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Review for 'Shaking Hands With Elvis' by Paul Carroll

Shaking Hands With Elvis discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Paul discusses/includes assisted dying and cancer.

OMFG! I absolutely love, Love, LOVED this absolutely gorgeous, unique and hilarious addictive page turner!!

This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions and stunning surroundings I was absolutely captivated throughout. The cover and the synopsis work perfectly with the storyline.

Paul where on Earth have you been hiding my whole life? How is it that this is the first book I have read my you!? Well, I will be rectifying that mistake immediately!! After reading this absolutely epic book you are obviously an incredibly talented author and I just cannot wait to get stuck into your previous and future books!! absolutely loved this absolutely fantastic and hilarious book! In this fantastic story we meet Geraldine, Dawn, Jeffrey and Woody who have all decided to sign up to 'Go Gently' to end their lives in their own ways for different reasons. This is all done at Charon House where they offer different packages for you to choose from. This book is set in the near future and assisted dying has been legalised after the NHS has been sold off. However it isn't long before Dawn, Jeffrey, Woody and Geraldine realise that not everything at Chiron House is as advertised in their brochure. Do they still want to go ahead and if not is it too late to stop the deaths they have opted for? Grab your copy of this absolutely fantastic page turner for yourself and find out!! I can promise that you will not regret it. This book is just absolutely fantastic!! It is not only one of the most unique reads that I have ever come across but also the thought provoking topics it discusses while being weaved into an absolutely brilliant, hilarious and additive storyline definitely meets it has earned the spot of one of my favourite books ever!! Paul has taken a dark, controversial and highly possible subject, thrown some absolutely brilliant characters into the mix and created this wonderfully entertaining book that I will be gobsmacked if it is not turned into a movie soon!! When, not if, it is I will definitely be first in line to watch it!!! With a storyline filled with dark humour, controversial topics, entertaining characters, compassion, intrigue, uniqueness and absolutely everything and more that you could ever ask for in a book you would be dead mad not to pick it up!! Paul has managed to weave death into this storyline while using compassion, laughter, bizarreness, controversy and will leave the reader thinking about it long after they have turned the last page. With vivid and evocative imagery and descriptions you will go on a sofa holiday into Charon House where you will see each and every one of the characters come to life while seeing and feeling absolutely everything that you are. It genuinely does not matter whether you read this next to the fire or on a beach as you will be whisked away into the storyline where you will be completely hooked from start to finish. There was no way I could put this book down as I just had to know what happened. I did attempt to a few times before realising there was just no point as while I was attempting to do something else I found that I could not stop thinking about the book and just had to pick it up again so I ended up picking it back up and completely devouring it in one sitting of a few hours. Paul's characterisation was absolutely spot on and I absolutely loved and was completely invested in our four main characters and even the ones I did not love I was completely invested in and I even found myself enjoying the fact that I despised them which is a first for me! Paul brings a massive range of emotions into this story with his emotive writing from horror to humour, disgust to compassion, laughter to sadness, hopefulness to hopelessness you will see and feel it all! I love books which have dark humour in it and this book is ram packed with it!! It will make the absolutely perfect pick for book club as it opens up so many different topics and discussions that it will give you something to talk about for days, if not more!! I will definitely be recommending this to my book club as well as to all my family and friends and I cannot wait to get stuck into more of Paul's books as if they are even just half as good as this one I am guaranteed to love them!! Paul really does leave you seeing the characters and surroundings come to life and feel the stress, joy and emotions the characters are feeling. The storyline is realistic and down to Earth and I was absolutely sucked in from the first to the last page of this page turner. On several occasions I had to remind myself I was actually in the house and not in Charon House myself as I was that lost in the storyline!! I cannot wait to get whisked away into more books by the fantastic Paul and am still gobsmacked I've not read any books by this fantastic author before now! If you are looking for a unique read that will leave you thinking about it long after you have finished then grab your copy of this amazing book and thank me later!!! An absolute must read ❤️💜

A unique, thought provoking must read! I absolutely love, love, LOVED it!! Clear your schedules as once you have started there is no way you will be able to put this book down!

