Double

by Michael Backus

Henry Dolan has left his life in tatters. No job. No money. Dwindling hope.

Dolan's wife is a decade-old memory, and his 10-year-old daughter remains estranged from him, thousands of miles away in New Mexico. But he has a plan to win her back. His last grasp at respectability, adulthood and daughter rests on a dozen pounds of marijuana.

A final roadblock stands in Henry's way. A roadblock he can barely process. The childhood horror that was the impetus for his life's destruction. Before he can think of reconciling with his daughter, he must put to rest the tragic, accidental death of his twin brother that inexplicably spared him.

If he manages, the things Henry's lost might just be found in Santa Fe, in the most shocking of places.

If he survives long enough to find them.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006...

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

Michael Backus’ writing, fiction and non-fiction, has appeared in One Story, Exquisite Corpse, Channel magazine, Digging Through the Fat, Okey Panky, Cleaver, Oyster River Pages, Prime Number magazine, Every Writer’s Resource, Hanging Loose, The Writer, and The Sycamore Review, among others. He teaches creative writing for Gotham Writers Workshop and Zoetrope Magazine and lives in Albuquerque, NM.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seldom give a book five stars, but Double more than earned five stars from me. I seldom review books. I usually finish a book and start another.
The writing is polished and wonderful. I am in awe of this author and how he describes people and places. I'm intimidated to write a review as I can no longer find words that I need to relate to how I perceive the world.
If you enjoy reading wonderful prose and character-driven books, this is for you.

[Kajal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a unique, albeit fascinating read. Upon beginning reading, the reader realizes that the book is very detailed. The details help the reader visualize the story as it unfolds the same way one would witness a story unfold when viewing a film. Several anecdotes within the story capture the reader's attention, and help the reader identify with the characters within the book. The book does not have numbered chapters (something that made it somewhat difficult to assess my progress in reading), but rather has narrations through the perspectives of key individuals within the life of the protagonist. This helps the reader have an in-depth understanding of the book's themes. The book is written in a unique manner, and the story unfolds in an unpredictable manner that keeps the reader in suspense. Two underlying themes within this book are family and redemption. The author's choice of title is well-thought out, and the meaning behind the title unfolds at the end of the book itself. Ultimately, the book's conclusion is unpredictable, but worthwhile. All in all, a great read.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm disappointed in the ending of a book that hooked me. Did the author get tired of writing and push to wrap it up? That's how I felt when I reached the end. I understand the technique of leaving thoughts for the reader; however, too many unanswered pieces remain.