Russell, only son of Jacob and Beryl becomes painfully aware as he grows from childhood to adolescence of his mother's intellectual failings and his father's need to control everyone around him. He makes his escape into a relationship with a beautiful young English girl. They are all set for wedded bliss but Jacob suffers a stroke and is confined to a wheelchair. This is not the life he wants and he begs Russell to help him end it. His son is torn but refuses and Jacob tries to kill himself by a series of increasingly bizarre and desperate methods. Russell is forced to consider a move that might land him in prison.This gripping novel deals with the ramifications of euthanasia and how it impacts on a family nomatter what choices they make. Its theme is topical and though suffused throughout with comedy it is both disturbing and uplifting.