Book Review of Impossible to be Human by Robert Kalich

 

Title of the book: Impossible to be human

Author: Robert Kalich

Publisher: B&B 

Publishing Date: 2022

ISBN: 978-1-933480-52-7

Summary:

Facing the idiosyncrasies of his life and character, David Lazar mercilessly analyses his success. Can we accept irreconcilable contradictions? Can people change? And what does it mean to be human? Peeling layers of conventions and domestication, Lazar is gradually facing the man he once was, his past emotionless and cold existence. He cannot help but wonder: is he still that man or has the love of his wife redeemed him? Can a driven sports handicapper who climbed 'Mt. Gamble' to become the most successful professional handicapper of his generation, become a loving, devoted husband and father? Can writing his life storypurge his flaws?

The puzzle of life’s inconsistencies grows as Lazar is baffled by his clandestine meetings in his NYC penthouse with Duck, the US president. They go way back when David was Duck’s object of admiration. These days Duck represents everything Lazar rejects: racism, greed, callousness. The two of them mirror all that is opposed in American society and echo the doubt whether these dividing gaps can be bridged. And while Lazar dislikes these secret meetings he is turning into Duck’s confidant, knowing all too well that he is acting against the people he loves.

The fragility of existence is further exacerbated by the spread of Covid-19. The presence of death is more tangible than ever. However, counting his blessings only intensifies the fear of loss. Lazar is trying to help the needy, but the knowledge of his own limitations and all that is still required haunts him. And the old, battered question is as relevant as ever: what is then the meaning of it all?

There is no straight answer, but as Lazar's identical twin brother observes, David did everything wrong, and yet bounced back lucky in his old age.

Author Info:
(From amazon)

ROBERT KALICH is a born-and-bred New Yorker. He is the author of several non-fiction books and four novels, including The Investigation of Ariel Warning. Three of his novels are works of autofiction based on his life and intimate knowledge of sports and gambling: The Handicapper, a national best-seller now available in an anniversary edition, David Lazar, and Impossible to Be Human. Robert Kalich is an avid reader and maintains a home library of 10,000 books. He lives with his wife and son in NYC and North Salem, NY.

Personal Opinion:

I am definitely not sure which form to use when it comes to reviewing this book: is it fiction or non-fiction? I get the feeling it falls a lot more into non-fiction, which is why I chose this form in particular. And another reason is that this story isn't a typical novel where I have to mention how plot, characters, etc., are played out. This is a loose sequel to DAVID LAZAR by the same author, but its not necessary to read it to understand and enjoy this story. My first mention is that it begins in March of 2020, and it reads a lot like a COVID diary. Also what is important to remember is that it takes place in New York and New York was heavily hit by COVID-19. There is a lot of repetition about the people that populate the pages as well as a feeling of both reality and unreality. There is also something about the atmosphere that causes me to think and question on how much is real and how much is fake. I also am getting a vibe of comparison and deprecation of how much David Lazar feels responsible for what had happened to Duck. 

This was given for review

4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)