Another solid entry into Theroux’s writings. As always each story is very insightful with a thought of passages that really make you think. Each story is unique with lots to take away. Overall a fun read!

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

From the bestselling author of The Mosquito Coast, Paul Theroux’s newest book The Vanishing Point is a poignant and melancholic collection of short stories.

Theroux is a new author to me and has sparked a desire to uncover more. He writes with ease but with deep curiosity and wisdom. There seems to be a constant need, a hunger, to know more; of never fully being satisfied.

Each short story follows a different character in a different place and time, but all seem to have the similar tone and theme –looking for happiness and contentment in life but also fearing the end, the vanishing point. Death.

“It’s a point... it doesn’t really vanish.”

The stories encourage the reader to reflect on what it is we love and know about our world, then leave it. Walk away. Become detached from money, possessions, complicated family dynamics, government... Slow down and take in life from a different perspective.

There are a handful of uncomfortable moments. Theroux’s use of offending stereotyping or descriptions or lifestyle choices made me wince a few times. It forced me to analyze... was this his intent? I think so. In this way, it takes the veil off the reader’s eyes to fully display the effects it has on the person that this is being said to or done. It puts emphasis on the importance of passing the torch to the next generation. Which values and beliefs will die, and which will continue to live on?

This is a fantastic collection. My mind and soul are better for having read it.

Thank you @MarinerBooks and @NetGalley for sending an Advance Reader’s Copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Paul Theroux's The Vanishing Point is a masterful collection that deftly captures life's poignant moments of convergence and loss with his trademark insight and empathy.