Waiting On Wednesday (40) So Much For That by Lionel Shriver

Gayle of Everyday I Write the Book blog alerted me to the fact that Lionel Shriver has a new novel coming out next March, and having really enjoyed WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN and THE POST BIRTHDAY WORLD, I am really excited about this one - and with its focus on the US health care system, it's very timely too.

Here's the blurb from amazon.co.uk

What do you pack for the rest of your life? Shepherd Knacker is bored with his humdrum existence. He's sold his successful handy-man business for a million dollars and is now ready to embark on his 'Afterlife' - a one way ticket to a small island off the coast of Africa. He tries to convince his wife Glynis to come with him, but she laughs off the idea as preposterous.There's no way she'll let Shepherd uproot the family to some far-flung African island.

When Glynis is diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer, Shepherd's dreams of an exotic adventure are firmly put on hold. He devotes himself to caring for his sick wife, watching her fade before his eyes.

Shepherd's best friend Jackson knows all too well about illness. His sixteen year old daughter has spent her life dosed up on every treatment going while he and his wife Carol feed their youngest daughter sugar pills so she won't feel left out. But then Jackson undergoes a medical procedure of his own which has devastating consequences.

So Much For That is a deeply affecting novel, told with Lionel Shriver's trademark originality, intelligence and acute perception of the human condition.

Sounds good! Oh, and this appears to be the UK cover, but since I'll probably be getting the UK version anyway, it's fine for me.

WoW is hosted by Jill - head over there to see what other bloggers are looking forward to this week.