ARC Review: Horace Winter Says Goodbye by Conor Bowman

Release Date: April 6, 2017
Publisher: Hachette Books Ireland
Format: Kindle
Pages: 320 pages
Genre: Fiction
Buy: Paperback | Kindle

Synopsis:

Horace Winter has led an unexceptional life. Ever since that long-ago day, when the Very Bad Thing happened, he prefers to spend time with his butterfly and moth book instead of with other human beings - an interest was passed on to him by his father.

But shortly after his retirement from his job as an assistant bank manager, Horace receives some devastating news and is forced to confront the life he has led (or hasn't led). As he does, he meets Amanda. And Max. He gets a man jailed (sort of) and rescues the man's son (sort of). He discovers a letter his father never posted, and sets off on a quest that changes everything.

As Horace begins to let life in, he starts to experience a world which had almost entirely passed him by. Will he discover the man he was meant to be before it's too late?

Review:

I had a rough time reading this book, I'm not sure why, it just was difficult to hold my interest while reading it.  I was sad that Horace Winter's life was so boring and status quo and just when he can finally do anything he wants he gets devastating health news.  What is even worse is that there are so many people just like Horace out there in the world right now living in a little bubble fearing to live life outside of their comfort zones.

Horace compares everyone he meets to a butterfly or a moth, which became a bit distracting however the story of Horaces life and how he finally breaks free of his daily routine and finally spreads his wings is inspiring if not bitter sweet since Horace doesn't have long to appreciate it.  The message in the book is to not let anything hold you back, take chances and things are not always the way you see them.

What Horace accomplishes when he finally leaves his status quo position at the bank is a good lesson for us all to learn.  Don't get complacent, always seek to learn, take a chance now and then, break free of your comfort zone and don't be afraid to enjoy life. Travel, try a new food, help someone in need.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.