I absolutely loved this cleverly spun tale. It really tugs at the heartstrings. I listened to the Library of Congress Talking Books version, which was narrated by the One and Only Michael Kramer. I confess that I chose this book because I wanted to hear Michael's voice. In doing so, I discovered a talented author. Two great talents for the price of one...love it!!! ( )

This was the first novel by RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH sports editor Howard Owen. I read it in 1994 shortly after hearing a review/interview on NPR and, believe me, I'll be watching for his second. I enjoyed this novel more than any other I'd read over the winter. Jaak and I read it out loud to each other, which no doubt helped me appreciate the narrative style: informal, conversational, perfectly suited to each of the 3 speakers' stations in life. We get 1st person from 3 perspectives: an aging father, his daughter, and his grandson. I found not one word out of place, each voice clear and unique.

All of this skill is needed to balance a weighty tale involving deep secrets of guilt and retribution revealed through almost melodramatic action, spliced together by (kinda improbable) coincidences. Focal point is the meaning of a long and often anguished life, the beauty of a man ready to--literally--meet his maker after best efforts to atone for the consequences of youthful carelessness.

Did southern gothic drama undercut the suspension of my disbelief? Once or twice. But the ending was very moving and I enjoyed a number of unexpectedly good laughs. ( )

The story doesn't really go anywhere but the characters are interesting. ( )