The Suburbs of Heaven

by Merle Drown

Jim Hutchins is holding a twelve gauge shotgun on his sworn enemy, his well-to-do brother-in-law, Emory Holler. What has made Jim snap?. "Well, Emory is rich because he's collected the insurance money for the supposedly accidental death of his wife, Jim's only sister. Pauline, Jim's wife, spends her spare time dancing naked for Emory. And Jim's best - his only - friend has suddenly died of an embolism.. "In addition, the IRS is dunning Jim for back taxes; the town is about to seize the land on which the Hutchins have been living, in a trailer, since their house burned down; and each of his living children - two sons and a daughter - is in some sort of bizarre difficulty. Besides this, there is a panty thief roaming the area.. "You might think this is enough for any man to confront but there is more, much more. Jim, an indomitable hero, shows us the hidden side of his small New Hampshire town with humor and penetrating insight into human frailty.

352 pages

First published February 1, 2000

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters are interesting yet annoying (I rolled my eyes many times)and sometimes amusing, but there doesn't really seem to be much of a plot. Its more like an account of a family over the course of time. Being from NH, I can't say this sounds like anyone I've met - there were phrases used that sounded more southern hick than NH redneck.
I would try another book by this author, I enjoyed his subtle humor.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very unique voice and particular brand of humor. The descriptions of Fesmire are hilarious. Would love a sequel to see what happens to this family.

[Graela · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the suburbs of hell not heaven. Annoying characters, hick dialogue and a weird plot that just didn't work for me.

On the bright side I did enjoy reading some quotes out loud to make people laugh. Absurd and disturbing quotes like "The blinking red hot eye of the surveillance camera laser focused on his crotch" WTF is that thought supposed to do for me ... seriously! ... or " "I'd rather suck shit from a dead hen's ass" OR "I'd rather suck shit from a dead hen's ass" OR "he peeled up the floorboard and pulled out a pair pink panties relishing the way their aroma mixed with the earthy smell of the crawlspace." (ok those are not exact quotes, I am glad to say it has been months since I read this and I destroyed it after reading so I cant refer to the book to get you a real quote)

On the positive side, the book was cheap, well bound, and had a decent title. So as a service to mankind I shredded the contents of the book and hollowed it out to make a lovely hidden compartment book. Now the book has a purpose on the bookshelf and no one else will be tempted to read this copy.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story took my forever to read because the beginning is really slow and the characters more annoying than anything. However, the last sixth of the book is much more fast-paced, and presents a more complex view of the characters who then draw you into the final events of the story. I'm not sure the end is worth the banal beginning.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merle Drown is a master of dialogue. An absolute pleasure to submerge yourself the New Hampshire version of redneckery in all it's glory as written by Capt. Merle.

[Mitchndeb Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very dis-functional family