I am halfway done with this novel and yet it is so compelling and such a fantastic read. The story takes place in Philly and in Baltimore. A young man named Barnaby has had a troublesome life starting from his early adolescence. He used to break into houses and steal mementos and look through photo albums. He wasn't your typical robber. His parents think he is a disgrace and always brings up the money he owes them from his childhood days. He has a daughter named Opal and sees her about once a month because his ex-wife disapproves of his lifestyle. He lives in a basement, has a car that is always in the repair shop, is late visiting his daughter, and is in debt. Although he has flaws, he is an amiable, sensitive, and strong individual that works for much needed company called Rent-a -back that is beneficial to the elderly, which aims to help them with household duties. While waiting at the train station to visit his daughter one day he eyes this lady that he believes to think is his angel. After a few casual conversations she offers him a job at her aunts house. He accepts her offer and soon begins to date her. His life is starting to improve. He has a new love life and is saving up his money to pay his parents back. Since his life is turning around his ex-wife is allowing Opal to live with him for a few days and we will soon find out how that goes.
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3 comments:
Yay! Extra applause for going first. I love Anne Tyler; her characters are always so flawed and yet so human. St. Maybe is a favorite; I also love Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant and The Accidental Tourist. I went on an Anne Tyler kick one year and read a whole stack.
It was fun being the first one. I am so glad you reccomended Anne Tyler to me at the begining of the year. I think I am hooked, so I might have to go buy her other books after I finish this one. I just need to find the time;or shall I say use the time. Thanks for the titles.
This book sounds really interesting and the main character seems complex. The fact that you said this guy is a nice guy intrigues me. Most of the time when a person has bad habbits, like breaking into homes, it is assumed that he is a bad person. The fact that he isn't makes me think about tags we automatically put on people without knowing them or their motives. :) Just thinking outloud after reading what you wrote. Tell me how you like it after you are done.
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