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Useful by Debra Oswald (Reviewed by Simone)

30/4/2015

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Sullivan Moss has let his life slide so far into the void that he decides suicide is the only option. In his mind he is useless and the world will be far better off without him. But fate has other plans. It seems that Sullivan can't even kill himself properly, instead ending up in hospital very much alive and well. It it at this moment that Sullivan makes a decision - he still wants to commit suicide but this time before he does he will do something good, he will become a kidney donor.

In order to carry out his altruistic act Sully must first get himself fit and healthy - a fairly major challenge for someone who has some firmly entrenched junk food and excess alcohol consumption habits. But to the surprise of all who know him Sullivan sticks to his plan and starts transforming his life, even to the point of taking a job that nobody else wants - asbestos removal.

Along the way Sully decides it might be a good idea to mend some of the fences he has destroyed recently in his life. Top of the list is his mate Tim who is struggling to forgive Sully for abandoning another friend in his dying days. His accidental landlady Natalie and her son Louis also embed themselves in Sully's life much to his consternation.

You can't help but like Sullivan as he bumbles his way towards another suicide attempt. Despite all his flaws he has a heart and slowly rediscovers just how to care for others beyond himself. I thought the friendship between Sully and Louis was touching, illustrating the easy way kids accept people at face value without the filters adults impose on one another.

There is plenty of black humour in this endearing story but ultimately it is a story of hope and positivity showing that humans are capable of growth and change at any time of their life no matter how broken they believe themselves to be.
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