The Urban Hermit [Book Review]

Self-reflection does not seem part to be part of his genetic make-up. Neither is self-pity. Memoir, however, requires a shaped presentation that both dramatizes and makes sense of the murk of life. The narrator usually applies a dual-perspective: a present tense movie of key events and an older, wiser self that reflects on the meaning. Macdonald delivers the action with humor. Yet the “why,” his drinking for example, is barely discussed. Even the food scheme does not make sense. It will take years, not months, to dig out of debt at that rate. The weight loss seems to be mostly a wardrobe annoyance. Many things are unexplored. As memoir, it is not too insightful (or artful). But it is entertaining.

The ending felt a little stretched, and perhaps muddled, by the addition of some extraneous threads. After all the TV ads, do we really need the Men’s Warehouse experience? Still, the story is solid, well paced, and it is good to be reminded that a couple months away from the bar (and drugs) can change your life. And that fun can still be had. Read the book, ignore the advice, and please don’t try any of this at home.

The back flap, unfortunately, shows only the after picture - the slimmed down Sam. For a glimpse of the before and after Macdonald, click here.