Taut, relentless, and profoundly relatable…
Love, desperation, and a corrupt healthcare system collide in Enright’s tense, high-stakes novel. In the midst of the global chaos of 2020, 10-year-old Nick Hampton battles kidney failure, landing him in a top hospital in the Midwest. What begins as a fight for his life soon escalates into a battle for his family as the hospital seeks to take guardianship of Nick. Callista Hampton, Nick’s mother, will go to any lengths—legal or otherwise—to save him. Will she succeed?
Nick’s resilience is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Enright crafts his character with nuance, capturing the delicate balance of hope and despair as he endures surgeries and chronic health challenges. Callista, with her unwavering resolve, is a compelling protagonist. Dr. Loomis stands out as a chilling antagonist. His cold demeanor contrasts sharply with the brief moments of solace offered by characters like Dr. Kindly and Dr. Arthur. Holcome International Medical Center becomes a vivid and unsettling presence. Its sterile corridors, labyrinthine bureaucracy, and morally ambiguous staff create an oppressive atmosphere that heightens the novel’s critique of the healthcare system. The pacing mirrors the turbulence of a medical crisis, moving seamlessly between frantic urgency and the agonizing stillness of waiting. Themes of trust, deception, and justice resonate throughout. Enright confronts the darker facets of human nature—greed, corruption, and the emotional toll of systemic failures—without hesitation. Yet, amidst the darkness, moments of connection and resilience emerge, reminding readers of the enduring strength of the human spirit.
A masterfully crafted novel that delves deep into the emotional and ethical complexities of life, death, and the choices in between.
Pub date April 9, 2024
Enright Publishing
ISBN 979-8989399703
Price $14.99 (USD) Paperback, $5.99 Kindle edition