Firmin: Adventures of a Metropolitan Lowlife by Sam Savage

I always read a book with great care not to bend the spine. If I lend a book to a friend or family member I always frown on its return to see the spine and pages creased and disrespected. I like to keep books in good condition and take care of them. I suppose aside from eating the books in the beginning of the story, I am much like Firmin the literary rat who devours words and relishes a great story captured on paper for a lifetime. It is a book with a depressive and lonely undertone and not one who leaves the reader feeling upbeat. It is a cleverly written piece which I hope to pass on to my more open minded friends who appreciate something a bit different. It does take an ounce or two of patience to get into the idea of a rat who reads but he is an endearing little thing who you ultimately grow to like and pity. Firmin articulately observes the society he can never be part of leading a lonely existence of unrequited love, friendship and contact.
I recommend this if you enjoy something a bit different to the norm.