The characters were all solid, realistic and I loved that they all had their own unique personalities. They all had their own reasons for going to Chiron House and choosing to end their lives their way from medical reasons to loneliness and they all jump out of the pages. I adored and was completely invested in our four main protagonists but i was also completely invested in the "baddies" of the storyline too that I also loved to hate which makes a change for me!! Each and every one of the characters were fantastically portrayed and each and every one of them came to life thanks to Paul's fantastic descriptions and evocative skills. They all; had their own flaws, strengths, weaknesses and unique refreshing personalities that I am just devastated that some of them were just fictionalised as they are people I would love to get to know more in real life! I won't say anymore as I don't want to turn this into an essay or spoil things for future readers.

Paul congratulations on an absolutely fantastic one of a kind novel and welcome to my top author list. Your book is a page turning, unique and thought provoking success and I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books! Welcome to my favourite author club!! Here's to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!

Overall an absolutely unique, food for thought, humorous, page turning must read!!

#ShakingHandsWithElvis #PaulCarroll #DreamEngine #DreamEngineUK #RandomThingsTours #RandomTTours

@PaulCarroll #DreamEngine #DreamEngineUK @RandomThingsTours @RandomTTours

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I read this book as a Bookbuzz advance reader, to get the discussion going on the Bookbuzz app.

This book masterfully combines dark and dystopian fiction to explore the complex topic of assisted death, set against the backdrop of a deteriorating healthcare system. The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of a small group of characters, including an immigrant worker, a mother, the owner of a facility and a government minister, each brought to life with compelling reasons for their presence and perspectives on the controversial subject.

The story not only presents various arguments surrounding euthanasia but also delves into the emotional and ethical complexities associated with choosing to die. With its thought-provoking content and a touch of dark humor, the book progresses at a steady pace, offering a unique reading experience that is ideal for book club discussions and recommended for those looking for something out of the ordinary in literature.

I am so glad I persisted with this book. The majority of Shaking Hands with Elvis reads like a staunch thesis against physician-assisted suicide. After the initial, well-balanced chapters, it began to take the form of a novel written with the purpose to be a slippery slope - to scare the bejeezus out of anyone who might be on the fence about PAS-legislation.

Because I really dislike books so blatantly written to further a political agenda, and that’s the impression the book gives, there are many points that could have been opportunities for deep thought, but as the reader I was too irritated to act on it.

Anyways (and I don’t think it’s really a spoiler to say it), right near the end, a twist reveals a much less hard-and-fast take on assisted dying, and the reader no longer feels quite as coerced into one specific view. The balance unfortunately arrives a little late. A story that could have been oddly cozy and darkly-sweet, with its sweet old people and one kindly "Guest Worker", comes across so much as a political treatise that it spoils much of the reading experience.

In Black Mirror style, Paul Carroll explores a world where assisted dying is not only legalized on a larger scale but has become a lucrative business. The book is a powerful commentary on the current trajectory of healthcare policies in ultra liberal countries while being a thoroughly entertaining read. Through a mix of chilling foresights and occasional feel-good moments, the story provokes thought and stirs deep emotions about our societal values. The characters, from the scheming politicians to the vulnerable elderly, are vividly portrayed, each adding depth to the unfolding drama. The novel is not just a story but a reflection on morality, choice, and the commodification of life’s end, making it a significant read for those intrigued by ethical dilemmas in modern governance.

I received this book from Netgalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd in exchange for a free and honest review.

