First published 1973
Howard Baker dies and finds himself in the afterlife, but this isn't the Heaven of golden streets and harp music. Instead, he encounters a place tailored to modern expectations, designed around individual preferences and personal growth. Baker navigates this customized paradise where human relationships flourish and winning seems possible. The setting accommodates contemporary desires rather than traditional religious imagery. As Baker explores his new environment, he discovers what it means to get exactly what you think you want. Frayn crafts a comic exploration of human nature through Baker's posthumous journey, examining how people might actually respond to getting their ideal existence. The story reveals the gap between earthly expectations and spiritual reality, all while maintaining a light touch that makes serious questions feel accessible. Baker's experience becomes a mirror for anyone who has wondered what their perfect world might look like.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, fantasy, contemporary
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
223 pages · Hardcover · Collins