"Train" is a marvelous story. if i've read it correctly, the author, Pete Dexter, has with a skilled surgeon's brave touch, laid the abscess of racism wide open to the bone.

there are many ways to fail in life and being born black and undereducated are two of them. most diseases can be cured with some sort of medicine, but most medicines have side-effects, many of which are as harmful as the disease itself. if you read "Train" you'll know what i mean.

a word of caution for sensitive readers: the story mimics real life in that there is violence, sexual situations, and naughty language.

if you love golf, as i do, if you caddied, as i did, if you detest racism, as i do, then this story is way up your alley. if not, read it anyway.

John E. Irby
June 27, 2018