by E. L. Doctorow
Homer and Langley were real people, the fabled brothers of New York. In his novel, Doctorow has fictionalized their story and taken his own liberties with the facts (and fables) of their lives.
The brothers live as recluses in their family’s once grand Fifth Avenue home. What happened? How did they become so reclusive?
Well, Homer went blind at a young age. Langley went to war and came home damaged. So, when Langley came home, Homer became more dependent on him. Depending on a crazy man is not a good idea. From hoarding to refusing to pay the bills, Langley leads the men to their unusual and tragic end. If only they had family!
This is a short novel, but the length is perfect for such intense material.
1/29/11
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