Non-bank

The most useful information gleaned from this book relates to how an individual should approach a bank when attempting to obtain a loan.

This is my first Russell Banks novel and I'm so glad that I discovered him!!! "Affliction" is a wonderful, incredibly written story about a man named Wade Whitehouse whose character is like a slow burning stick of dynamite. And the "boom" and the end of the novel does not disappoint...(even thought it did confuse me, but more on that later.)

I thought the beginning of the book was very slow and I almost put it down around the 5th or 6th chapter. But the writing was so beautiful I figured it had to get better, which it did and eventually had me hanging on until the very last word. I'm not going to give a synopsis of the book because you can read that at the top of this page. But here's why I loved it: the character development is outstanding; they are SO real that at the end of the book I was sad to lose them. Once the story gets going it unfolds with just the right amount of intrigue. Banks bounces back and forth from the present day to the past in a way that helps the reader understand why the characters are who they are. The book covers a variety of themes including romance, murder, death, domestic violence, fatherhood and "small town sensibilities." This is NOT an uplifting novel AT ALL. If you're looking for a happy ending this is not for you. When Wade Whitehouse disappears, everyone who crossed his path is left confused, hurt and angry. There were several times I put down the book (because I had to leave for work, or walk the dogs) and I felt haunted and slightly disturbed and the feeling lasted for several minutes until I got back into the rhythm of my day. THAT to me equals outstanding writing. I wish I felt that way every time I put down a book. (Although not necessarily disturbed and haunted...but I think you get what I mean.)

I did have a couple of problems with "Affliction"...as I said it was a slow start. The book is written from the perspective of Wade's brother Rolfe and at times I wondered how he knew exactly what a character might have been feeling or thinking at any given moment. I know he tape recorded his interviews with everyone but still....it seemed to be reaching at times. Banks tends to go on and on about the scenery and the weather and these lengthy descriptions tended to slow the pace and added nothing. The ending (which I won't ruin) had me wondering how Rolfe knew how the murder was committed and I'm going to have to go back and re-read it...perhaps I missed something, but I think not.

I can't wait for read more of Russell Banks. And I also can't wait to go out and rent the video tomorrow.

Wade Whitehouse--Quite possibly one of the most tragic and memorable protagonists in 20th century literature. Aside from the early chapter that gives a long-winded historical account of Wade's small town, the novel is flawless in every way. Extremly well-written and rich in dramatic tension, suspense, Multi-dimentional characters and a steadily climaxing plot, Affliction is one of the best American novels to come forth in the late 20th century.

Affliction is for anyone who picks up their newspaper, scans hurredly through the usual blaring headlines concerning this shooting death and that domestic disturbance, then turns away quick, to the business page or maybe the local weather forecast. But author Banks considers these brutal events, which are usually given shortthrift in our mind's eye and discounted with a shrug and a cold "just another nut." This entrancing work chronicles how one small man's world turns desperate and craven without his consent, or even his knowledge. Wade Whitehouse is living the nightmare of lower class, "white trash" America, but is smart enough to know he wants better. Or at least different. After digesting Affliction, one may not be so quick to discount the person who pumps your gas at the local filling station as just another peripheral obstacle to avoid during the daily rush of life. Because he may have a story to tell you. And it may sound a lot like Wade Whitehouse's story, as told in the great book by Russell Banks.