Fanciful and far-fetched, Mitch Albom’s bestseller novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven (Little, Brown, 2003, London, 209 pages), reaches into the clouds to please its readers.
A successful sports columnist for the Detroit Free Press, Albom has authored a stack of books, including the popular Tuesdays with Morrie and the recent For One More Day. Deftly, he packs powerful emotions into his simple plots.
In an unusual, but successful approach, The Five People You Meet in Heaven begins with a fatal workplace accident and follows the deceased, namely Eddie, a long-time maintenance man at the Ruby Pier amusement park, into life after death.
Albom suggests that arriving in heaven means gaining the answers at long last to the most puzzling questions left from one’s life. Five key people -- family, friends or strangers -- wait to speak to each newcomer. Deliberately or unwittingly, they previously shaped the earthly experiences of the one they must meet. Ideally, the ensuing explanations create enlightenment, forgiveness and peace of mind.
Eddie died on his 83rd birthday while trying to save a child. Like most folks, he had coped with a lifetime full of problems. His troubles took root in wartime experiences and in a strained relationship with his father.
By telling a pleasant story that’s intriguing and satisfying, Albom creates a “heavenly” experience on the printed page. For readers capable of stretching their imaginations far enough, The Five People You Meet in Heaven floats above most rival titles.
Approval rating: 74 per cent.
For more information: www.twbg.co.uk or www.albomfivepeople.com/.
(November 7, 2006)
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