Occupation: Project Editor, Dorling Kindersley
A dentists's view of life, the universe, and everything, To Rise Again at a Decent Hour is a beautifully written and funny investigation of what it means to be alive. Protagonist Paul O'Rourke is wealthy, employed, and living in New York, yet struggles to enjoy his situation.
O'Rourke is obsessively drawn to the traditions and closeness of the large family of his ex-girlfriend (and receptionist) Connie. Initially introduced as a rational atheist, he has an obsession with Judaism and an intense desire to belong to a community. His search for meaning is intense. He attempts to find the meaning of life in baseball, golf, the gym, indoor lacrosse, and languages, then leans steadily closer towards the occult, the religious, and the obscure, drawn there by the mysterious appearance of a stranger spreading their opinions across the internet in his name.
The epilogue closes with O'Rourke 'without any expectation or understanding, doubtful of any hope of success', but not unhappy. Generally this is a hilarious yet insightful novel, with the added benefit of offering a look into the fascinating world of dentistry.
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