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Born in the English Midlands, I ended up in the Spanish mountains, where my mind explores stories of who we are and might be. My cottage's bookshelves mix together Ursula Le Guin, Alan Watts, Philip K. Dick, Vonnegut and Kafka, Patrick O’Brian, Camus and Elmore Leonard, Margaret Atwood, Tolkien, Tim Powers, Graham Greene and modern science.
I had always wanted to write a story called “The Man Who... Something Or Other”. It’s an open invitation to be inventive. I wonder if you know “The Man Who Was Thursday” by GK Chesterton, “The Man Who Didn't Exist” by Geoffrey Homes, or the Coen brothers’ noir movie “The Man Who Wasn’t There”? I love those titles.
The Man Who Died is a bit of fun I had speculating with the idea of medical science extending human life to the point where death was no longer necessary. Once immortality was achieved, the challenge might then centre on mortality. It took just one more step to imagine a community where an insurance company has death made illegal, so that it doesn’t have to pay out. And who would want to die anyhow? Well, there’s always one… So it became a kind of murder mystery where the death hasn’t happened yet and the question is to identify the victim.
Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite
In The Man Who Died, Guy Arthur Simpson presents a gripping tale set in a futuristic colony where death is illegal and eternal existence takes precedence over personal autonomy. The story follows Professor Mo Gudmundson, a disgruntled medical consultant who, tired of monotony, stops paying his insurance premiums. This leads him to work off his debts at the hospital where he is connected to the operating system and tasked with menial duties. Amidst this, a waiter is arrested for attempting to sell an antique handgun, raising alarm about potential murder in the colony. Despite citizens showing no criminal intent, psychological scans indicate a troubling 33.5% chance of an unusual death. The gun incident stirs unsettling thoughts among residents about murder as a means of escape from their endless existence. As Dr. Judith Waugh investigates, the narrative unfolds with ethical dilemmas, prompting readers to consider deep questions about mortality, freedom, and human nature. The blend of suspense and reflection captivates as the story reveals this unsettling yet intriguing world.
What I particularly appreciated about The Man Who Died is its depth and subtlety. Characters like Mo Gudmundson and Judith Waugh are fully fleshed out and relatable, despite the otherworldly context. Mo’s gruff exterior belies a poignant struggle against the tedium of eternal life, while Judith’s moral dilemmas add complexity to her character. The pacing is deliberate, allowing ample time to explore the colony's intricacies while gradually building tension. Action is used sparingly yet effectively, emphasizing key plot points and character motivations. One particularly intense moment occurs when Judith confronts Mo with the gun in the laundry room, making their climactic encounter unforgettable. The themes resonate on multiple levels, delving into the psychological and societal ramifications of immortality. Guy Arthur Simpson's writing style is sharp, infused with dry humor, and the vivid world-building brings the colony to life. This book strikes a rare balance between entertainment and intellectual engagement—definitely a worthwhile read.
