Self-Portrait of a Dying Man

When the Angel of Death informs Margold James that he has six months to live, he believes that Death is a manifestation of guilt for the wrongs he has done in the world. He sets out to atone.

But he finds forgiveness to be a rare thing. Perhaps atonement can be achieved instead through hallucinogenic drugs, or through grievous physical pain. He takes peyote and magic mushrooms. He has himself suspended by the flesh.

At the same time, he considers how he would like to be remembered. He decides to paint a series of self-portraits. Works of himself, by himself, that he hopes will ease his family’s grief.

Atonement, however, is elusive, and Death is an unrelenting SOB.

Self-portrait of a Dying Man: a thought-provoking, funny, and poignant novel that would be appreciated more by those over forty.