THE LIGHTS AROUND THE SHORE

A grumpy senior goes on an irreverent spiritual journey following a near-death experience.

Charlie Messina, 75 and called a curmudgeon by his family “when they’re being nice,” is tired of feeling like he sees the world through a veil, which he attributes to being born with a caul. When a heart arrhythmia lands him in the hospital, Charlie wakes up claiming he had a vision of Saint Augustine; his deceased daughter, Joni; and a fat dog named Dumbass. Shortly thereafter, his wife, Sarah, dies, and Charlie embarks on a journey to Florida with his best frenemy, Mason. After several months of life in the Sunshine State, he awakens in the hospital to discover that none of this happened, and he has been in a coma for two and a half days. While trying to reassure his family that he isn’t crazy, Charlie now believes he’s in a parallel time, and he uses this new understanding to break through the veils of anger and aloofness holding him back. Along the way, he bonds with Manny, a teenager working at a gas station, Joey, a young boy on Cape Cod, Sarah, his sons, grandchildren, and his fat dog, Dumbass, who’s only visible to children. This is a vivid, life-affirming story, but the character of Charlie provides enough salt to keep it from being too saccharine. The entire tale relies on Charlie, and Lewis characterizes him brilliantly. The protagonist is deeply sad, but vibrant, with a distinctive voice that lifts off the page, providing much needed humor. (“What the hell is a Buckyfest? An orthodontist convention?”) The point of view shifts as Charlie steps through more veils to fully connect with the people he loves—an effective storytelling device.

A soulful, satisfying book perfect for readers who enjoy charming old cranks.