This book is set in a world where the NHS has been abolished and the UK has an insurance based system. Due to this people who are unable to afford medical care can opt to use services that allows them to choose voluntary death due to a new law passed called the 'Assisted Death' law; which is thought to be 'humane'. This story has a cast of characters/ POVs Geraldine - a retired teacher, Dawn - a widowed mum, Jeffrey - a man suffering from a medical condition, Woody - A prisoner, Dr. Callan - the proprietor of an assisted death clinic called Go Gently, Adil- an immigrant that works at the clinic and Pestel - an ambitious politician.

This story tackles many important topics such as: what happens when social services needed to look after the wellbeing of a population are left at the mercy of opportunistic politicians and businessmen, the need to address loneliness in elderly people, the burden that people with illness feel and a clash of religious/ personal beliefs and the need to make a living.

Overall an engrossing and quick read. I would recommend.

This is a tough one to review. It's set in a not-too-distant future where assisted dying has been made legal in the UK. The story is about a bunch of people who have opted for euthanasia and checked into a facility where it will happen. Things don't run smoothly.

It's tough to review because on the one hand, it's a well written, pacy and entertaining novel. But I am a fervent fan of euthanasia and I hated the perception of it that this book supports.

My review is dark from here on in — look away now if you don't want to read about ACTUAL assisted dying, or the alternative.
I live in a country where euthanasia is legal. Just last year I attended a farewell party for a woman who had opted for euthanasia. A group of her family and close friends had lunch together (in a room provided in the assisted-living facility she was living in), she talked with each of us in turn, we said our goodbyes, and then she returned to her room, with her [adult] children, where the procedure was then carried out. It was a beautiful event; intense, sad, loving, and uplifting too. She put an end to her intolerable suffering in a way where she was fully in control and making her own choice, freely. Her children, in-laws and grandchildren could properly say goodbye, surrounded and supported by people who love them.

I cannot think of a better way to die.

By contrast, my 90-year-old father died in a country that does not permit euthanasia. He suffered a horrendous, painful death. It took 11 days. We begged the doctors to 'do something', because you wouldn't let an animal suffer like that, never mind your own parent, but they refused and did nothing (and didn't seem to give much of a damn either). With every morphine dosage reluctantly (it seemed to us) doled out at at too-long intervals, they just retreated behind 'the rules'.

I cannot think of a worse way to die.

The euthanasia debate is serious — it's not something to choose easily. But many of its opponents are uninformed, if not actually ignorant, and their arguments filled with scare-mongering. They self-righteously argue about the 'value' of life, without consideration of the degradation of living a pain-filled life. It annoys me that this novel falls very much on the wrong side of that debate.

Sure, I am probably taking a novel that was intended as a light-hearted romp way too seriously. Maybe it's unfair. But I firmly believe, perhaps naively, that books matter and have influence — and this novel feeds into a facile, populist narrative that I thoroughly disagree with. How many more people have to suffer like my father before we start thinking more rationally and humanely?

And before you say 'lighten up!', I have to add that writing a funny novel about a topic doesn't give an author a free pass to spread misinformation. (Or to be more precise, the author is free to put absolutely anything he wants in his book, but reviewers are also free to pass judgement!)

My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the auther for giving me a free copy of this book. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.

I liked the premise of this book - euthanasia by choice has been legalised and evolved into a booming industry in the UK and we follow 4 pensioners during their time at Go Gently, a place you book into for a leisurely stay followed by your pre-arranged death. The book’s tone was more jovial than I expected and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and rooting for them. The ending was a little abrupt - I would have enjoyed knowing a bit more about what happened to everyone. Felt a bit like it was missing a chapter, but still enjoyed the story.

The NHS has been scrapped in favour of individual insurance policies. And for an elderly person wishing to die, there’s a monetary bonus and a week at the luxurious “Go Gently” facility, before…well you get the picture.

It’s all an ickle bit wokey-slick: the illegal immigrant as the hero in the rescue of the coerced-into-euthanasia oldies, the baaad cartoonish greedy businessman/politician and the cynical government.

However…
This is so scarily close to a possible future in geriatric care, it will give you a sweaty tingle down your spine.

Because of the questions and discussions it will demand to be made, it’s a gem.

