Four Minutes to Save a Life

by Anna Stuart

There's always time to help out a stranger...isisn't there?

Supermarket delivery driver Charlie enjoys his new job because he doesn't have to spend too long with people, who, he's found, are nothing but trouble. But when he's assigned the Hope Row street, he realises there are a lot of lonely people out there - and for some, he's their only interaction.

The supermarket boss tells Charlie he's a driver, not a social worker - but Charlie can't abandon the Hope Row residents and he sets about trying to draw them out of their shells and back into the world. But will his helping hand make everything worse?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2020

About the author

I wanted to be an author from the moment I could pick up a pen and was writing boarding-school novels by the age of nine. I made the early mistake of thinking I ought to get a ‘proper job’ and went into Factory Planning – a career that gave me some wonderful experiences, amazing friends and even a fantastic husband, but didn’t offer much creative scope. So when I stopped to have children I took the chance to start the ‘improper job’ of writing. During the baby years I wrote in the brief gaps provided by sleeps, playschools and obliging grandparents, publishing short stories and serials in all the women’s magazines.

But my ultimate aim was to write longer fiction and several years ago I published a series of successful historical novels under the pseudonym Joanna Courtney. I will continue to publish under that name but am delighted, as Anna Stuart, to also be able to write contemporary fiction. Bonnie and Stan is a true to life romance set in both the present day and sixties Liverpool and Four Minutes to Save a Life is a domestic drama about how small acts of kindness might just change the world!

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the ridicule of his parents and siblings, Charlie has taken on a job as a supermarket delivery driver for a firm named Turners. But Charlie has a secret and guilt in his life that he is running from. His new job means he doesn’t have to spend long with each person. According to his supervisor, four minutes is long enough to deliver, unpack and be on the move again. Charlie is assigned Hope Street. He recognises one of the names of the people who live on this street. It seems hope Street has more than one lonely person. For some Charlie is the only person they will see each day. Faced with these lonely people and wanting a way to try and make amends for his own past, Charlie tries to lend a helping hand. But could he actually be making things worse?
I admit I bought this because it was billed as ‘a feel good story that will make you laugh and cry.’ Given the current world situation this seemed like a good option. For a feel good read however, there are a number of dark themes covered. Charlie comes into close contact with three people in particular who live on Hope Street. Vik is mourning the death of his wife and a son who no longer comes to visit. Ruth is mourning the death of her daughter and the break-up of her marriage. Greg’s body has been mangled by an accident, leaving him disabled.
While the story covers dark issues, it is not without moments of joy and laughter. But there are also moments that, if you are anything like me, will reduce you to tears. The characters were all well developed and easily drew me into the story. Charlie’s intentions are good and when his background story is revealed, it is heartbreaking. Of course no story would be complete without a villain. And there is certainly at least one who is easy to dislike.
This is a poignant tale of mistakes, guilt, grief, love, small acts of kindness, loss and forgiveness. Perhaps the end seemed a little rushed and a tad too easy resolved. But overall, I really enjoyed this story and would definitely recommend it. This was my first book by this author and I would be keen to read another.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Bonnie and Stan the author’s previous book, and hoped I’d enjoy this book just as much. Well this was such a fabulous read, I knew right from the first few words that I was going to enjoy it.

I loved Charlie as soon as I met him and loved going out on deliveries with him to meet some of the residents of Hope Street. He enjoys meeting Vik, grieving for his late wife Nika, Greg a disabled travel blogger and Ruth an alcoholic electrician. He’s been told he’s only got four minutes to deliver their shopping, but as he gets to know them, he wants to spend more time getting to know them and helping them.

This was a beautifully written story about different people living solitary lives in the same street. About how one delivery driver tries to help them make sense of their lives by being a link between them. Although it sounds like it could be a tough read, it’s not at all and made me laugh at times, as well as well up. It’s a book full of hope, smiles and almost a few tears. A really lovely read that makes Anna Stuart a new favourite author.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and cannot recommend it enough for lovers of contemporary fiction.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Trapeze for my digital copy.

[Lel Budge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart…..I love this book.

Charlie starts his new job as a supermarket delivery driver and on his first round, he recognises a name. Someone from his past and it’s time for him to make amends.

On his round he meets, Ruth a borderline alcoholic who is grieving a marriage breakup and misses her daughter. Greg, disabled by a horrific accident and an online inspiration but also lonely and Vikram, mourning the death of his wife, estranged from his son but cooks meals every Friday, hoping if he keeps cooking he will come.

