Gone So Long

Andre Dubus III's novel is a powerful story of shame, redemption, and how traumatic events affect our lives. Danny wasn't too smart or mentally balanced, and one day he murdered his wife in a jealous rage. Years after being paroled, as he's dying of cancer, he decides to seek out his estranged daughter to seek forgiveness and try to set things right the best he can.

The novel tells the story from the perspectives of Daniel, his daughter Susan, and his mother-in-law Lois. Each has a reason to hate Daniel and has had his or her life scarred by the violent act. Like THE HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG, Dubus does a great job of creating an emotionally charged story and making you empathize with some people who have all done some pretty bad things. I think I liked SAND AND FOG better, but this is great storytelling.