When I first started reading The Garden of Last Days, I thought of Elmore Leonard, most of the characters are connected by a Florida strip club. They work or visit there regularly, and their lives become intertwined. Dubus shows why each character does what he does, we may not approve, but we understand. He explores the faith, fate, love, power and culture that shape these denizens of the underbelly of America. This is a fast moving, multi-layered novel; there are several sub-plots going on that culminate with disaster. Dubus artfully carries the reader along with fast paced, short chapters, so you are never bored or left hanging.
Jan, how does it compare with The House of Sand and Fog which I loved? I'll have to be on the lookout for it! :)
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