Charlie has his secrets, but he is such a lovely soul, he manages to introduce these lonely people to each other and things start to brighten until secrets come to light…

I can’t say too much for fear of spoiling this truly emotional tale but it is a real tearjerker in so many ways. It’s also very timely as it deals with depression, loneliness, grief and guilt and how small acts of kindness can make such a huge difference to people.

I fell in love with all the characters and Vik’s cooking sounded absolutely delicious and the friendships so heartwarming. If you need a little warm hug of a read then this is just perfect, but have some tissues to hand as there will be tears.

Thank you to Tracy and Compulsive Readers for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

[alina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel a bit bad giving this book such a low rating because it’s not the worst book I’ve ever read, but I didn’t really enjoy it. the concept and the plot are nice, and I liked the sound of the synopsis when it came up as a kindle deal but I think deciding that it would suit me was probably a bit of a misjudgement on my part. ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ and all that...but I did look at the cover before spending my 99p and think twice because it looked like the sort of book that 54 year old karen would pick up in the airport newsagents before jetting off to spain. and unfortunately that is precisely how I would describe this book. I don’t think I’m in the target audience really. anyway, as I said, the story was relatively charming in its own way but the characterisation was pretty bad; each character was supposedly markedly different from the others but they all spoke in exactly the same way and used the same language and phrasing. honestly, if I had to read the words ‘frigging’/‘frig’ or ‘bonkers’ so many times in another book, I’d take inspiration from charlie and throw it onto a bonfire. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters and nothing about them gripped me. there was a lot of cliché, a lot of stereotyping (nice token tiny lesbian with rainbow hair who is actually very STRONG and knows about ENGINES), a three year old who somehow speaks like a ten year old, predictable plot twists (although I didn’t see the Turner’s one coming) and unrealistic fluffiness (all it took was a suicide attempt to emotionally transform charlie’s cold and neglectful parents...if only real life was like that!). I’m not bothered because it is what it is. this book will make a lot of other people happy, but I personally found it to be milquetoast

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now an then I request a book on Netgalley purely on impulse, I can't recall what it was that made me click for details, let alone request it, but what I can say is I' incredibly happy that I did.

This book was definitely and published before the Covd 19 crisis escalated like it has done, and yet this seems like such a timely and apt moment for our current situation.

For its a story where the main character and link between the other threads is a supermarket delivery driver, he has to be in and out of each house within 4 mins and he is continually told that he is a driver and not a social worker.

Yet Charlie is also aware that for some of his regulars, that he is their only contact during the week, and that a few on his route are almost certainly lonely, and rarely get out - and if that doesn't sound familiar at the moment for some groups of people then i don't know what will.

It is an incredibly heartwarming, and inspirational story, of how you can touch and impact other people's lives even if you barely know them. What is obvious from the outset, is that he has some sort of previous connection to someone on Hope Row.

The revelation of who and how completely took me by surprise, although it is so cleverly written that I did wonder just how busy Charlie had been the previous year.

The three regulars he is most interested in are Vik, who makes wonderful curries for a weekly family meal, Ruth, who drinks too much, and Greg who is an inspirational blogger, but grumpy git in private. I think I can say that all three of them are grieving, either a person or who they previously were,

This may be the fist book I've read by Anna Stuart, but I'm certain it won't be my last, as she has a wonderful storytelling ability.

It's a powerful read and a book that will slowly seep under your skin, until you can't stop thinking about the characters and how they are getting on.

Thank you to Netgalley and Trapeze for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Honestmamreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a heart-warming tale of how friendship and being kind can have a great effect on people. It highlights a lot about mental health, and how people cope differently with stresses of life.

The opening chapter is of Charlie supposedly burning all his belongings and starting afresh.

On his first day at his new job as a delivery driver he hints that his family thinks he will fail, like always. What happened to Charlie who is nearly 30 years old, that made him a failure and want to start again? We join Charlie on his journey and along the way we get to delve into the lives of some of his customers on his round.

We meet Ruth, who is forever collecting broken electrical items from the skip to repair them. Vik, who cooks curries every Friday. And, who has recently become widowed. Then there’s Greg, who has hit on instant fame through his blog about travelling and adventuring, despite being disabled.

Everytime Charlie turns up at their door to deliver their groceries, we get to delve a little deeper into their lives. As Charlie’s boss has said, each delivery should only take four minutes.

So, how much can we learn about someone in four minutes? Pick this book up and you’ll learn a whole lot about each character. It will make you stop and think about people you come across in your lives, how well do we know the people around us?

This is such an easy read of a book, but it does pack a punch. The subject matter behind it is very powerful.

