Man Overboard is a novel of reflection on one’s life, prompted by an unexpected circumstance, reminding us we don’t know what tomorrow holds, or if we will even have a tomorrow. 

We are introduced to our protagonist, Patrick ‘Kick’ Kilpatrick as he is treading water in the Gulf of Mexico, wondering how he got there, & why the ship he was on just moments before, sails on without him.

Did he jump or did he fall? Regardless of the answer, Kick spends the better part of 24 hours treading water, working tirelessly to stay alive with every ounce of energy he has. In doing so his life passes before his eyes and he shares it all with us.

Kick questions his life decisions, the relationships he had and has now. He reflects on a life lived with an absentee mother, his sister who gets him and whom he loves (I think) genuinely more than any one else. We learn of the relationship he had with his father, and his thoughtful step mother. 

Man Overboard isn’t about his survival in the water, but more of a psychological reckoning; a mental count of who he is, was and – if somehow blessed with an unlikely rescue   – who he will be. 

Rooney’s story was a transparent look into Kick’s life that I found relatable. It seemed natural for me to think back on my own life and wonder what changes I’d make, if given an opportunity.

Would I make amends where I should? Would those I want to make amends with even want me to do so? Or rather I just move along? Knowing I can’t change the past, how would I live the remainder of my days? Have I learned enough to make sure I live without regrets?

As the reader, we are fortunate in knowing we have that opportunity for reflection and action. But as we read, we don’t know if Kick will have that luxury.

Man Overboard is markedly different from every other novel Kathleen Rooney has published. But in all of them I find joy in her voice. I hear it in all she writes. That genuine and thoughtful voice. The understanding and empathetic voice. It is as witty and knowing as it is clever and thought provoking. 

After I finish a book, I need to give myself a week’s time before rating or reviewing it. Writers go through so much when writing a book, then there’s the publishing process.  It’s a lot. An immediate reaction without thought isn’t (what I would consider) fair.  A numerical rating, no matter what it is, simplifies an extraordinary effort.

Writers don’t deserve that.

So, I am not giving one.  The story was a good one. I felt moments of suspense & genuinely laughed out loud several times. It provoked thoughts of my own life. So, with all that, and Rooney’s voice, I thought it was lovely.

I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did.