This was a tedious rumination on his past by a dying 115 year old man. The premise is that he is taking to God. That felt weird and awkward. It was a short book, but it felt long and slow. Obviously, a lot of readers love this author, but his writing style is not for me. I tried him once before and didn’t like that book either. I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.

This is my first time reading a Robert Olen Butler novel. in this latest novel, Late City, Butler writes about Sam Cunningham, a 115 year old man who is preparing to die. But before G-D allows him to die, he has to look back at all of his significant relationships: his parents, his fellow brothers in arms, his wife, his editors, and most importantly, his son. By looking back on his life, Sam finally learns what it means to be present for others. he learns the importance of love, and compassion. this story will touch your heart. It touched mine!

It took me a bit of time to get used to the narrator, Danny Campbell. But thinking back, he probably sounds exactly like a 115 year old man. I can not be certain of that though, because I have never met a 115 year ols man or ever hears such a man speak, ever.

Thank you @netgalley and @highbridgeaudio for the my complimentary copy of #latecity in return for my honest review. #5stars

For me, the book started off pretty slowly but it picked up when he met his wife. This was a fictional memoir and it focuses on a conversation with God on his deathbed. He relives the full life that he led and reconciles himself with his past.

Late City by Robert Olen Butler is about a 115-year old Sam Cunningham in 2016 following the presidential election. While approaching death, he converses with God, who allows him to revisit scenes throughout his life in stream of consciousness. Sam is a newspaper writer by trade and tells the stories of his life in the rapidly changing 20th and 21st centuries. These scenes illustrate the breadth of his life and provide insight into formative experiences and relationships.

The beginning was a little slow for me, but picked up about 1/3 in and I became more interested in the events that shaped his life and way of thinking. I really liked how his life as a progressive newsman intersected with social and civil progress. The most affecting and poignant experiences were about his family and war. I loved the thoughtfulness of Sam and pondering how we perceive our actions and what happens to us. I listened to the audiobook which was well narrated by Danny Campbell and seemed like an excellent fit for Sam Cunningham.

Thank you Grove Atlantic / Highbridge Audio and NetGalley for providing this ebook and audiobook ARC.

Sam Cunningham, the oldest (fictional) living veteran of WWI, looks back on his life as he prepares to die at 116. In a conversation with God, Sam re-experiences the highs and lows of his life starting with his youth, the war, his marriage, the birth of his son, his loss and the life he dedicated to the field of journalism. Sam reconciles with what he did and didn't do.

This book was very touching, especially towards the end. Things were a bit slow at some points as it read like a memoir. This did not bother me much, since I know that not every moment of someone's life is an exciting thrill. I found the beauty of this book was in how ordinary and realistic it was, at least in the retelling of Sam's life. Sam's experience probably mirrors that of many who lived during his times.

Overall, I think Late City was a worthwhile read. It offered a unique perspective and was a good change from what I typically read.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

All the emotions . . . I just loved this. Part of me felt like I shouldn't, like it was too stereotypical, but I just did.


Review copy provided by publisher.