An entertaining, funny yet powerful novel about a dysfunctional New York family. Forced to grapple with a profound question: do they dare take part in a decision involving the death of a loved one? Russell, the only son of Jacob and Beryl, becomes painfully aware, as he growsfrom childhood to adolescence, of his mother's intellectual failings and his father's need to control everyone around him. He makes his escape into a relationship with a beautiful young English girl. They are all set for wedded bliss but Jacob suffers a stroke, is paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. This is not the life he wants and he begs Russell to help him end it. His son is torn but refuses and Jacob tries to kill himself by a serious of increasingly bizarre and desperate methods. There is worse tocome as Russell is forced to consider a move that might send him to prison. This gripping novel deals with all the ramifications of euthanasia and how it impacts on a family no matter what choices they make. Its theme is increasingly topical and although the book is suffused throughout with comedy, it is both disturbing and uplifting.