Ambrose Zephyr lives a simple life with the woman he loves, his endearing wife Zappora Ashkenazi, better known as Zipper. Although they have chosen not to have any children, their lives are so complete due to their flourishing careers in London that they want for nothing. From their daily routines to the unforgettable moments secretly shared, their existence is intertwined into a relationship that balances love with respect. Neither can remember what life was like before the other entered into their realm of being. As if they have transcended to another time, together they embark wholeheartedly on a whirlwind adventure most commonly referred to as life. As if the clock struck twelve and their stagecoach has suddenly turned into a pumpkin, they are dealt an unforeseeable blow when Zephyr is given only a month or less to live. With no explanation or cure to rescue him from the abyss, the fifty year old Zephyr chooses to turn his nightmare into a sort of rediscovery as he envisions a pilgrimage to places unknown from A to Z with his forever companion, Zipper, by his side. As they rediscover the fruits of their marriage and dip into the very core of their souls, together they come to grips with the cards that were cruelly dealt and choose to bravely face this unimaginable injustice hand in hand as they always have in the past and will always do in the future until they will one day meet again.
Rarely does a short novel have such a profound impact on its reader as does THE END OF THE ALPHABET. CS Richardson meticulously chooses each word on every page as he masterly tells a story that inevitably makes the reader examine his or her own life while putting into perspective what matters most. The strength in his craft transforms this unpretentious tale into a story that will certainly move mountains. Thought-provoking and tenderly written. Richardson's entrΓ©e into the world of fiction is priceless.
This review is from the hardback edition.
Ambrose Zephyr is a contented man. He shares a book-laden
Victorian house with his loving wife, Zipper. He owns two
suits, one of which he was married in. He is a courageous
eater, save brussel sprouts. His knowledge of wine is vague
and best defined as Napa, good; Australian, better; French,
better still. Kir royale is his drink of occasion. For an
Englishman he makes a poor cup of tea. He believes women are
quantifiably wiser than men, and would never give Zipper the
slightest reason to mistrust him or question his love.
Zipper simply describes Ambrose as the only man she has ever
loved. Without adjustment.Then, just as he is
turning fifty, Ambrose is told by his doctor that he has one
month to live. Reeling from the news, he and Zipper embark
on a whirlwind expedition to the places he has most loved or
has always longed to visit, from A to Z, Amsterdam to
Zanzibar. As they travel to Italian piazzas, Turkish baths,
and other romantic destinations, all beautifully evoked by
the author, Zipper struggles to deal with the grand
unfairness of their circumstances as she buoys Ambrose with
her gentle affection and humor. Meanwhile, Ambrose reflects
on his life, one well lived, and comes to understand that
death, like life, will be made bearable by the strength and
grace of their devotion. Richardsonβs lovely prose
comes alive with an honesty and intensity that will leave
you breathless and inspired by the simple beauty and power
of love. The End of the Alphabet is a timeless,
resonant exploration of the nature of love, loss, and life.
No excerpt available.
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