The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

 

Summary (from the publisher): Sam Hill always saw the world through different eyes. Born with red pupils, he was called “Devil Boy” or Sam “Hell” by his classmates; “God’s will” is what his mother called his ocular albinism. Her words were of little comfort, but Sam persevered, buoyed by his mother’s devout faith, his father’s practical wisdom, and his two other misfit friends.

Sam believed it was God who sent Ernie Cantwell, the only African American kid in his class, to be the friend he so desperately needed. And that it was God’s idea for Mickie Kennedy to storm into Our Lady of Mercy like a tornado, uprooting every rule Sam had been taught about boys and girls.

Forty years later, Sam, a small-town eye doctor, is no longer certain anything was by design—especially not the tragedy that caused him to turn his back on his friends, his hometown, and the life he’d always known. Running from the pain, eyes closed, served little purpose. Now, as he looks back on his life, Sam embarks on a journey that will take him halfway around the world. This time, his eyes are wide open — bringing into clear view what changed him, defined him, and made him so afraid, until he can finally see what truly matters.

Review: Sam Hill is born with ocular albinism. Despite every other advantage, it is his red pupils that define him as he goes through the world. While he has two loving and fiercely devoted parents, he is seen as different and bullied at his Catholic school. While ostracized by most of his peers, he finds one friend in Ernie Cantwell, the only black kid in his class. And later in Mickie Kennedy, who seeks refuge in his happy home to avoid the alcoholism in her own. Sam grows up to be an ophthalmologist but has spent years running from the pain he has suffered over the years. In telling his story, he finally finds what he needs to move on and move forward with his life. 

What a novel. A beautiful coming of age story set in the 1960s. I read over one hundred books last year and I don't remember a single one making me cry. Yet I teared up multiple times reading this book. It turns out watching a small boy being picked on and mistreated at school is a real trigger for me. Despite the hard to read scenes, there are so many beautiful moments in this book. Sam could not have been blessed with more wonderful parents. Or better friends than Ernie and Mickie. Sam is such a tremendously likeable character. He is so steadfast and good; despite all he endures. It's hard not to root for him. I just wanted to hug him. 

This reminded me a great deal of a John Irving novel. I was totally absorbed in it. I was surprised at some of the choices the author made in how this novel concluded and didn't love all of them. And was also somewhat surprised at how prominent the Catholic faith becomes for Sam in the end, although it did make sense given how devout his mother was. This doesn't have a perfect, fairy tale ending, but it feels like the perfect ending for Sam Hill. I was surprised how much I ended up enjoying this novel and was sad for it to end. One of my favorites so far this year. 

Stars: 5