[Amy Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful story about how the simplest things can bring people together. I also loved the twist at the end

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book… it’s so difficult to review it without spoiling the story for others, but I thought it was simply wonderful. I unfailingly enjoy ensemble pieces like this one – although perhaps it’s wrong to call it that, as the only early link between its cast of characters is Charlie, the supermarket delivery driver. We know at outset that Charlie’s had a troubled past, a history that’s slowly revealed – when he’s not too keen on the company of others, his new job is pretty much ideal with its permitted four minutes for each delivery. But, despite himself, Charlie can’t help but get involved with the lonely people he delivers groceries to on Hope Street.

There’s Ruth with her three bottles of vodka a week (but just one in her supermarket delivery), her kitchen surfaces covered with electrical items collected from the tip that she brings home to repair, and a real depth of sadness; grandfather Vik, recently widowed, cooks sumptuous meals every Friday for a family who never visit; Greg writes a successful blog, nominated for a prestigious award, on travel possibilities for people with disabilities. The thing they share is loneliness, and their personal stories gradually become clearer – and Charlie just wants to do what he can to make their lives better.

And that’s not the whole cast – Charlie’s also part of a delivery team, and works out of a depot where he needs to interact with “the management” and the other drivers. They’re all equally wonderfully drawn – the less than conventional mother-to-be, the cocky one who’s out to get him for stealing his delivery route, the team that loads the vans, the manager with his clipboard enforcing the rules.

The writing is outstanding – it’s a story that had the potential to be rather flat and depressing, but the author brings a real depth and complexity to the characters and involves you, heart and soul, in their lives. There are times when it’s so joyful it makes your heart sing, other moments when you ache inside – you find yourself welling up about life’s injustices, at the capacity for human kindness, the profound impact the smallest of interventions can have on the lives of others. As well as the exceptional warmth, there’s humour too – and a real lightness of touch about the most serious of issues, never inappropriate, perfectly judged. The pace increases considerably towards the end – a mystery that we’re always aware of plays out with tension and real drama, superbly handled, so very well done.

Although this isn’t a story that pulls any punches over issues some might find uncomfortable at times, it’s quite gloriously hopeful and uplifting – the depression, loneliness and guilt is beautifully balanced by love, kindness, forgiveness, new possibilities and the shining light of hope, and I adored every moment. I read this book in a single sitting – there was just no way I could walk away from those characters until the story reached its end. And then I’ll admit I felt quite bereft – these people had become my friends, so real that I felt entirely invested in their lives and futures. Don’t miss this book – it’s something very special indeed, and I absolutely loved it.

[Granthana Sinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Minutes To Save A Life by Anna Stuart

📓Genre: Emotional Fiction
     Star: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠(4.1)

🔖It was the title of this book that raised my initial curiosity & made me want to give it a read.
🔖The story centers around a delivery driver named Charlie, who never imagines how his life might alter when he is assigned to deliver purchases to the people of Hope Street.
🔖As per his boss at the supermarket, since four minutes should suffice to complete each delivery ― that's about all the time Charlie gets to interact with each customer.
🔖Running from his own past demons, he develops a connection unlike any other he has known or expected, as he gradually understands the silent sufferings of loneliness, pain, guilt & crushed hopes of his customers, leading him to believe that he's probably the only one who can reach out & save them.
🔖The story is a heartfelt account that beautifully unfolds the life stories of the different residents of Hope Street.
🔖With Charlie, the readers are taken on an emotional journey of understanding varied human emotions. It talks about how, sometimes, a little positivity is all we need to break through the darkest clouds, making this story ― one of hope & healing.
🔖Overall, with good back stories & believable characters, it's a really nice book.

🔸Final Verdict: Good
🔸Book Cover: Bright
🔸Writing Style: Simplistic, inspiring
🔸Character Development: Good.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four minutes is not long to save or even change a life, but it is all Charlie Sparrow, the newest delivery driver with Turner’s Supermarkets, is meant to spend with each customer. Charlie is a man with a huge secret or two, but when he gets the orders to venture into Hope Street, he soon realises that he is going to be challenged in lots of ways. This is a book of enormous humanity and the real power of friendship. As Charlie enters houses with people’s mundane groceries, he also enters the lives of the lonely and isolated for a few brief moments a week. Not that even that insight is guaranteed, as the scheming Ryan is on the case.

This is a skilfully written book about the big secrets a person can hide, but also how a small moment of conversation and genuine interest can make all the difference. It is a sad comment of how isolated people can be, but also how hope can help. Anna Stuart has created characters with real depth and integrity as well as sadness, and I found this a really uplifting book about how caring people can be with a little encouragement. I am really grateful to have had the opportunity to read and review a copy of this book.

