“I was specifically told there would be no clowns. There’s nothing scarier than a clown.” -Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City
I had no idea Life Expectancy was about clowns. I was browsing for an X book for my 2009 ABC Title Challenge and this one fit the bill. That’s what I get for not reading the blurb, huh?
Really though, I’m glad I didn’t. I let this one sit for a while before picking it up, and then I wondered why I waited so long. And then I had nightmares and wondered why I only read before bed anymore.
After reading Life Expectancy and Sworn to Silence, I think I need more thrillers in my life.
Unless you are a Dean Koontz fan, you probably haven’t heard of this one, so I will deviate from my usual review and offer a brief synopsis. Son is born on same evening that his grandfather dies, who before he takes his last breath details 5 terrible days his grandson will endure throughout his life. Grandfather also correctly predicts grandson’s height, weight, and that he will have syndactyly. The five terrible days fall between his 20th and 30th year when he is terrorized by a clown and/or his son, who happened to be born on the same evening as the main character.
The book is realistic without being too fantastical, and after each of the five events I was on the edge of my seat to find out what was around the corner. Jimmy, the main character, and his family were so likeable. I loved that they were bakers — poor, unsuspecting bakers with nothing but cinnamon rolls to defend themselves. They were honest and hardworking and I just wanted them all to be safe from the clowns. If you’re stuck in a book rut, try Life Expectancy. It’s bizarre and funny and terrorizing and not like many I’ve read in recent memory.
