Difficult subjects can be hard to deal with in a sensitive manner but Watson effortlessly manages to treat the topic of suicide with consideration and grace. He has created a believable situation & protagonist that means as the story ebbs & flows you become emotionally attached to the unfolding drama and not only James but his supporting cast that make up his mixed up life. This book shows that while we may not realise it, we all make connections that shape and affect us for the better. Sometimes you need a moment of clarity to bring those emotions to the surface but how you deal with them is just as important, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book due to the subject matter but I’m glad I gave it a go. It could’ve so easily been mawkish and exploitive but thankfully I never felt that it was taken the reader down that route. Showing the reactions & actions of the contacts was an excellent way to reflect the mixed emotions that this type of event would produce. It makes the reader think, what would you do? I received a copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I chose this book to read because of the author, a comedian whose work I enjoy. However this book is not humorous but deadly serious, which was a disappointment at first for me. The central character, for various reasons, decides to kill himself and the novel concentrates on all the people, closest to him, and their way of reacting to the prospect. These characters dominate and reveal past actions which may have led to James’s decision. The book therefore is very good at developing these characters, including James. It’s reasonably easy to read, even if the content can be quite depressing and I felt that part of the ending was unnecessary but that’s just me. Recommended to readers who like character-led drama. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first book by Mark Watson but it certainly won’t be my last. Sensitively written, this is a heartfelt and touching novel which deals with the all too familiar topics of disconnection, loneliness and suicide. It had strains of the fabulous film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ using the idea that if we could see the effect we had on the world and all the people we interact with we wouldn’t be so quick to undervalue, and count ourselves out. Although dealing with a delicate and potentially depressing subject the author manages to maintain a sense of hope throughout the book, and highlights ways that we could all perhaps be a little kinder and look out for each other more. I loved the people in this novel, especially the main character James, who I think most of us at some level could relate to. As his story unfolds you begin to understand why he has come to his decision, whilst sincerely hoping that he doesn’t see it through. I did feel that the book ended a little abruptly, and would have enjoyed a little more to finish things off but, despite the sad subject, there is warmth and joy in this book and it is one very much worth reading.

I’d like to thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Contacts’ by Mark Watson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. James is on the London to Edinburgh train and sends a text message to the 158 people on his contact list telling them he’s decided to end his life. His mum Jean, sister Sally, ex-girlfriend Michaela, boss and friend Karl and flatmate Steffi attempt to locate him before he reaches Edinburgh. Although the main subject matter of ‘Contacts’ is suicide, it’s actually an amusing and heart-warming account of a man who sees himself as being overweight, unloved and perspiring a lot. It’s been written in the style I’d expect from stand-up comedian Mark Watson and is a worthy addition to the collection of novels he’s written and that I’ve had the pleasure of reading over the years. The story is told through the eyes of James who sends the text message then sits back to devour pork pies, chocolate biscuits and beer, the reaction of those who receive the message, and what happens when he arrives at Waverley Station, Edinburgh, intent on carrying out the purpose of the train journey. It’s an emotionally-charged story, sad at times but with humour and a few laughs, ending with a touching conclusion. Some parts are a bit overlong at times but it’s a novel that’s worth reading.

A heart breaking insight into how easily one man's life collapses to a point where he is about to commit suicide. The subject matter is not the easiest which may make this a difficult recommendation. But it's important to realise that we are not alone, and that people really do care. Unfortunately so many people don't think that they deserve help, as it's often an amalgam of many little things that make life unbearable. Be kind, listen and don't trivialise people's problems when they open up to you.