The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood

[chesilbeach]

Title: The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud

Author: Ben Sherwood

Publisher:

Rating: 4/5

 

Synopsis (from waterstones.com):

As a boy, Charlie St Cloud narrowly survived a car crash that killed Sam, his little brother. Years later, still unable to recover from his loss, Charlie has taken a job tending to the lawns and monuments in the New England cemetery where Sam is buried. When he meets Tess Carroll, a captivating, adventurous woman in training for a solo sailing trip around the globe, they discover a beautiful and uncommon connection that, after a violent storm at sea, eventually forces them to choose between death and life, past and present, holding on and letting go.

 

Review:

I read this book in 2005 when it first came out, but as it's one of my reading groups books for next month, I thought I'd re-read it to see if it was a enjoyable as I remembered. Thankfully, it was. Great characters, evocative descriptions and a wonderful feel good read, without being overly sentimental or mawkish.

 

I really loved it, but I still preferred Sherwood's first novel, The Man Who Ate The 747, but I still wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. I'm eagerly looking forward to the authors next book, which I believe is due out next year.

Edited February 2, 2011 by chesilbeach

[Weave]

Great review Chesil, I enjoyed it too, I am glad to hear you enjoy 'The Man Who Ate The 747; too, I have had it on my shelf for a long time, thanks for reminding me

[SueB]

I bought this book a few weeks back its on my next to read pile

[smilerbabeuk]

I thought this was one of the most beautiful books I've read. It's such an uplifting story, so full of hope and the power of the good things in life. Absolutely fabulous.