And what will be going round and round in your head?
“You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”

3.5* going on 4*

As a nurse having worked in various NHS and private sectors this book really was so scarily on point! I loved the dark humour but also the undertone was one that be all too real in the future.

Following the lives of 4 main characters who 'check in' to the 'Go Gently..' house where human 'euthanasia' can now be the way forward.. And of course if you have a change of heart you can still change your mind, can't you?!

This book was brilliantly written and discusses so more political views around the NHS and private care sector. Hilarious and horrifying I would definitely recommend to all to read!

Absolutely loved it! Highly recommend this unique quirky story. You’ll fall in love with the characters guaranteed

There were definitely moments when this book felt real to me, which shows the world we are living in, both frightening and fascinating.

Absolutely brilliant subversive satire-that's-almost-not on our current national assisted dying policy.

The government have done it, sold off the NHS and privatised healthcare. Assisted dying has been legalised and it's already a Business in all but name. Now you can fill in some paperwork and receive some bonuses for your family and literally 'check out', when you feel your time is up. It might be because you're sick, but this isn't necessary anymore.

But what if you change your mind? And what if the national strategy is ripe for widening scope and scoring a few political points? I mean, using chemicals to end lives is expensive - are there more cost-effective methods?

My goodness, this was dark! But also very funny. And also rather terrifying as it seemed much too close to the bone of today's political messages, personalities and directions.

For politics, it's celebrated as being able to "widen choice for the individual..." For the business leader it's "a consumer market and our primary job was to offer choice and value for money," (packages are available for various budgets). Assisted dying is no longer the word of choice, it's now discussing a client's "final journey".

It's broadened out to readers through four individuals who all find themselves at Go Gently' establishment (hilariously named in itself - the poem begs you to 'rage rage against the dying of the light', does it not? when not shortened...): Charon House (oh boy, another reference, transporting souls of the dead in Greek myths). Dawn, Geraldine, Jeffrey and Woody each have a reason for being there, some more under their own steam than others. But each represents a different arc as to why a person may end up in this no-way-back position.

And that's not because they might not want to turn the clock back. Because surely we can all take back that decision and change our minds.... can't we?

With political higher ups, immigrant workers and Resistance-type organisations all having their opinions on assisted dying and what is both 'right' and 'best', the story takes the foursome on a bit of an adventure as they strive to make their own choices in their own time.

Oh boy does this get dark, with black humour throughout which I won't spoil here by quoting.

The four characters at the heart of the plot are wonderful, each very vivid and likeable, with those pushing the political agenda equally DISlikeable. This could be quite upsetting to read but taken in the right light it's a powerful discussion piece, cleverly constructed to make the author's presumed points in a very entertaining way.

I can see this making it onto the screen quite quickly. I'll be watching.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

Set in a near-future world where the NHS has all but gone. The storyline follows the notion that assisted dying is made legal in the UK.

'The sick and the old no longer have to feel they’re a burden on society and a nuisance to their families, the nation’s healthcare budget is slashed at a stroke, and there is money to be made in offering ever more inventive ways to lawfully shuffle off your mortal coil.'

At first, the company seemed nice, with a range of packages, but as the storyline progresses, it gets very dark indeed, quite sickening. There are some lighter moments and a few feel-good moments dotted in between the dark.

Very thought provoking and I hope this version never becomes the reality.

Oh my goodness! I am almost speechless. This book is so believable it's frightening. In today's UK where continuous government cuts are one of life's certainties. The NHS and social care system are crumbling and money seems to be the only thing that matters. The ideas put forward in this book seem only too feasible. Despite the potentially very serious topic of the book, I love the way the author has balanced this with just the right amount of humour and occasional touches of the ridiculous. My mind jumped from horror to laughter multiple times whilst reading the book and the twists at the end are just brilliant! Shaking Hands With Elvis is my first Paul Carroll book but certainly won't be my last!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.