Martin Sharp - A disgraced former TV presenter who was imprisoned for sleeping with an underage girl. He has lost his career, family, and will to live.

Maureen - A 51-year-old single mother struggling to care for her severely disabled adult son Matty. She feels suffocated by her responsibilities as his caretaker.

Jess - An 18-year-old dealing with mental illness, family issues, and heartbreak after being dumped by her boyfriend Chas.

JJ - A failed American musician whose band broke up and whose girlfriend left him. He has lost his sense of purpose.

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Suicide and Mental Health
The novel deals with the difficult subject of suicide in a darkly comedic yet sensitive way. The four main characters - Martin, Maureen, Jess, and JJ - are all struggling with suicidal thoughts and mental health issues like depression, when they by chance meet on the rooftop known as a popular suicide spot. Their interactions and developing friendship over the following weeks provide an insightful look into the complexities of suicidal ideation and the human capacity for resilience.

Existential Crisis and Finding Purpose
Each character is grappling with an existential crisis and a profound lack of purpose that has led them to contemplate ending their lives. Over the course of the novel, as they get to know each other and confront their individual struggles, they slowly begin to find reasons to keep living and rediscover meaning, whether through reconnecting with family, pursuing creative outlets, or helping others.

Loneliness and Human Connection
A central theme is the loneliness and alienation felt by the characters, and how their unexpected bond provides them with much-needed human connection and understanding. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and ages, they find solace in each other's company as the only people who can truly empathize with the depths of their despair.

Dark Comedy and Wit
While dealing with heavy subject matter, Hornby's trademark wit and comedic voice shine through, lending a darkly humorous tone to the novel as the characters engage in absurd antics and banter. This juxtaposition of light and dark allows for an insightful yet entertaining exploration of difficult topics.

In summary, "A Long Way Down" is a touching, comedic novel that provides a nuanced portrayal of mental illness, the search for meaning, and the healing power of human connection in the face of life's darkest moments.

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"A Long Way Down" generally received a mix of positive and critical reviews. Many readers and critics praised Hornby for his ability to create relatable and vividly drawn characters. The distinct voices of the four protagonists added depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Some critics found the pacing uneven and the structure somewhat disjointed. The shifts in perspective, while adding depth to characters, sometimes disrupted the narrative flow.

A few reviews pointed out that the resolution of the characters' issues seemed overly optimistic or unrealistic, given the gravity of their initial situations.

"A Long Way Down" is seen as a poignant, thought-provoking, and at times humorous examination of life, death, and the connections we form with others. Despite some criticisms, it remains a significant work in Hornby's bibliography, appreciated for its candid and empathetic portrayal of human frailty and resilience.