Ketch Immer is caught in the middle of a debate he never wanted to be part of and there’s no easy way out. His father owns Immer Funereal and Statuary Services, the only business licensed to operate an NEO module. This means they can legally euthanize people who pass a rigorous screening and are over the age of 81. Ketch, however, isn’t much interested in the funereal part of the business. He creates the polyform statues requested by celebrities and others who can afford the process.
But when his father suffers a serious accident, Ketch has to step up and keep the operation running. To add to his troubles, the debate on state-licensed euthanasia is heating up. The Bridgers, a religious group that backs the procedure as a way to reach paradise early, are trying to lower the age of consent. On the other hand, protesters have taken up residence outside the business. Led by Reverend Clive Coburn, their heated rhetoric is becoming more threatening.
Author Gordon MacKinney handles the topic of legalized euthanasia with a delicate touch. He shows both sides of the debate without taking sides and does a good job of not making anyone, in particular, the enemy. In this story, religion is a driving force, along with a belief in the afterlife, and the debate stretches from personal choice in end-of-life decisions to include the question of the existence of an afterlife.
A Time of Your Choosing must have been a difficult book to write as it’s sure to strike a nerve with many readers. However, MacKinney’s novel is just about life and death. It’s about a man struggling with responsibility he doesn’t want, how he navigates the choppy waters of his father’s business, and his struggles with his own identity. I think that’s what I found most appealing about this story. Ketch is a real person on the page, he wants a life outside of the spotlight, he wants to focus on his creativity, but fate throws him a curveball.
I can’t say this novel is for everyone due to the subject matter, but I do recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-written and thoughtful novels. The characters are all three-dimensional, with personalities and personal histories that make them feel real. MacKinney’s narrative voice is also pleasing, making this story an enjoyable read. Regardless of where you stand on the topic of euthanasia, this is a story that goes much deeper and gives the reader much to ponder after the last page.
This review was originally posted at Reader Views. For more book reviews and recommendations, check out my Reading List page.
RB
Hi. I enjoyed your review. What brought this book to your attention?
I’m glad you enjoyed the review. This was actually a book I was paid to review, but I found it to be one of the better books that I’ve read over the past year.
Very enticing and even handed review, Richard.
Thank for taking the time to read it, Pat. 🙂
You are welcome, Richard.