The state of American health care (or lack thereof) is an ongoing hot topic. But in the engrossing and, at times, brutal new novel So Much For That, by Lionel Shriver, it is through one couple’s struggle with illness, expectations and their marriage that this issue is brought into uncomfortably sharp focus.
Shep has been working his entire adult life in pursuit of a retirement dream in which he moves to the Third World to live comfortably on his life’s savings. But just when he should be cashing in and dropping out, his wife, Glynis, is diagnosed with an illness that forces Shep to stay, unhappily, at his job for the health insurance. But the policy can only cover so much, and Shep’s precious nest egg—and his dream—starts to disappear, along with his wife’s good health. This is dark territory, but Shriver handles it deftly and with humor. It is a book that will break your heart, make you think and, ultimately, surprise you.
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So Much for That
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