Mouth to Mouth by Antoine Wilson, is a comparatively short book, but it packs a real punch. Despite the length, the book contains a compelling plot, an intriguing mystery and interesting characters. Not a word is wasted in this small but perfectly formed volume.
The book opens with the unnamed narrator at the airport awaiting his flight to Germany for a business meeting. There he meets a former classmate, Jeff Cook, who he knew only vaguely, but who treats him as a long lost and valued friend. It transpires that they are booked on the same flight and so while they are waiting, they catch up over drinks in the first class lounge. There Jeff shares his life story; one of drama, deceit and great wealth. When he was just out of college, he saved a man from drowning. Following that traumatic day he became obsessed with finding out more about the man whose life he had saved, and he contrives to gradually become part of his life. As the often unbelievable life story progresses Jeff appears to become more relaxed as though he is unburdening himself, while his ‘old friend’ becomes increasingly concerned as to how the story will end.
Mouth to Mouth is a superb, suspenseful read. It perfectly illustrates self-delusion. Jeff is convinced that he made the most of the opportunities offered to him. However his companion, and the reader, may rather consider that Jeff took advantage of and abused the goodwill of others to his own benefit. Jeff’s life story is a masterclass in self-deception.
While reading this I was imaging it as a stage play; a two hander with Jeff telling the story to his old college friend in a bar.
The story is a real slow burn with the suspense building as the story progresses. The reader knows there must be some sort of twist to come; the narrator tells us that he feels as though he is being used as a confessor. When the final punch does come, it comes late in the book, and it took me by surprise. I had to re-read it a couple of times to really take it in. It’s a terrific ending and one I did not see coming.
The book opens with the unnamed narrator at the airport awaiting his flight to Germany for a business meeting. There he meets a former classmate, Jeff Cook, who he knew only vaguely, but who treats him as a long lost and valued friend. It transpires that they are booked on the same flight and so while they are waiting, they catch up over drinks in the first class lounge. There Jeff shares his life story; one of drama, deceit and great wealth. When he was just out of college, he saved a man from drowning. Following that traumatic day he became obsessed with finding out more about the man whose life he had saved, and he contrives to gradually become part of his life. As the often unbelievable life story progresses Jeff appears to become more relaxed as though he is unburdening himself, while his ‘old friend’ becomes increasingly concerned as to how the story will end.
Mouth to Mouth is a superb, suspenseful read. It perfectly illustrates self-delusion. Jeff is convinced that he made the most of the opportunities offered to him. However his companion, and the reader, may rather consider that Jeff took advantage of and abused the goodwill of others to his own benefit. Jeff’s life story is a masterclass in self-deception.
While reading this I was imaging it as a stage play; a two hander with Jeff telling the story to his old college friend in a bar.
The story is a real slow burn with the suspense building as the story progresses. The reader knows there must be some sort of twist to come; the narrator tells us that he feels as though he is being used as a confessor. When the final punch does come, it comes late in the book, and it took me by surprise. I had to re-read it a couple of times to really take it in. It’s a terrific ending and one I did not see coming.