I am always game for a good memoir, and this one sounded like just that. However, after reading the first two chapters, I still didn't feel like I had enough to make me interested in the story being told.

Ben's past was supposed to be behind him: debts paid, savings secured, and a collection of outrageous anecdotes that would amuse his friends for a lifetime. But under pressure from his escort agency for "one final favor," he now stands at a precipice, finger poised over a doorbell. There’s a moment’s pause before his finger makes reluctant contact. He can’t possibly know it, of course, but this doorbell, the last, changes his life forever.

This was not what I expected, especially looking at the cover. That said, I was sucked into this beautiful story of friendship. I really resonated with the characters and the story here. 5⭐ This is a hidden gem. I fear it will remain that way with this cover.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. This is my honest opinion of the book.

The most clever part of this book was the Title. I enjoyed the writing style, however, It didn't have a major point and just left me feeling sad for all of those who died. 2 Stars!

Not my usual read and the synopsis doesn't give a clear picture of what this novel truly is. The overall plot is good however the pacing, povs and non-linear storytelling really took me out of the story at times and made me lose interest. I understand what the writer is going for but it just wasn't for me.

Although I think the unclear synopsis does the book a disservice, this was such a heartfelt story about friendship and loss.

This is very much a character-driven book with absolutely no plot in sight, mainly from the point of view of Benjamin, a retired sex worker hired to become a blind baron's secretary on the cusp of the 80s, due to his curiosity and sharp wit. Alexander, his wife Bridget, and Ben bond over the course of two decades of alcohol consumption, business dealings, and romps through Europe; all culminating in Ben's loyal care for them during their twilight years. The premise might sound saucy, but that's very far from what this book is!

It starts off a bit confusing, with the rewriting of past events and abrupt POV switches (from "I" to "the young man," referring to the same person), but the book quickly finds its legs. By the halfway mark, I still had no idea what the story was about—although the characters were endearing and the prose was beautiful, I found the lack of stakes in the narrative a bit jarring. If I had to reproach one thing to this book, I'd lament the matter-of-factness of its writing, which can result in a lack of emotional involvement for the reader, although it is on par with the genre of memoirs.

Nevertheless, I got properly misty-eyed at the ending (last quarter, really) and how well grief was portrayed. I'd have read more, especially to know how Ben lived the 30 years afterwards, but I understand Ben's life wasn't the point of this book. The point was the love the characters had for each other, and how this affection endured all through the 20th century (Bridget and Alexander count, too!)

A beautiful, whimsical read that hits the hardest when you're familiar with the minutiae of mourning, too.

Ben's past was supposed to be behind him: debts paid, savings secured, and a collection of outrageous anecdotes that would amuse his friends for a lifetime. But under pressure from his escort agency for "one final favor," he now stands at a precipice, finger poised over a doorbell.

There’s a moment’s pause before his finger makes reluctant contact. He can’t possibly know it, of course, but this doorbell, the last, changes his life forever...

Never judge a book by it’s cover

Never a truer saying spoke re me and this book

I picked this as based on the title and pic I presumed was a psychological thriller, I read no blurb not even the cover notes

I was therefore surprised to find out it was a story based around Ben’s foray into the world of gay escorting and how his last booking ( he called it his last doorbell ) was to change his life forever

Now what was refreshing and different about this book was it could have been salacious and no holds barred and I daresay I wouldn’t have minded that BUT it wasn’t, it was ‘alluded to’, almost like a 1970’s film, the excitement and interest was in who he might be seeing, their houses and backstories and when he got there what he found, the sex that could have been the books mainstay wasn’t needed and that’s because the story and writing was good enough without it, it was wild without being wild

Ben when he rings that last doorbell embarks on a life he never imagined and it is told with feeling and with literacy wonder

A really surprising book, so so glad chose it and I feel it broadened my reading world

William Parker's The Last Doorbell is a captivating exploration of friendship, love, and the complexities of human connection. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the novel introduces us to Ben, a young man navigating the challenges of life, and Alexander, a charismatic figure who enters his world with a touch of mystery.
Parker's writing is both tender and evocative, drawing readers into the intimate world of his characters. The author's ability to create believable and relatable protagonists is truly remarkable. Ben and Alexander's relationship is portrayed with a depth and authenticity that makes it impossible not to become invested in their journey.
Beyond the emotional core of the story, The Last Doorbell offers a fascinating glimpse into a specific era. Parker's attention to detail brings the 1980s vividly to life, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere. The novel's exploration of themes such as sexuality, identity, and loss is handled with sensitivity and thought-provoking insight.
Ultimately, The Last Doorbell is a heartwarming and uplifting story that stays with you long after the final page. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring nature of love. Highly recommended.

Ben’s story in The Last Doorbell is both intriguing and frustrating. The premise of a man being pulled back into his past life as an escort for one last job had me hooked, and the way the story unfolds, almost like a memoir, is pretty unique. The friendship between Ben and Alexander is well-developed, and the way their lives intertwine over the years is touching, especially as they both confront aging and loss.

That said, the pacing was a bit uneven, and I found myself losing interest at times. The story jumps around a bit, and while some of the backstory is compelling, other parts felt unnecessary. The queer and disability representation was well done, and the character development was solid, but the plot itself didn’t always hold my attention. I was also expecting a bit more from the ending—it felt a little anticlimactic after everything that led up to it. Still, it’s a decent read, especially if you enjoy character-driven stories with a slower pace.

