He was hoping that when this was all over, his spiritual overdraft would have been paid off, and he'd be allowed to use the cash machine again.
In "Everyone's Reading Bastard" by Nick Hornby, the story explores themes of redemption and spiritual bankruptcy. The protagonist longs for a time when his past mistakes and shortcomings will be forgiven, enabling him to reconnect with his sense of self-worth. This desire symbolizes a hope for renewal and personal growth after facing life's challenges.
The quote reflects the character's yearning for spiritual recovery, likening it to resolving a financial debt. He wishes for a fresh start, akin to regaining access to a cash machine after clearing his overdraft, implying that once he resolves his internal struggles, he can move forward and embrace life's possibilities with a renewed spirit.