Kevin Kershaw is on the achy side of fifty, divorced, and spends his days processing insurance claims. It's a far cry from the wondrous future he imagined as a teenager.
Then, one random day, as Kevin drifts through his joyless existence, he stumbles upon a shop that defies belief—possibly the last remaining video shop in England. He eventually ventures in and meets the enigmatic shopkeeper, who presents Kevin with a VHS tape.
Curious, Kevin agrees to watch the tape, and then sits in disbelief as the static clears to reveal a bittersweet childhood memory featuring his late mother—one he knows with absolute certainty was never recorded.
That miracle, as Kevin learns, is a membership perk of The Last Stop Video Shop, but it comes with a caveat—watch one tape, and another will appear.
Faced with the impossible, Kevin must decide whether he's willing to replay more haunting moments from his life… or press eject on it altogether.
The Last Stop Video Shop is a poignant, darkly humorous novel about faltering relationships, abandoned dreams, and a man quietly running out of road.
This is a difficult one. The introduction clearly says that this was not going to be the same light read as the others, there are several issues addressed in these pages. I almost put it down a couple of times but glad a stuck with it.
This is very much a typical book by Keith. Not quite as light and fluffy as previous ones, but very much in a similar vein. They’re a quick read and an interesting story but there’s no really deep character or plot analysis. Keith has a particular target audience. Having said that I enjoy his books as in interlude between ‘heavier’ books. I would say it’s an ok read, not one of his best.
The main character takes up the entire story, there isn't much on the side characters as much as other books - but with this one I do not mind. Kev is a seriously flawed man on the brink of giving up on everything in his life. This character is incredibly relatable in so many ways throughout the story, and the growth he has is believable and you are rooting for him at every turn. The secondary characters such as his colleagues, his son, and his dad are highly important towards the way in which the story unfolds. I do wish we got to know more of some of the other characters, but I feel they were all written splendidly.
Storyline:
I have never read a book like this one before. It is nothing spectacular, there are no overly exciting moments, and it doesn't really have a sense of danger like most books I read...saying that I found this one enthralling in its own right. It is a normal story of a middle-aged man going about his life and working out what he wants, but it just strikes all the right chords at every given moment. You go through the highs and low with Kev, and there is that small element of magic in every chapter thanks to the bookshop. My only gripe is wishing that the tapes he watched were slightly more detailed but I am being EXTRA picky.
Pacing/Writing:
The pacing on this one was almost perfect for me, it just flew off the pages without needing to stop, or feeling as if you were pulled in and out of the storyline at different speeds. The writing style was very easy to follow too. One small thing would just be the overuse of certain things like talking about being on the bus almost every chapter in more detail than I feel was needed. Again, I am just being super picky.
Ending:
The ending was great. The twist of Kev being with his mum in a car accident was so unexpected, but makes you look back on the book with another different view that you hadn't really considered the first time around. It was super smart. I also loved the way the last chapter answered any and all questions raised previously.
Emotional impact:
This book was very subtle with the emotions but I still found myself holding my breath at times, welling up randomly when i wasn't entirely sure why, and just sympathising with Kev. I myself have been in the same area he has been and I felt a kinship with both Kev and the story.
Modern excellence.
10/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I did consider DNFing this book more than once but I'm glad I persisted. I enjoyed the wry satire of the insurance office where main character, Kevin, worked in his dead-end job. That and the observations of every day life in the 21st century were the best elements of this book. The video shop where Kevin found he was given mysterious VHS tapes showing key (unrecorded) moments from his life was nicely nostalgic but the device itself which seemed central to the plot was also really quite a minor part of the story. Kevin's (lack of) relationship with his son and constant putting off of doing even the simplest of things to try to fix it was annoying, but I suppose that was part of the point of the story. I'm afraid I also found some of Kevin's ponderings a bit repetitive. But perhaps that's reflective of a typical man going through a mental health crisis. As I said, overall I'm glad I finished this book because it did redeem itself, as did Kevin, and the wrt observations of mundane every day life were well written and relatable.
I think ive read all of Keith's books and everyone is a 5 star. Characters are so well written their outward and inner dialogues are superbly poised especially to men of a certain age. However he is also so good at written women in supporting roles you can tell he asks questions to real people with the experiences he is writing about to get it right.
