Handling Sin by Michael Malone
Review by Cheryl G. (Poncer)
I had a hard time reading this book, but not for the obvious reasons. It was hard to read because in every single paragraph there was some funniness that made me stop and laugh, out loud.
This book is a riotous romp from cover to cover. And there is quite a ways from the beginning to the end; 656 pages to be exact. And worth every hour it took to read.
The hero, Raleigh Whittier Hayes is sent on what seems to be a wild goose chase by his ill and elderly father through most of the south. And of course he has a side-kick. His loyal neighbor Mingo Sheffield tried to kill poor Raleigh at the start of the book, but through their adventures become bestest-ever friends and allies.
The cast of characters that Raleigh and Mingo run into along the way, an old-school gangster, a used-car salesman cousin, a troubled half-brother, jazz musicians and other assorted crazies, are all gems. Well developed character, each and every one.
Like the best books, this a story of transforming, and of becoming better humans. But the lessons learned come at a price. Don’t they always? If you are looking for a light read, this is not it. Mr. Malone is witty and a great story teller. If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh and think, and celebrate humans with all their foibles this is the book.
4 Stars
I need to read that!!!!