Official Review: The Last Resort by Maureen Holtz

[Tanaya]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Last Resort" by Maureen Holtz.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Last Resort is a novel by Maureen Holtz. The story begins on December 15, 2020. Livvy and Simon Harper live in Sangamon, Illinois and have two teenagers. Besides managing the problems in their own household, they also have to deal with the deteriorating health of their elderly parents. Livvy’s father is obsessed with the topic of assisted suicide, whereas Livvy believes euthanasia is against God’s plan. In Mkanda, Africa, President Adebayo and his brother-in-law Kwesi are trying to figure out how to save the country’s economy. They can’t count on other countries for help and don’t yet have anything valuable to offer. Seemingly by fate, they are struck with the idea to build a resort where the sick and elderly can come to end their lives. They hire a money manager, gain investors, and bring their vision to life, despite the naysayers.

The chapters alternate between Illinois and Mkanda. Each chapter heading clearly indicates the location and month. These two main storylines move in perfect sync with one another at a gradual pace. Though told separately, the storylines are strongly connected, and the reader knows that they will eventually merge into one. Coming to that inevitable ending is an incredibly thought-provoking journey.

There are some tiny errors throughout the book. This included the absence of quotation marks in a few instances, causing confusion as to where dialogue actually ended. There were also some missing words that my mind naturally filled in for the sentence to make sense.

There is plenty of tension between Livvy and her husband as well as Livvy and her father. Neither pair sees eye to eye all the time. Livvy’s father is very strong in his stance to be let go instead of plugged into a machine: “And the state uses death cocktails to execute prisoners all the time. So what’s the difference? I’m a prisoner in my own body. Shouldn’t I be guaranteed at least the same rights as a criminal?” The tension between family members is offset by their unwavering love for one another in a very believable, down-to-earth manner. The characters are slightly overshadowed by the big themes of the novel, but that’s not necessarily bad. They still have their own distinguishable personalities and problems that go beyond the big debate at the center of the plot. They have financial struggles and learn to cope when everything seems to go wrong all at the same time.

Besides the Harpers and the titular resort, the book makes political commentary in other forms: In America, MediHelp leads people to drastic measures because of the fickle coverage for elderly persons. The portrayal of the business side of euthanasia shows the lengths corporations will go to for profit, such as creating distasteful albeit convincing advertisements. The topic of euthanasia is presented as much more complicated than a case of right vs. wrong. Everyone has clear and understandable motives.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The story tackles a huge, moral dilemma from philosophical, political, religious, and ultimately personal perspectives. It’s a compelling tale that ticks all the right boxes. In case it hasn’t yet been made clear, this book is mostly about death. Simon’s father dies and then the family dog is struck by a pickup truck all in the first chapter. So if that would be too much for you to handle, then this isn’t the book for you. However, if you are intrigued by the idea of euthanasia and would like to see it thoroughly explored from various viewpoints, then you should give this book a try.

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The Last Resort
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Like Tanaya's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Kappy]

Great review, Tanaya! I love books with thought-provoking themes.

[Tanaya]

Agreed, and thanks!

[gali]

Great review indeed, though I don't know if the book is for me.

[Maureen2015Holtz]

Thanks for the nice review and the followup comments from others. While the subject may not appeal to some, it's an issue that is striking in the news more and more often. Look at Brittany Maynard, the poor young woman who ended her life last year. Look at California recently passing assisted-suicide legislation. None of us will escape death. It's a question of control or lack of it. I hope readers feel it points out the pros and cons on both sides.

[Tanaya]

Great review indeed, though I don't know if the book is for me.

Thanks!

Thanks for the nice review and the followup comments from others. While the subject may not appeal to some, it's an issue that is striking in the news more and more often. Look at Brittany Maynard, the poor young woman who ended her life last year. Look at California recently passing assisted-suicide legislation. None of us will escape death. It's a question of control or lack of it. I hope readers feel it points out the pros and cons on both sides.

I thought it was a very comprehensive take on the subject, and it certainly raised my level of awareness. It's easy to think "Yeah, I'm pro-euthanasia" or "No, that's just wrong" but the logistics present a whole slew of questions that are important to consider and that are equally complicated to answer. I learned a lot.

[bookowlie]

I enjoyed reading your review. The subject matter is not something I want to read about, but the book still looks very good.

[Tanaya]

Thanks! It's definitely not light reading, but it handles the topic exceptionally well.

[Maureen2015Holtz]

Having lived through the deaths of 6 elderly family members, some of whom lingered for a long time, it's something we may all face, unfortunately.

[bluemel4]

Fantastic review. This book seems like a fascinating read and would be great for book clubs.

[Tanaya]

That's a great idea. There is plenty for discussion.

[bluemel4]

I tried to nominate it, but not enough people have added it to their to-read list.

[Tanaya]

Ah, maybe some day. But thanks!