One of the most brilliant books I read lately. I happened to read it before Herman Diaz received a Pulitzer and I was struck by the architecture of the book and how the story unfolded. It is a story that only at the last chapter, the gestalt of the story comes together, and the Building reveals itself. At that point, at the last sentence, not only the reader is rewarded, but also the mystery of life, and of the labyrinth we walk through, reveals its intention.
Much later, Mr. Diaz received the Pulitzer. I was excited when he came to speak at Point Reyes, and I went to meet the man. Humble and intelligent, good natured, Herman offered us a glimpse into his creative path, and the challenges a writer faces. I wish he was my English professor, but then again, his book is. Reader, you have to plow, and then go back and look at all the dark corners of what life is. It is a fantastic journey to take on.