Martin, the famous talk show host, who is no longer wanted on screen after a prison stint; Jess, the rebellious daughter of a politician, who is so blunt that she shocks everyone; and JJ, who was abandoned by his best friend, the singer of his band.

The four agree to wait until Valentine's Day for their final leap, and thus a group of people who couldn't be more different come together, yet somehow manage to help each other in remarkable ways. Hornby at his best in this hilarious, fast-paced novel laced with dark humor proves once again his mastery. Readers, rejoice!.