The Prologue of this book shows Charlie making a bonfire of the things that he feels have contributed to his current sadness. His books and even passport are to be destroyed in order to make himself Charlie Sparrow - “a little dull, a little ordinary but, pray God, harmless”. Week One off the book shows him signing in as a delivery driver and meeting Bri, who is very welcoming. Soon he is heading out with a van of deliveries, nervously anticipating meeting the people on his list. Vikram is making curries in hope rather than anticipation. He gets excited by the visit, as he realises that his only other company is an elderly tortoise called Rickets now that his beloved wife is no longer there. The second visit is Ruth Madison, who is engaged in fixing a food processor. Not that she knows what she is going to do with it, but she feels compelled to fix things as it least it temporarily distracts her from the sense of loss that follows her. Charlie understands and indeed is interested in the jigsaws she also completes. Another visit is to Greg, as he consults his social media accounts and his “Inspirational” reputation. Following a terrible accident he has lived a changed life in an adapted house with few or no real visitors. His frequent trips have made him a star on twitter, but his bitterness strikes Charlie as he carefully delivers the groceries.

Despite the subject of this book, there is an underlying humour which emerges from the dialogue and other events which helps to maintain hope. I found Charlie an intriguing and fascinating character, whose life has obviously taken a difficult turn. His evident guilt is always threatening to overwhelm him, but he finds space to try to make a difference. I found the twists and revelations in this book moving and effective, and well within the range of reality. This is a really well written book that deserves to do really well, and I recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary insights into lives that many lead.

[Polly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through the mundane activity of having a weekly food shop delivered, this book casts a light on how the smallest of gestures can have the biggest of impacts. If there were ever a time to take a minute (or five hundred) to truly appreciate the work that our delivery drivers do, well, a pandemic is most certainly it.

I really liked the premise of this book. It made me think about the unexpected roles people can play in our lives and how even a brief interaction can re-frame the things that bring us pain. The sad truth is, however, that this isolation is very real and it is something that has only been acerbated by Covid-19. Whether it’s a delivery driver for Tesco’s or a customer support executive for Trainline, often this interaction is the only conversation many people will have for entire weeks. As such, Anna Stuart has created some very believable characters that all deal with their loneliness in different ways.

Although this title has been promoted as a “heartwarming” read by several Goodreads reviewers, I do have to question whether these people have read an entirely different book to me. This title absolutely oozes with pathos; so much so, I had to put it down once or twice from crying too much. It certainly did not make me laugh. Though this is no bad thing, I do have to disclaim that this is not a “feel good” book, no matter what its cute cover and promotions might make you think. This is a book about serious mental health issues and the touching moments that can come dispersed in-between them. The pace of this title is necessarily slow and, at times, it is repetitive. The change in perspectives became a little monotonous and I think, selfishly, I could have done with an emotional break from the onslaught of tortured thoughts.

This title skilfully brings to life all those mental health campaigns that state a simple ‘how’re you doing?’ can be enough to disrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts. Let us not forget our compassion and empathy in these troubled times. In the midst of a global pandemic, this discussion of loneliness amongst society’s most vulnerable is evermore important.

Read my full review here: https://wherepollywanders.wordpress.c...

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Minutes to Save a Life is a beautiful story that pulls on your heartstrings throughout. As the story unfolds you get to know Charlie who has just started delivering groceries and what has lead him to this point in his life.

Whilst delivering groceries Charlie encounters people who as the story progresses you grow to love and whose insecurities and isolation begins to become apparent as well as what has lead them to the points they are at in their lives. This story demonstrates the impact of loneliness and how relationships grow with nurturing and time as Charlie realises four minutes will never been enough.

I loved this book it touches on depression, alcoholism and the powers of social media which are all massive influences in todays society. Anna Stuart has a wonderful way with words and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie needed to start a new life, so he changed his surname to Sparrow, burned all of his possessions and starts a new job as a delivery driver for a large supermarket. His round includes Hope Street, where he recognises one of the names on the list of deliveries - he is desperate to make amends with this person. But he also finds that some of the other residents may profit from a little help. But can he change anything when he only has 4 minutes pro delivery? And why does he want to change things at all?

This was an absolutely uplifting, charming and touching book with some twists that I didn't see coming and that I enjoyed immensely - I do love a book that succeeds to surprise me. Judging the story on its cover I was expecting it to be much more light - hearted, it turned out to be much darker and touching and about heavier issues than I have expected but I loved those elements of this tale.

