Nelson's Run

by Peter Bacho

In Peter Bacho's hard-edged satire, Nelson, son of wealthy American parents, becomes engulfed in his own personal heart of darkness on the war-torn Philippine island of Samar. Nelson is obsessed with avoiding work, long-term relationships, parenthood and all other forms of responsibility. Sex, Nelson's other major obsession, is what brings him to the Philippines, having heard the archipelago's bawdy lore from a former mistress he had shared with his father. With dark humor and insight, Bacho explores the clash of American and Filipino culture, as Nelson soon finds himself pulled between Anita and Marta, two tango-dancing matriarchs, and embroiled in his own private apocalypse. The resolution of this increasingly violent menage-a-trois takes place within the context of a talent contest, a civil war, a coronation and an "exploding" presidential candidate.

Paperback

Published February 1, 2002

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in my Contemporary American Lit class..... it spawned quite a few interesting conversations but is not one i would read again.