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Description edit see section history

"Elegant and powerful ... an unusual and volatile ... literary thriller." — Washington Post Book World
In this riveting novel of almost unbearable suspense, three fragile yet determined people become dangerously entangled in a relentlessly escalating crisis. Colonel Behrani, once a ... read more

Summary edit see section history

A former colonel in the Shah's Iranian army is forced to flee with his family to American, and becomes destitute as he spends the remaining family money so his daughter can find a suitable husband. He buys a house that the reader soon learns the county mistakenly put up for auction. The... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

A former colonel in the Shah's Iranian army is forced to flee with his family to American, and becomes destitute as he spends the remaining family money so his daughter can find a suitable husband. He buys a house that the reader soon learns the county mistakenly put up for auction. The owner, Kathy Nicolo, a former drug addict, is now homeless who begins to abuse alcohol. A unhappily married police officer with children attempts to help her get her house back, and he and Kathy commence an affair, that leaves both of them feeling guilty. What ensues are the natural consequences of poor decision making, stubbornness and excessive pride, dishonesty, and unwillingness to communicate, all leading to the inevitable downward spiral of events.

Characters/People edit see section history

  • Kathy Nicolo: The owner of a small home that her father willed to her and her brother. She is a recovering addict who starts drinking alcohol when with her new lover and homeless.
  • Massoud Amir Behrani: A former colonel in the shah's Iranian army who has bought a house at county auction and hopes to sell it for much more so he can start a business and regain some of the respectability he had in Iran.
  • Lester Burdon: Lester Burdon, the police officer who attempts to help Kathy get her home back.
  • Nicky: Absent husband of Kathy Nicolo
  • Soraya: daughter of Colonel Behrani
  • Nadi: Anxiety ridden but kind and compassionate wife of colonel Behrani
  • Carol: Public service lawyer. She is good at what she does, but this situation calls for a lot more than legal skills.
  • Frank: Kathy's brother. Successful businessman, husband and father. Happy to help out within reason, but...
  • Alvarez: Heads the internal affairs investigation
  • Connie Walsh: lawyer of Kathy Nicolo
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First Sentence edit see section history

THE FAT ONE, THE RADISH TOREZ, HE CALLS ME CAMEL BECAUSE I AM Persian and because I can bear this August sun longer than the Chinese and the Panamanians and even the little Vietnamese, Tran.

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 41 of 70 in Oprah's Book Club. (authoritative list)
This book is in Book Lover's Cook Book, The. (authoritative list)
This book is in The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge. (community list)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Andre Dubus III (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Vintage Books
Country: USA
Publication Date: 2000
ISBN: 0375727345
Page Count: 365

Classification edit see section history

More Books Like This edit see section history

   
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