It's What He Would'Ve Wanted [Unknown Binding]

Product Details

• Unknown Binding
• Publisher: Scribner
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743215710
• ISBN-13: 978-0743215718
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,961,130 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Not so bad!, April 9, 2003

By 

Brendan McCabe (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It's What He Would've Wanted: A Novel (Hardcover)

I liked it. Yes, this is a very depressing book, but it's also hopeful. There were humorous moments and touching moments. Above all, this was one of the most honest books I've read. It's lesson is that reality can be harsh and you have to cherish the good times, and it's a novel worth reading.

3.0 out of 5 stars Too Much..., February 13, 2002

By 

A. Ross (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: It's What He Would've Wanted: A Novel (Hardcover)

Irish comic Hughes' second novel (following The Detainees) is so packed with problems for its protagonist Shea that one ends up feeling like it's trying too hard to achieve a delicate mix of poignancy and black humor. Shea is yet another of those just-turned-30 English slackers who haven't quite done anything with themselves yet, and when his weatherman father commits suicide, it propels him on a quest for meaning. The story consists of Shea's attempt to understand why his father killed himself (which is aided by coded diaries and disturbing pictures), while also trying to patch up his relationship with his brother, get over his old girlfriend, deal with the hairdresser he impregnates, and do the proverbial "one last job" for a loose cultural guerrilla organization dedicated to bringing down bigwigs.

If it all sounds like a bit much and a bit silly, it is. There are too many big events going on in his life at once for any one of them to be fully explored. Shea is highly unlikeable for much of the tale, with whiny internal monologues, a sarcastic and glib approach to life, and sexual fixations, he comes across like an even more self-indulgent Nick Horbny protagonist, but his self-discovery at the end comes much too late and too easily. There are some funny moments, and some genuinely good bits about familial love, but too many contrivances, coincidences, and cheap jokes get in the way of things.

5.0 out of 5 stars One For Hughes Fans and Like Minds, January 19, 2002

By 

Katrina Lapham (Perth, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It's What He Would've Wanted: A Novel (Hardcover)

People familiar with Sean Hughes' comedy and previous writings will find common themes in this novel - loneliness, hopelessness and generally 'what its all about'. I found this a more satisfying read than 'The Detainees' as, although the bulk of this book was quite gloomy, its ending is uplifting. In any case, I generally find Hughes' work more 'realistic' than 'depressing'. And, as always, Hughes delivers with insightful comment on everyday life and the best one-liners around. If you have found yourself to be 'on his wavelength' before, then I thoroughly recommend 'Its What He Would've Wanted'.