Bird also explores the mental gymnastics Caish performs to absolve themselves of any personal responsibility for their failings whatsoever. One thing that Bird really excelled at was dramatic irony, and the audience can see Caish’s mistakes coming a mile a way. However, Caish’s overconfidence and entitlement is ultimately their downfall and Bird explores how capitalism, materialism and even religion play a part in Caish’s undoing. This is a really interesting story about a unique but not impossible premise: how do you live your life after you win the lottery? Bird creates a character full of hubris who sees the win not as luck but as destiny and something that was earned through hard work and perseverance. Convinced that another win is just around the corner, Caish soon begins a slow slide into chaos, bringing many people down along with them. Enough for most people to live on for the rest of their lives, Caish is in denial and refuses to abandon their life as a high-flier.

If it sounds too good to be true, it is, and Caish soon finds themselves with only a few million of their winnings left. When Caish hears about a particular opportunity, they are quick to invest and when the returns are good, Caish invests more. The story follows Caish Calloway, living the high life in California happily spending their winnings on partying, property and cars and investing in ventures that go nowhere. “Malibu Motel” by Chaunceton Bird is a novel styled as being based on the true story of a lottery-winner. I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher.

Cautionary tale about a lottery-winner’s fall from grace

Malibu Motel by Chaunceton Bird