The Coward is Jarred McGinnis’ debut novel, released in 2021. It first made it onto my radar when it was announced as a pick on BBC’s Between The Covers.
I wanted to read the book before I watched the episode where it was featured and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Netgalley.
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Plot
The Coward is part memoir, part fiction and follows Jarred, a man who has recently been in a car crash and is now adjusting to life as a wheelchair user. With nowhere else to go, Jarred is forced to return home to his father who he hasn’t seen for over ten years.
With his life now irrevocably changed, he is forced to confront his past as well as face a future that now looks very different to the one he had hoped for.
The Coward Book Review
This is a gritty and painfully honest read with some difficult subjects covered, such as alcoholism, grief and physical disability. As you would expect this makes it quite a sombre read at times, and yet it somehow manages not to feel depressing.
I actually really liked the character of Jarred. I imagine other readers may have the complete opposite opinion but I do love a flawed character. He’s frustrated and angry at the world but this isn’t surprising when you consider everything he has been through. Jarred is rude, caustic and self-destructive but there’s also goodness in him. He’s very sarcastic and the humour can be quite dark at times, but this was something I actually enjoyed.
The exploration of the relationship between Jarred and his father, Jack, was done really well. It was damaged yet the love was still there. Like Jarred, Jack also has many faults and he was desperately seeking forgiveness. What I found hopeful was despite all that had passed between them, they both deep down still wanted to mend their broken relationship. Both characters were believable and although I was frustrated with both of them, I still rooted for a positive outcome. It perfectly highlighted how grief can manifest in different ways and that progress isn’t always linear. Whether it’s overcoming addiction or learning to ask for help, there may still be setbacks – the important thing is to keep moving forward.
It was definitely an eye-opener when it comes to the treatment of disabled people and gives us a great insight into the life and struggles of a wheelchair user. It highlights how some well-meaning comments can be seen to be patronising or just plain rude. Jarred was so keen to be seen as his own person, not just the guy in the chair.
I ultimately found it to be uplifting and hopeful which you probably wouldn’t expect in a book with such difficult themes. It’s a book that’s full of wisdom and shows how people can change if they try hard enough. I really enjoyed it.
What should I read after The Coward?
If you enjoyed The Coward you may also enjoy Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason. Sorrow and Bliss was also featured on Between the Covers and I felt it had a similar mix of realism and wit. I would also recommend Snowflake by Louise Nealon as that was also an unflinching look at mental health and parent and child relationships.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.