THE PENULTIMATE CHANCE SALOON

The multitalented Simon Brett often reads his own works—with delightful results. Here he gets into the psyche of Bill, a minor TV personality whose wife of 40 years abandons him for another man because she has always known he is "shallow." Bill reacts by diving into hormonal overdrive, punctuated by periods of depression. Brett excels at portraying Bill's transition from faithful husband to randy divorcé to woman-hating barfly and, ultimately, to happiness. His ex-wife later succumbs to lung cancer, and if a description of a funeral can be hilarious, Bill's is. Brett is no less successful playing the various women in Bill's life—his ex-wife's best friend, in particular. This is a mature coming-of-age novel, wickedly read. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]