The Garden of Last Days

by Andre Dubus III

Let me start by saying that I really don't have any interest in novels that capitalize on the tragedy of 9-11. Luckily, this one doesn't.

Shortly before September 11, 2001, several lives collide in Florida:

• April--an exotic dancer at the Puma Club for Men and mother of Franny
• Bassam--future hijacker of the American Airlines flight
• Lonnie--bouncer at the Puma Club
• Jean--April's landlady and babysitter of Franny
• AJ--frequent patron of the Puma Club and tortured soul

Each of these characters has his/her own problems, and in one night, each of them will experience the painful truth of their lives.

This is not nearly as wonderful as House of Sand and Fog, but it is still compelling reading.

8/31/08