Especially a subject of despair our main guy Kev feels in this but also the entrapment we all feel in modern life about missed opportunities and trudging through until you cant trudge no more. The fantasy/magic elements are always so well weaved into the moral story and don't detract from the real story they are just perfect plot enhances. Great deal of hope, great deal of warmth and funny real life dialogue makes these book read so well and hard to put down read this one in two sittings.
Hopefully another deeds or Clement book arrives before the summer holidays!
The Author's Note sets out the subject matter quite clearly and it would be easy just to copy that here.
Men of a certain age, those that "spunk forty grand on a classic car", erm yep, will definitely relate to some of this book and the deeper issues covered.
The awkwardness that some of us have in dealing with feelings is dealt with so well, both with compassion and humour. And the tendency to sweat the small stuff, such as office fridge theft (“Isn’t Müller a German company?” I remark. “Perhaps someone has a grudge against Germany… or Germans.” “Like who?” “I think Anna from accounts is Polish,” I say with a wry smile. “It was a yoghurt, Kev, not a copy of Mein Kampf.”). Really well done.
There are some alarming comments too, "money is only something you need if you don’t die tomorrow." But maybe that's just me.
Overall a brilliant read, one journey for me, that I defy almost anyone to not nod and think, hmm that's true.
As a man in his 50s having lost my mother just a couple of years ago there was much that rang true in this story. On top of that here were some other elements that also hit home particulalrly the life gets in the way aspect and being emotionally not as open as some people need.
However, please dont think that this is a misery read, far from it. While it does tackle issues such as death, grieving, family problems, divorce, loss and suicidal ideation it is done sensitively and with a fair amount of humour.
The interplay between characters in the office will be familiar for anyone that has worked in an open plan office and the trials and tribulations of food theft and differing opinions.
It is easy to read and thats not a criticism as it flows really well. I never found the story getting stuck in a rut and powered through it in 2 days as i just couldnt leave it alone.
This is the 1st book i have read by the author but it definitely will not be the last.
Thought provoking and searching for unlikely answers
It would be hard to read this book and not find familiarity with one or more episodes in one’s life. There are some harsh realities which we all might have experienced at some time or another, either personally or through a family member or friend.
With the storyline knitting a number of often unpalatable home truths together, if there is a message highlighted by the disparate characters it’s the tragedy of self inflicted personal isolation. As we read on we become aware of the benefits of sharing emotionally and allowing others in, which more often than not results in finding a rewarding and satisfying light at the end of the tunnel.
When our protagonist stumbles upon an old fashioned VHS video rental store and goes within, he's given an opportunity to review many of his biggest life decisions and see how they've shaped who he has become.
As with all Pearson novels, this book is a wonderful combination of time travel-esque concept mixed with modern day, recognisable human characters that you become emotionally invested in.
This books deals with the particularly sensitive topic of male mental health and suicide, and I found that once I'd started reading, I was not only wiping away tears, but I couldn't put the book down until I'd finished it.
An amazing read covering an important topic. Highly recommended.
I loved the characters and I loved the story, but more than that I loved how it handles some really dark and difficult topics. It doesn’t over explain things or try to soften them, it just lets them sit there and be what they are. It feels gritty and properly human.
This is the kind of book that says things men don’t really talk about. Grief, the point of it all, just getting on with life when it feels heavy. It doesn’t try to wrap it up neatly and that’s exactly why it works.
I saw a lot of myself in this. Certain thoughts, reactions, moments. That sense of just carrying on even when things don’t really make sense.
This should be talked about more. Not just as a good book, but as something that actually helps people feel seen.
Another book from Keith Pearson I couldn't put down
I am hooked on these books. They seem so real even though, as always, there is something supernatural going on. This one is, I think, a little darker than most, though all of them have a dark streak. The ending was inevitable from maybe two thirds into the book, but that only made it better for me. Reading this book, like all the others, is a journey from despair to redemption, which is life affirming and deeply satisfying. I'm tempted to say that each book is a morality fable set in the little world of small town England. Thanks Keith.
Another excellent offering from Keith Pearson. A little different from his usual format whilst his style remains very recognisable. Kevin Kershaw, stuck in a rut, as so many of us are. We follow his journey and probably many readers will recognise a little of their own lives whilst keeping Kevin company. I have loved all of Keith's books for different reasons and he delivers yet again. Thanks Keith for dealing with a difficult subject with humour and sensitivity.