The characters are all so different but they all have troubles, problems and are not flawless, and thanks to this fact I quickly got the feeling that they're believable and relatable. They all felt so human and true to life, with Vik and his cooking, Ruth and her mending, Greg and his honesty and Charlie with his huge, huge heart. The more I read about them, the more involved in their lives I was and I fell for them all, for their loneliness, their sadness and hope that Charlie was giving them. There was this "something" in Charlie that has made him a perfect leading character, and the way the author has written him was brilliant. There was a feeling of mystery around him, and the build - up to the reveal has showed his character as a reasonable, responsible, lovely soul who couldn't forget what has happened, who felt so guilty and this guilt was killing him inside but you were also able to see that he tries so much to somehow atone - he doesn't want to forget, he simply tries to start living again, without guiltiness, which he deserved, in my humble opinion.
I was desperate to know who it is that Charlie was so desperate to help and why, and even though the group of characters is rather a small one, I didn't guess it, as well as the reasons - it was really cleverly and well plotted.

I really liked the way the story was developing and it was totally not obvious. I really wasn't sure in which direction the author is going to take us, I couldn't tell where the book is leading us, and it was great. Anna Stuart has a great way with words and is a truly great story - teller, delivering us a tale like a rollercoaster ride filled with feelings and emotions. And even though it's so emotional and full of serious topics, I still found it a light - hearted and easy read that left me feel so satisfied at the end. I sometimes found it a bit too dragging on, and the end felt too rushed but other than that it was a lovely read that had me invested in the characters' lives.

Altogether "Four Minutes to Save a Life" was such a lovely emotional tale that dealt with many heavier issues, such as depression, suicide, grief, feeling guilty, broken family relationships, in such a gentle and careful way. The small acts of kindness are so cheerful, they can truly brighten up your mood, especially when you see how huge a difference they can make to people. It was a warm book about friendship and forgiveness that felt like a warm blanket on a cold winter night. Hugely recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These days more people than ever are getting home deliveries of their weekly shop and I’m sure for many people the few minutes they spend chatting with the driver brightens their day. For some people, the delivery driver may be the only person they see and talk to each week. This is the story of Charlie, a delivery driver for Turner’s Supermarket, and the story of some of the people he delivers to.

It is clear from the beginning that some traumatic event in his past has hugely affected Charlie. He is obviously a caring person, even though his parents and siblings have derided him for this. He can’t switch off that caring even when he takes what he expects to be a mundane job as a supermarket delivery driver. The target for delivery drivers is to complete each delivery in just four minutes.

There are three customers in particular who get under his skin and whose situations touch him. There is Vik who is widowed and cooks every week for his son and family who never come. Ruth is an alcoholic who has suffered a huge loss. Greg suffered terrible injuries but through his travel blog has became well known and is considered inspirational, though he doesn’t see it that way. Over the course of four weeks, Charlie gets to know these lonely people who are all grieving different kinds of losses. His caring nature comes to the fore and we see the ripple effect of his small, kind actions.

I don’t want to say much more about this beautifully written book as I really want you to discover it for yourself. It is about being kind to yourself as well as others and how the smallest of kindnesses can make the biggest of differences. It broke my heart and put it back together several times. I utterly adore all the characters and loved the book from the first page to the last. Four Minutes to Save a Life will definitely be on my top reads list this year!

[Caroline D’cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four minutes to save a life is a very easy, quick to read book with a simple and an well written plot. The story tells us about Charlie who is a supermarket delivery driver and who has 4 minutes to deliver and who is told repeatedly by his boss that he is a delivery driver not a social worker. But when Charlie is assigned Hope Row Street, he knows that he is the only contact during the week, to a few of his regular  customers like Vik, Greg and Ruth who are lonely and battling with the events of their past life. And charlie who is struggling to overcome his own past is unable to abandon these residents of Hope street and is all out to help them with a plan that will bring them together and which in return will help them overcome their guilt.

This book is so easy to read yet so heartwarming. The book shows us that four minutes and an simple plan is just enough to bring people together and save a life.  The characters are depressed but still so loving and warm that all you can do is love them back. The story touches upon aspect such as friendship, guilt, acceptance and forgiveness. Another strong message that the book gives us is that we shouldn't blame ourselves for things that happen in and around our lives or to a loved one.

According to me, this book is Anna Stuart most underrated book till now and I simple don't know why? I just loved very aspect of this book from the plot to the characters to the writing. But if I have to be true to this review, I would say the only negative I found was that the end for me was a bit chaotic but saying this it still kept me hooked on.

Overall, this was a feel good read and a well recommended one too.

Content warning: Suicide and Death.

[Lel Budge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart…..I love this book.

