Larry’s Kidney

By Daniel Asa Rose
William Morrow, $25.99, 302 pages

Larry’s Kidney is as quirky as the title suggests–the tale of Larry Feldman, sick and needing a new kidney, who, in his rather loopy, fragmented way, somehow convinces his cousin and author Daniel Asa Rose to accompany him to China in search of a new kidney.The trip ensues, and a kidney is found–as is a female companion for Larry. Along the way, there is much sarcastic, humorous back-and-forthing between the two cousins.

Underlying all the funny business is the deadly serious illness afflicting Larry and his need to face the fact of his own mortality. Larry’s Kidney is not a deep, philosophical tale, nor does it impart any new life lessons. What it does do is take you on a romp through China with two funny guys in search of one good kidney.

Reviewed by Doug Robins