Has anyone read So Much For That by Lionel Shriver?

[Mandy2003]

Can you give me a quick synopsis without any spoilers? Just saw it mentioned on the thread about Panorama, yesterday's documentary Poor America.

I heard it serialized on Radio 4 - gripping stuff. From what I remember the narrator's friend is diagnosed with cancer and it is about the implications for her and those close to her of treatment by the health providers in the US.

Shep Knacker is about to leave the daily grind for a life on a remote island off the coast of Tanzania, when his wife is diagnosed with cancer and needs his health insurance. Shriver looks at health care providers in the US and the cost of this care, asking the question: how much is one life worth?
I really enjoyed it.

It was good, I enjoyed it

I do find that Lionel uses a hundred words when 20 would do though.

Good end to it.

i really liked it. She does have a knack for creating really unlikeable yet credible characters.

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Synopsis: the only people that benefit from the private health insurance system in the States are the insurers.

I think the book was originally an indightment (sp?) of the american health system - the running total of dh's bank balance at the start of every chapter are shocking - but that would not be enough to make an engaging book. Shriver bravely writes about a not-very-likeable cancer patient (no, does not have a heart of gold) and a husband and carer who is sometimes resentful. I think this is a rare book, but not much fun to read and bluesky is very right about the prose style, not something i had a problem with in '..kevin'. Still, she had a point and she made it, without being preachy - worth a look