I bought this book a few years ago but like many books in my extensive library, it was on my short list of books to read next. Of course, the title drew me in; was this written by an egotistical ass? I was sure I would find out after reading just a few pages.
The book, for me, was a combination of words written by a comedian, a bore (I can give you the page numbers), a brilliant author, a bereaved and sad human being just trying to survive in extenuating life circumstances that not a lot of people would be able to tolerate. Bravo for him (based on Dave Eggers’ true life story) taking on the responsibility of caring for a younger brother (13 years younger) when, in a short time, they lost both parents. Moving to CA only seemed to add to the unstable life situation but it was also the place they needed to be. An older sister was going to college there so there was some family. The oldest brother was not so much in the picture.
I would have a hard time rating this novel since there were some sections that went on too long and bored me so much I was close to giving up. But I didn’t, I kept reading. And I, in the end, felt a strong admiration for a man who took on the responsibility at age 21 of caring for a younger brother of 8 years old, right when his own life would have begun. This is a good man.
I rate “A Heartbreaking Work…” 3.5 out of 5 stars.