How Not to Die Alone
How Not to Die Alone
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Brief
Beta321
Novel • Fiction
•
Romance•
British LiteraturePresent-day London, England.
2019
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Hardcover • 2019
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Andrew, a lonely council worker, searches the homes of people who died alone for next of kin. His coworkers believe he has a wife and two children, but the family began as an accidental lie and Andrew actually lives alone. When new colleague Peggy arrives, their growing friendship makes him feel alive again—yet telling her the truth could jeopardize their connection and the safe life he has built.
Emotional
Humorous
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
24,064 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviewers largely praise Roper’s compassionate, darkly comic treatment of grief and loneliness, along with crisp dialogue, strong characterization, and an appealing balance of heartbreak and hope. Andrew often inspires sympathy, while Peggy’s warmth enlivens the story. Criticism is comparatively modest but varied: some find the outcome predictable, the opening chapter overly eager for laughs, and the premise too reminiscent of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. One dissenting reviewer also considers Andrew selfish and deeply unlikable, while graphic descriptions of neglected homes may repel sensitive readers.
Who Should Read How Not to Die Alone?
This novel will suit readers who enjoy darkly funny, heartfelt stories about loneliness, grief, hope, and human connection. It is especially appealing if you like rooting for a kind, introspective loner as he begins moving beyond a safe but limiting comfort zone. Readers seeking poignant fiction that encourages reflection on relationships and personal choices should also connect with it. Be aware that Andrew’s unusual work creates a grim backdrop, including potentially disturbing descriptions of homes inspected after their occupants’ deaths.
24,064 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Andrew’s newest colleague, whose warmth and companionship offer him the possibility of forming a genuine friendship beyond his isolated routine.
Andrew’s enthusiastic, awkward boss in the council’s small Death Administrations department, where he promotes team-building among his employees.
Andrew’s geographically distant sister and only relative; their relationship is strained, with contact characterized by stiff, infrequent telephone conversations.
One of Andrew’s unpleasant, unhelpful office colleagues in Death Administrations, forming a slacking pair with fellow employee Meredith.
One of Andrew’s unpleasant, unhelpful office colleagues in Death Administrations, forming a slacking pair with fellow employee Keith.
The lawyer Andrew identifies as his wife within the fictional family life he has accidentally constructed for his coworkers.
One of the two children belonging to the fictional family Andrew describes to preserve a conventional image among his coworkers.
321
Novel • Fiction
•
Romance•
British LiteraturePresent-day London, England.
2019
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Hardcover • 2019
Adult
16+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!