This book is much like the high quality whisky Maurice drinks in his 5 toasts...bold, complex, a tad bitter, and makes you catch your breath a bit. 

Many reviews summarize this book as a crotchety old man reminiscing (and sometimes rambling) over his 84 years. Instead I found it to be a beautiful, albeit bittersweet, love letter to a deceased wife and a reverent goodbye to an only son. 

Maurice is flawed and real and also utterly charming. As I got to know him, I felt deeply for him and came to be wholly endeared to him. 

I challenge anyone to read this book and not take stock of your own life. Like Maurice, I’m sure we all find bits of regret, intense love, and ultimately, the complexity of bygone days.