You’re in an interview and your thoughts are louder than the interviewer’s words, you then realise he’s asked you a question and is awaiting an answer, what exactly did he say? It feels too rude to ask him to repeat as it’ll make it clear you weren’t paying attention, a simple ‘yes’ seems a safe reply.
In that moment, Andrew has committed himself to a lie, his new colleagues think he’s happily married with two kids. The truth is anything but. And yet, it’s difficult to retract what he said, so this imaginary life continues to unfold in front of his team.
The sympathy I had for Andrew was instant. He’s got a heart of gold and is anything but a con artist, he’s just a man that’s got himself stuck in a web of lies. The more I found out about him, the more my heart melted.
A new colleague shakes up the story and it’s clear that Peggy is going to have a big impact on Andrew’s life. As their friendship blossoms and Andrew experiences happiness, the guilt rises within. Can he tell her the truth?
And what is the truth? I thought I knew what it was but it turned out I was wrong, when Andrew finally opened up I was shocked. Roper had kept the truth cleverly wrapped up in his plot – he really added an extra layer of complexity to this story, that made me even more emotionally attached to it.
Whilst this is a story that continually highlights and allows you to reflect on loneliness, sadness and broken relationships, it is remarkably uplifting and continued to show that hope can be found even in the darkest of times.
Andrew’s job only highlighted those three aspects more, but I LOVED reading about his day to day work. It was fascinating to understand the lengths the council go to in those particular circumstances, I was also blown away by his dedication to his work, he continued to go the extra mile and I love to think of all those amazing people out there, that are like him.
When I first picked up this book, I thought it was about something completely different so I enjoyed the revelations I had, as I made short work of the chapters! There’s something very special about this book, Roper has managed to delicately weave in so many home truths that we must all at times have felt, letting the reader create a bond with Andrew that they might never have felt in real life with someone of similar characteristics. It’s a book to make you think, to remember what is most important and push you to do things outside of your comfort zone… because the rewards are often truly spectacular.
Something To Live For is out now in Hardback and eBook from Orion
Until next time, Chloé x
Reviews by Chloé 