Well, I can't say it will for certain, but it certainly made me cry. When you read these kinds of books, you kinda expect to cry - or at least, I do. I simply didn't expect to be blinking back tears from nearly the first chapter.
It's not that this book is depressing - in fact, it's the opposite. It's the uplifting story of an old man and his friendship with a sick young boy, framed as a magician telling the story to his autobiographer. Not the most elegant of framing devices for a few reasons, but it works.
The shining part of this book is the titular Murray McBride. We meet him on his hundredth birthday, quietly ready to give up on life so he can see his beloved wife again. He is forgetful, crotchety, and terrible with technology. Watching him loosen up and appreciate life again, seeing him build relationships with those around him - it's beautiful.
If you're looking for a good old cryfest about unlikely friendships and living life in the shadow of death, pick this book up. Bring tissues.
Four stars.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book via NetGalley but all opinions (and tears) are my own
