BelEdit Book Reviews
The Greatest Possible Good has an intriguing premise: what if we actually lived in such a way as to use our resources for the greatest good? When Arthur Candlewick decides to give away all his money, his family has to deal with the consequences. His acts of generosity may be doing good in the world, but it’s throwing a spanner in the works for them.
And it’s fun watching the drama play out, as the characters adapt, grow, change or resist. Most of them are tossers, to be fair, but there’s good in there too. They are relatable, more or less!
However, as is often the case with thought-experiment novels like this, it’s a bit frustrating. There are no easy answers about how to handle individual wealth (the Candlewicks are well off, but not stinking rich). No easy answers as to how to manage personal wealth in the face of others’ needs, not to mention personal responsibilities. And so there are no ‘answers’ to be found by reading the book. It’s…. conplicated.
Still, it’s a good read, very funny at times, especially the opening pages, which really pulled me in. And if you like novels that get you thinking about big questions or personal ethics, then it’s definitely worth a read.
It didn’t grab me or stay with me enough to warrant 4 stars, but a solid 3.5.
My thanks to the publisher, author and @NetGalley_UK for providing an ARC. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
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