Charlie starts his new job as a supermarket delivery driver and on his first round, he recognises a name. Someone from his past and it’s time for him to make amends.

On his round he meets, Ruth a borderline alcoholic who is grieving a marriage breakup and misses her daughter. Greg, disabled by a horrific accident is an online inspiration but also lonely and Vikram, mourning the death of his wife, estranged from his son but cooks meals every Friday, hoping if he keeps cooking he will come.

Charlie has his secrets, but he is such a lovely soul, he manages to introduce these lonely people to each other and things start to brighten until secrets come to light…

I can’t say too much for fear of spoiling this truly emotional tale but it is a real tearjerker in so many ways. It’s also very timely as it deals with depression, loneliness, grief and guilt and how small acts of kindness can make such a huge difference to people.

I fell in love with all the characters, Vik’s cooking sounded absolutely delicious and the friendships so heartwarming. If you need a little warm hug of a read then this is just perfect, but have some tissues to hand as there will be tears.

Thank you to The publishers and NetGalley for a free eARC of the beautiful book. This is my honest, unbiased review.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! One truly stunning read I will remember for a very long time. Anna Stuart has a talent. I’m only a few pages in as I first write this and already feel enveloped by a friend. A warmth of writing and characters I’m already taking to. Charlie has just started a new job. He is a delivery driver for a supermarket. On his first day, he receives his list of customers and decides that fate has taken a hand. There is a name on there that he needs to make amends with for something that has happened in the past. Various chapters are new deliveries to each of three characters. Each delivery house has its own story. Charlie is allowed four minutes for each one- long enough for the personal touch and not too long to be inefficient. Clever. Charlie wants to put things right and he begins just doing the little things that seem so obvious to him. At the yard however there is a bully and one who has his sights set on Charlie and has found out his past. I can’t express how much I loved this (but I’ll try!) I really didn’t want it to end. I loved Charlie and his big yet nervous heart. Ruth and her mending. Vik and his curries and of course Greg and his talent with words. anna I salute you. I laughed and yes I cried (a lot). It took me to places I had long forgotten and they were happy tears - thank you. If you read just one book to restore your faith in human nature then this would be the one for me. I award 5** to books that have gone that extra mile- around 10% of the 240 I read a year make the grade. This one deserves 10*.

[Gabi Coatsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel-good read. Each of the characters is suffering alone, and the plot involves one of them bringing the others together to help them heal. It’s not necessarily a believable plot, but I wish such things happened. 🙂

[Ruth Lunde · Rating 5 out of 5]

En fantastisk rørende bok, med et utrolig fint budskap ❤️

[Sara Wojcik · Rating 4 out of 5]

So gently heartwarming

[Jessi Bickerton · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was good!! i think i found a part of the middle slow but then it picked up and got going. great detail in all the characters lives. mega plot twists.

[Rosalind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is about to start his new job as a delivery driver for a local supermarket. Charlie is very nervous about this and about everything. He has a past and is trying to leave his past behind but can he?

Four minutes is the time allowed for each delivery and the book focuses on three different households and their very differing lives and problems.

Charlie wants to help in some way to atone for what he has done.

This is a feel good book, but it is well done and it is about normal people.

Some of the time line of a couple of incidents was a bit off for me, but other than that was a very good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for my ARC in return for an honest review.

[fats · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I don't generally search out books that are character studies more than fast-paced and plot-driven, in general I don't dislike them, unless the characters are too stubbornly stuck in their old ways and take way too long to get their shit together, which is sadly the case in 4MTSAL. A lot of the first part of the book where Charlie meets the 3 residents of Hope Street involves the characters snapping at each other and being grouchy gits, and then incessantly apologising for far too long. I know it's never that simple in real life but as a reader I get very frustrated when the things blocking the characters are stuff that could be resolved with a simple, straight conversation. The ending in general was just a bit too twee and saccharine with everyone getting their happy ending. There were 2 very major things that did bug me in this novel. The first being the revelation of Charlie's true identity- the moment the second character got slightly too angry at the do-gooder who loved to read I immediately knew that Charlie was going to somehow have been responsible for all 3 incidents. I was confused at how bait the author was being- I'm pretty good when it comes to figuring out the plot twists in books, even when I don't get it exactly I always have some sort of inkling. I really can't see how anyone would have failed to reach the same conclusion I did. Upon finishing, while I first assumed that there would be some sort of cliffhanger-type ending with Charlie nursing his guilt over his role in the other 2 incidents, I soon realised that it wasn't the case. I'm assuming that those breadcrumbs (more like entire slices, in fairness) were to try and throw the reader off the scent but it was a bit clumsy, and strange for us to accept that the OT and Vik's wife's carer were just 2 random other blokes that happened to love reading. The second more serious thing is the way depression was addressed. I do seem to remember one of the characters trying to explain how Libby was ill, the way you'd easily accept she was if she had a physical ailment, that her behaviour and eventual suicide was something that wasn't caused by any environmental factors but a diagnosed and treatable illness. The vitriol with which Libby's mother (her name is slipping my mind so entirely rn 🙃 Imma just call her Rose- it was smth like that, right?) reacted to finding out Charlie was her teacher, the way she blamed him so fully and entirely for "putting those ideas in Libby's head", as if he'd groomed her instead of trying to help and soothe a visibly struggling teen the only way he knew how, as if Libby was just impressionable and a chameleon instead of suffering from a severe, untreated mental illness. And it wasn't a knee-jerk reaction and desire to aim the anger at a clear target to try and absolve your own guilt- Rose is so clearly fixated on Libby's teacher and "those fucking books" being the reason for her death. I have no beef with her for not understanding the severity of mental illnesses enough to seek professional, medical help for Libby- God knows how common that is even in today's society. But I really disliked the lack of focus and emphasis on the true nature of mental health.