Who regrets the decisions that led to the path he has ended up on. Divorced, with an estranged son, a dead end job and no prospects in sight, he happens upon a video store that somehow has memories of past mistakes in his life. This story deals sensitively with depression and suicidal thoughts. There is a happy ending although it comes only after a lot of introspection and the dogged perseverance and Herculean effort of trying to change and do better. More books like this please!
Incredible! If you have ever touched even the outskirts of a character like Kevin then this will resonate in more ways than one. The wondering, the passing of time, the drudgery of everyday, the “what else?” and “what next?” This book will hit deep but in a kind and sensitive way - like a mug of tea or a hug. Different to Keith’s other stories but so vitally important and ultimately uplifting.
This book is for anyone who has lived a slice of life. Most of us reach a point in life where our regrets start to catch up with us. Maybe we don't even understand what we regret, or ought to regret, until our life hits a brick wall and we realize that something has to be done. I saw myself in many of these pages, and in the videos. Maybe there are lessons for me here too. Keith Pearson has written another winner.
This story is so emotionally real, you can really feel it throughout reading the story. It also has humour, but at it's heart is a very strong message about hope. I don't want to write any spoilers, but this book is fantastic. Thank you Keith, you are a legend and incredibly brave. X
Oh I do love reading Mr Pearson's books. They are fantastically written, touching on very real topics, this one in particular, made me shed a few tears, but also made me smile too. I also love the reminiscing in all of the books, the 80's and 90's - such good times!!!
Thank you Mr Pearson, I very much look forward to your 21st book.
As a 52 year old man, I can only say how much this book resonates to my own life. My relationship with my now deceased father, my relationship with my 3 sons, all growing up and turning into young men. It is very touching in some places, humourous throughout the book. Keith has done his usual, in producing a brilliant read.
What a fantastic book Had me laughing and crying 😹 So well written and realistically touched on so many topics Keith your one of the best authors I’ve ever read and can’t wait for your next book I have read every single one of your books and have loved every one of them. Hopefully there will be more related to this one. Keep up the good work.
If you’re a fan of “what if” books or simply enjoy a well told story from a British point of view then this one will fit the bill. Kev is a man with regrets but also hope. Keith A Pearson is a writer with a no nonsense way of building a story. If you enjoy books by Shawn Inmon you’ll like Pearsons style.
Thankyou Keith for taking the time to write this. Such a lovely book, humorous at times, poignant at others. The struggle is real for some men and women as well. Difficult subjects were dealt with kindness and compassion. Really good that there was also a bit at the end for getting help. Enjoyed trading this book immensely.
As others have said this is not a light read. This is the first Keith Pearson book that I have read so I had nothing to rate it against & I must admit I nearly put it down after about 30 pages. It deals with some dark subjects but is definitely worth sticking with, the (anti) hero will be for many very relatable.
The author gives a warning up front that this is going to be a darker, heavier read than his usual fare, and he wasn't kidding. As a man in his 50s myself, there was a lot about Kevin that I could relate to, though I nearly gave up on the story a couple of times because of the mistakes he was making with his adult son.
I’ve loved all of Keith’s books but this one was something very special: I read the whole book in a day and can’t stop thinking about it. All emotionally buttoned down males should read this and think carefully about the underlying theme. Bravo Keith.
I always love everything Keith writes, and this was no exception. It might be my favourite of his books. He pulls no punches with this frank look at middle-aged men and their struggles with their emotions. But luckily, he doesn't shy away from his usual humour, so the lows are balanced out with jokes and joy. As always, a beautifully written story of magic with a huge heart behind it. Loved it.
You've done it again, yes I have to say this one's a bit different, but every bit as good as all the rest, I stumbled across Clement by accident, and read every one after. Keep up the good.....
Hits the spot as Keith’s books always do, however this one reflects deeper personal experiences and weaves a stronger sense of story than previous books. More please !
What a wonderful book a little confusing to start with but settles in to an excellent tail about something you would have never thought of, highly recommended and waiting for the next one - well done Keith
I think I have read all Keith’s books now and love them all, and this is no exception. A book that took me on a personal, memory fuelled journey. Thanks Mr. Pearson!