The Leftovers

The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was a great book that explored how we deal with loved ones leaving our lives. The fact that so many left at the same time without explanation just allowed the responses to be more universal. Some turn to God for explanations, some try to carry on as though nothing happened, some become stoic, others turn to pleasure, some romanticize the people who left, some vilify them, some feel guilty, some feel angry. What I love is that this book points out that whether it was an Event that took our loved ones (like a national tragedy) or whether someone leaves us through divorce, depression, or even to start a new phase in life, the effects can be the same...just as inexplicable, just as hurtful. It sounds like a heavy, depressing novel, but Perrotta leavens it just enough to keep it hopeful. The ending reminds us that though there may be endings, there are beginnings too.
BTW, I did watch the first episode of The Leftovers TV adaption and felt it was darker, angrier, and more depressing than the book. Lots more swearing, too. I would recommend the book, not the show.

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