The End of the Alphabet by CS Richardson
Release date: 2008 / 119 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): Ambrose Zephyr is a contented man. He shares a book laden Victorian house with his loving wife, Zipper. He owns two suits, one of which he was married in. He is a courageous eater, save brussels sprouts. His knowledge of wine is best defined as Napa, good; Australian, better; French, better still… Zipper simply describes Ambrose as the only man she has ever loved. Without adjustment…”
First line: “This story is unlikely.”
Review: So, did anyone get lucky last week with either site? I wondered… Well, I’m back and ready to give away more free books! The next two weeks will be nonfiction, by the way… But this week’s giveaway is a sweet, sad little romance that I mostly recommend…
My mother gave it to me for my birthday and I remembered that I had seen it on a recent Monday list. It won the Commonwealth Prize for Best First Book and if I had not already known this fact, I would not have guessed that it was a first book — a good sign!
The premise is very sad: a man finds out that he has about a month left to live and decides to travel to a different city, with his wife, in order of the alphabet. So, they start with Amsterdam, procede to Berlin, and I imagine you get the idea…
While travelling, we are privvy to both individuals’ thoughts — we learn why Ambrose Zephyr fell in love with the alphabet and why Zappora Ashkenazi fell in love with Ambrose. While tragic on many levels, their insights on travel and on their lives keeps this little book from becoming maudlin. And little it is, by the way! Most pages have a LOT of white space and the book itself is tiny. Which is actually a great benefit — the length is perfect for the scope of the subject matter and does not require a great commitment of time.
Now, I have the rare treat of including my husband’s opinion, too. (He just loves it when I write about him…). 
He was impatiently waiting for a library book, so I suggested he read this (I had not read it myself yet). Honestly, given the subject matter, I didn’t expect him to give it a try, but I think the size was so appealing he agreed. I read it immediately after he finished, without first hearing his review, and then we discussed it on our way to the cabin.
His opinion: “O.k.” 
In some ways, I agree with my taciturn husband. It doesn’t quite live up to its promise — the premise is interesting and could’ve become a full-length novel with depth and complexity. On the other hand, it could have also easily become a preachy, schlocky inspirational read (ala “The Notebook” or anything else by Sparks), but it doesn’t. It simply remains a nice, sweet, short read… and made me appreciate the moments of my life a bit more, without feeling like I should.
So, if you’re interested — simply leave me a comment and I will choose a winner soon!
I’d love to be entered in the drawing! This one sounds interesting, and I like short novels.
You know I’m always up for something new to read! The premise is really interesting.
Please throw my name into the hat – I’d love to read this. Thank you for the chance!
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com
Anna, Karina, and Gwendolyn — You’re all in the running!!
Hi Kristen,
Sounds ‘schlocky’ (your term) but also like a fun and short read for over the hectic holidays. Count me in for a free giveaway!
And the winner is…. Sandra! Stayed tuned for next week’s free give-away… It is really good