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four minute To Save a Life has such a dramatic title that I just had to get hold of a copy! And I’m so glad that I did as it was such an uplifting read, full of the sort of human kindness that I wish we could all take time out of our day to sprinkle over everyone we come into contact with. The world would certainly become a better place to live in if we all acted more like Charlie!

When Charlie starts working for a local supermarket as a home delivery driver, he is given the best and easiest route to start with…Hope Street. And as he delivers a variety of different shopping lists to the customers on his route, he becomes an integral part of their lives in ways he could never have imagined.

I adored this book from start to finish! The characters simply came alive as Charlie stepped into their homes to deliver their groceries one at a time, getting to know their stories at the same time us readers did. And each story that unraveled was very different but, strangely, also the same and the addition of Charlie was the catalyst for the change that they needed to make but just didn’t know how to. I was completely gripped by all of their journeys and there was some rather unexpected reveals along the way!

Anna Stuart writes beautifully as she slowly draws her readers into another world-one where people don’t expect anything from anyone anymore. So the small acts of kindness from one man really became the focal point for them to turn their lives around in this truly heartwarming tale. And when things conspire against Charlie and threaten his own happiness, that’s when this book became truly heartbreaking in its honesty and outcomes.

A fabulous feel good read!

[Jessica Ryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarmingly beautiful. Uplit at its finest

This book beautifully portrays Extraordinary human kindness in ordinary circumstances. Every character is so well drawn and my heart was squeezed tight over and over again with the sheer warmth of the story. All the feels and then some - really is a truly uplifting read that's perfect for our times.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really do not get the entire plot of this book and it absolutely makes no sense; how on earth is Charlie to blame for the suicide of Libby and why on earth did he even needed to be found "not guilty". I get parents will grieve and look for blame but the rest of it made no sense; it honestly ruined my enjoyment of the book.

[stephen stephan-jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie

Excellent read quiet touching opens your eye's up to people's struggles in life and also to struggles with mental health.

[Carly Findlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: Suicide alcoholism, ableism

I really enjoyed Four Minutes to Save a Life. I thought it was going to be a light read - but it had very dark themes of suicide, alcoholism, guilt and death. It also showed the difference human contact can make to pulling someone out of loneliness.

Charlie Sparrow is looking to run away from his past. He’s changed careers to be a delivery driver at Turner’s Supermarket, and he gets to spend four minutes per customer. His regular delivery route is Hope Street, and he soon gets to know his customers and befriends them. The supermarket tells him he’s a delivery driver, not a social worker, but Charlie is drawn to the residents of Hope Street.

They all have a story - a difficult past - and all want human connection. I enjoyed how they came to be friends with each other, through Charlie. In those four minutes, Charlie has improved their lives - until some bickering sets in.

I couldn’t make up my mind about the inspiration porn element of the book. Inspiration porn is a term coined by Stella Young - it means the objectification off disabled people for the benefit of non disabled people. Non disabled people often see disabled people as inspiring simply for getting out of bed. You can find out more about inspiration porn here: https://www.ted.com/talks/stella_youn...

The term “Inspiration porn” wasn’t named in the book, but it was hinted at.

Greg, who acquired a disability, has travel a blog. Greg is a wheelchair user. Everyone says he’s inspirational. A famous singer found him and is using him to boost her profile. He brushed off the inspirational label, feeling uncomfortable about it.(This pleased me.) He also has a lot of anger and grief about becoming disabled. Greg’s blog inspires other disabled people, which I think a good thing.

