You Can’t Take It With You by Marcus Hawke
Hawke Haus Books (November 2024)
Reviewed by Chandra Claypool (Instagram) (TikTok)
“What would you do for more time?”
In this day and age where everyone tries to hold onto their youth and prolong their lives, this is a very important question. If you were very rich and had access to something that could actually extend your life, would you go for it? Would you do it at the ripe old age of ninety years old? You don’t even know if you’ll be stuck in the shell that you currently are trapped in or if you’ll be something… better? You’re not even sure if this injection will actually work. Perhaps all the money spent on it was a waste. There’s only one way to find out…
Y’all, in a genre that is FULL of vampire books, this is one you’ll want to add to your to be read list. We begin with Monty, who has an assistant that helps him in his large house as he reaches the end of his life. With this timely coming, he begins to reflect on his past while he rereads his journals and we see all that he has gone through in his ninety years. Personally, I found this to be the most intriguing part of the book for some reason. The trials and tribulation Monty faces throughout the decades through business and love. I truly felt for him and my emotions ran up and down in solidarity.
The second half of the read brings us to the aftermath of his decision to jump into eternal life. This comes with consequences that he would never have imagined. He’s launched into a world with no guidance and is like a child trying to find their way. He let’s the animal instincts take control, finding himself in predicaments he is nowhere near ready for. We get bloodshed, debauchery and hard-learned lessons.
There’s so much to take from this novel. I had to sit on it for a bit and even had a short discussion with the author. The truth is, life after death… is still death. What looks greener on the other side also comes with its own set of complications. Be careful what you wish for. Just read this and really soak it all in.
Lovers of a gothic, Dickensian feel will need this read. Perfect for a cold, wintry night. Come meet Monty. He’s worth it through every single page.
