A novel by New York Times Bestselling Author Catherine Ryan Hyde about a road trip with unlikely companions who end up forming an unexpected bond.
Synopsis
As the story begins, Lewis Madigan, a software developer, is experiencing the worst day of his life!
His worst day began as he arrived at work. It was a day that he expected to be getting a promotion and a raise and instead ended up with a pink slip in his pay envelope.
If the news of getting ‘laid off’ wasn’t enough, when Lewis got home that day, hoping for a bit of sympathy from his live-in boyfriend, he discovers the boyfriend is in the process of moving out and leaving for good. Afterwards, Lewis learns that the ex-boyfriend has also cleaned out their joint savings account!
Faced with a horrendous job market, no money and few prospects, Lewis is uncertain what to do next.
Chester Wheeler
Enter Chester Wheeler. Chester is Lewis’ hateful next-door neighbor; wheelchair-bound, cantankerous, and a constant source of irritation with his homophobic insults.
Chester has worn through a number of caretakers—no one can stand to be around him. When the last caretaker walks out, Chester’s daughter is at her wits end. She needs to be with her daughter and newborn grandchild, not taking care of Chester. Knowing Lewis is out of work, she talks him into providing end-of-life care for her father.
Lewis doesn’t need the aggravation of caring for his insufferable homophobic neighbor, but he does need the money. Told that the only requirements are to run errands and be on call just until the daughter can work out other arrangements, Lewis agrees.
Chester Wheelers Request
After several days of bickering, baiting, pushing buttons and exchanging barbs, Chester Wheeler decides to ask Lewis for a big favor. He wants Lewis to drive him, in his old Winnebago, from his home in Buffalo, NY to Arizona. He wants to see his ex-wife for the first time in thirty-two years ~ for the last time. Lewis is unable to say no to a dying wish, and agrees. The journey spans one week and two thousand miles, and becomes an illuminating journey into the life and secrets of a vulnerable man.
Summary
So Long Chester Wheeler is a novel with characters who will fascinate you. The story is told with humor and a deep understanding that sometimes the last people in the world we would expect to connect with are those who need our help the most. It will make you think about your own feelings and how they influence your life.
*Book Review of “So Long Chester Wheeler” was written by Wednesday Elf
