'Death of a salesman' by Arthur Miller

—BUS RIDING BOOKS—
‘Death of a salesman’ by Arthur Miller
Here is my review of the book...

My eldest brother recommended I read this book as I was looking for a piece centered around a dad – an inspiring one if possible. I was not disappointed, even though Willy Loman is not exactly what you would call a picture perfect daddy.

Willy Loman is a salesman driving around the US to make commissions and support his family. But times are tough, he’s not getting any younger (63) and sales are falling. What’s more: he keeps crashing his car as he can’t keep his mind at it (how anyone driving 700 miles a week could?) and allegedly tries to kill himself.

Work and family life are all interconnected and when Willy wants to stop the “road business” to work in an office in New York or Boston, it turns out such a move is not easy, even for someone who has put 34 years into a company.

In the end, there is no surprise and the title proves true: Willy dies. And when a salesman dies, hundreds of “buyer friends” are expected to come to the funeral. Not this time though: there are not many people around; not many buyers, even less friends.

What I liked the most is the rising tension throughout the play. There is lots of it, like in a Hitchcock movie. Plus, it gives a warning or two about signing your life away for your job, even if it is to live the American Dream. Or any other dream as a matter of fact because dreams can sometimes proves elusive...

Good night and keep up the good work!