Greg has a catch phrase - “Don’t let disability disable your life”. It’s the Tagline of his blog, and many people tell him this.

When Greg talks of not wanting to be an inspiration, and also the barriers he faces, non disabled people tried to talk him round, to make him see that he is inspiring. This is a clear example of ableism, no matter how well meaning.

Disability isn’t the thing that disables our lives. It’s the barriers and low expectations and discrimination that disables us.

Disability is a part of many people’s identities, and it does define us. That’s ok. We don’t need to pretend our disability doesn’t exist. We aren’t overcoming our bodies. What we are overcoming are the discriminatory barriers (physical, attitudinal and systemic) that are created by society.
I am a disabled person, and don’t exist to inspire - and many other disabled people feel this way too.

Spoiler...
But there is a twist.
Greg is faking his life to develop content for travel blog. He hasn’t left his house for a year. The images of him in exotic locations are photoshopped. And he is found out.

This storyline gives the message that disabled people can be frauds and still get away with it. It also gives the message that it’s ok for non disabled people to tell disabled people how much they inspire them, no matter how uncomfortable it makes them.

The issues of internal and external ableism were present in a Greg’s story.
- Pressure to inspire
- Exploitation by non disabled people.
- Overt discrimination at the airport.
- Low level disability fraud.

While I had hoped this book would be a light read for me, I was interrupted by the complex disability themes - which I thought about far too deeply (as evidenced by this review). These themes can’t be resolved so easily, and I think the plot indicates this was not written by a disabled writer. (I googled and couldn’t determine if Anna is disabled or not.)

I hope other readers will read this storyline with this in mind.

Also, I wondered why I can’t just read a book and not let my own experiences and knowledge of disability (including discrimination, inspiration porn, media involvement etc) change my perception of a book! I just wanted to read this for fun without having so many feelings and writing a thesis.

It was an engaging book. The themes of loneliness and connection made for a very relatable read during stage four lockdown in Melbourne due to Covid-19.

I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was enjoyable. It was a quick read.

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness. I have no idea why this book isn't getting more recognition! If you're looking for an uplifting, feel good tale about redemption and friendship, 𝔽𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕊𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝔸 𝕃𝕚𝕗𝕖 is it.

Supermarket delivery driver Charlie desperately needs help with his own demons. He's always been the joke of his wealthy family, and recently he made a very wrong choice. As a result, Charlie is unable to trust others. That's why he took the job with Turners- the four minute job allocation means that he is unable to make a connection with his customers.

That's until he is allocated Hope Street. There, he meets three residents who are suffering in silence.

In No.80 there is Greg, a disabled travel blogger who has suddenly been thrown into the lime light. Despite being surrounded by people who worship him, Greg is very lonely.

Vik lives in No.95. A year ago, his beloved wife passed away. Ever since, Vik has been grieving and also trying to reach out to his son, Sai. But Sai doesn't seem to want to see or speak to his father.

Finally, there's Ruth in No. 112. Her daughter Libby commited suicide. Ruth is unwilling and unable to face her demons, instead choosing to drink her days away.

Over the next few weeks, Charlie starts to build a rapport with these three and starts meddling. But Charlie's meddling could also mean disaster for him. For Charlie has his own secrets, and Hope Street holds the key.

From the first page, I knew I was onto something special. Most of the characters are likeable, with the exemption of a couple of trouble makers! To be fair, it wouldn't be an interesting book if everyone were the same, would it?

I really loved getting to know everyone in this delightful book!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A supermarket delivery driver realises he’s not just delivering the residents of Hope Street their groceries, but providing them with a friendly face, a link to the outside world and probably the only interaction they have with another person. Never has a book been more apt highlighting what is happening in all our communities at the moment. Charlie, our delivery driver is new to the job, and when given his round on his first day he recognises a name from his past and it’s a person he’s keen to make amends with. Charlie is allowed only four minutes to deliver to each customer, but in those four minutes he manages to change their lives.

This is a heart-warming and feel good read focussing on topics which we tend to brush under the carpet – isolation, grief and mental health issues but also on more positive topics of friendship, love and forgiveness. Charlie is a lovely character and is most certainly the kind of person who you want to be delivering your weekly shop. The other characters all have their own differing issues and problems, and meeting them all makes you realise what people are dealing with behind their own front doors. The author’s writing managed to put a smile on my face and tears to my eyes, all within pages of each other.

A delightful, moving book which captured me from the first few chapters and had plenty of life lessons to learn. Would definitely recommend!