Book Review: Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

The title of this novel comes from a passage in Mark Twain's story where Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn are presumed dead. So begins James Goodhand's colorful book, Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated. Ray "Spike" Thorns spent years working as a caretaker on the grounds of a posh boarding school. Now, he spends his days visiting re-sale shops, picking through trash, and trying to bring life to things that have been tossed aside. This is an apt image for the book, as a whole. Then, Ray's neighbor comes over to warm up because his heat is off. Ray offers him a warm bath while he heads off to pick up some Chinese takeaway, never thinking for a moment the man might experience a medical emergency. When paramedics cart off the dying man, they mistakenly assume it is Ray. It takes some time for Ray to set things right. In that time, we learn Ray's life story and we root him on in his efforts to deal with unexpected and complicated difficulties.

As a writer, I'm always on the hunt for excellent writing. Sometimes I will even read books with cautionary content. Listening to this 2026 Audi Awards Finalist was a delight. The book hooked me with its premise and held me with its promise, in spite of activities and worldviews I don't sanction. Ray is a likeable, if sad, character. He's not convinced his life has held much meaning. Sure, he can repair things, but is that enough? I'm so glad I didn't set this book aside, but plowed through anyway. The payoff was well worth enduring unsavory things.

We all wish to feel like we matter. We crave purpose and fulfillment in our lives. Too often, we underestimate the impact we've made. This is a beautiful book about a man who is mistaken for dead, only to realize that he's forgotten to truly live. His journey to correct the error is a delight! It is a poignant tale of life-shaping losses, enduring influences, and second chances. If only we could all get a glimpse of the way our lives have touched others. It would certainly keep us going. This is a book that sticks with you.

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