What a unique and captivating read!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but I dove in and I was completely hooked. The unique storytelling and the complex, relatable characters made me lose track of time as I devoured the novel. I loved how the book began with the ending and then took us back in time to see how the characters' lives intertwined. The storyline flows seamlessly, and the depth with which the author explores these characters kept me engaged throughout.

Filled with friendship, humor, and heart, this book is a must-add to everyone’s TBR list! Parker's attention to detail vividly brings every scene and setting to life, making the story unfold like a movie before my eyes. When I finished, I wanted to start all over again!

Thank you to NetGalley and Delxis Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

At first I was engaged with Ben's storyline. But after a few chapters I had the feeling the story was getting nowhere. It was dragging and a little repetitive. I never actually felt any connection with Ben or the other characters, but I was intrigued in the beginning. And then I wasn't anymore.
The writing is decent, in my opinion, but it wasn't enough to keep my attention.

It had the wit and storytelling of Nancy Mitford and the wonderful characters of Alan Hollinghurst.

To start with, I found I got a bit lost, but as soon as you realise the story is a memoir of a friendship over many years, it all fits into place.

I loved Alexander's stories and his escapades a little more than Ben's but still found them equally as enthralling.

The author, though, does like to remind you where you are geographically and mentions the same place names again and again and again - which is a little annoying.

I requested and received an eARC ofThe Last Doorbell by William Parker via NetGalley. I was super excited to read this book, it definitely seemed like the type of story I hadn’t encountered too often. The novel itself is presented as the fictional memoir of the narrator, Ben, and opens with him attending an elderly gentleman, anticipating his death. As the story recedes into the past, exploring Ben’s history as a sex worker, the connection between the two men becomes clearer. There were many moments of humor and the novel carries an air of mystery that propels the reader forward in their reading journey. Parker’s novel shines most brightly when showcasing the tenderness between Ben and Alexander. Overall, I found this to be a thoughtful and immensely enjoyable work.

The book is a literary novel that follows the life of a young man Ben. It actually starts at the end with the death of an old man and Ben is upset to have not been with him as he passes, but then some strange magic occurs and time goes back slightly so Ben is there as the man Alexander takes his final breath.

We are then taken to the start of Ben's story. I don't think the death should be at the beginning. The death of Alexander has less impact- it could be a real tear- jerking scene towards the end of the book - and the weird magic is, well, weird.

I liked Ben's journey into becoming an escort. I really liked Aurelio and especially loved Ben and Aurelio's scene at the end of chapter 3. I also enjoyed the story of Alexander and how the relationship blossomed into something so special with both Alexander and his wife. As the old couple started losing their physical and mental capabilities I thought the story was beautifully told.

I didn't think the addition of Leon was necessary. I did like the median however and thought that was a beautiful part.

I did really like the character of Aurelio and it would have been nice if he featured more - it was as if he was forgotten until the end and I think it would have been nice to have seen his and Ben's friendship continue throughout the second half of the novel.

I also thought the story should have ended with the photo at St Mark's Square - the part after with the garden I thought unnecessary - it probably had a double meaning but that was lost on me.

Grammatically there's a few errors which I'll note below in case someone with the power to amend reads this. Overall an interesting, fluid read, written in pretty language. It isn't a page turner but with the amendments I have mentioned I think it could have a real effect on the reader.

Grammatical errors
P.6 "thirty- [new line] five years..."
P.20 "under- [new line] studying..."
P.41 "but when, [new line] years later...."
P.74 "self- [new line] assured..."
P.88 "eighteenth- [new line] century..."
P.89 "scene from a [new line] movie
P.96 same
P.101 new line mid-sentence
P.105 new line mid-sentence
P.128 "chip- [new line] pan fire..."
P.129 "one- [new line] two-three..."
P.138 "morn- [new line] ing when I get back..."
P.139 same error x2
P.140 same
P.144 same x2 and new line mid-sentence
P.145 new line mid-sentence
P.154 same
P.155 "twenty- [new line] one..."
P.213 "mid- [new line] twenties..."
P.217 "monochrome- [new line] grey..."
P.220 grammatically incorrect sentence "to be able bellow a 'Hello'..."
P.225 grammatically incorrect sentence "not able catch my imagination...."

A book full of wry descriptions and detail - I did enjoy the style of writing but the problem was that nothing really happened - at least twice I felt the plot was on the verge of revealing a twist or taking an interesting turn but then it quickly reverted back to plodding along.
An interesting premise but I didn’t enjoy the it as much as I would have liked.

An out of work actor embarks on a career as a rent boy. There are some quite amusing encounters as he learns his trade before the inevitable falling in with the wrong crowd at which point he decides to give it up but the last doorbell opens the way to a new life for him. A glimpse of what the future will hold is given in the first chapter of the book and makes the story seem a little predictable. But he was little bit too full of himself and I was not interested enough to go with him on that journey. The writing was sharp and snappy but the amount of bad language put me off.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I thought it was very vulnerable and bold. This story is about 2 men from 1940-1995 and how their different lives were intersected together. The first chapter tells you how it ends but of course you have to read how they got there. It was a very good read!

Many artists create their art for themselves, not the public. I feel that author William Parker here has written The Last Doorbell for himself, and if any readers like it, great. Unfortunately for me, I was unable to finish the novel. I set it down at 30%, but kept coming back to it, setting it down again, and finally giving up at 67%. The lead character did not interest me, and again, I don't think the book was written to entertain readers. Perhaps I am wrong and I do look forward to reading others reactions to the novels. Maybe I missed something that would have hooked me.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.