A Hole in the Earth

Robert Bausch

I'm not quite sure where I initially heard of A Hole in the Earth but I think it was the starred review section of Overbooked.com. Wherever it was, I'm happy that I happened upon it. The book begins with the main character, Henry, spending his days riding the subways of Washington D.C. and his nights in homeless shelters in the same area. Problem is, Henry isn't homeless... he just doesn't want to go back there. Henry, a school teacher who is fast approaching middle age has had a harrowing summer and things haven't gotten any better. It all started when his 19 year-old daughter (who he'd not seen in several years) arrived on his doorstep - male friend in tow - and announced she had plans to spend the summer. That same day, Henry's long-time girlfriend tells him she's pregnant. And thus begins a very unforgettable summer for Henry and an equally unforgettable experience for the reader of this book. Needless to say, I thought this book was sensational. The author, Robert Bausch, creates a very memorable character in Henry -- a horse-racing enthusiast who just can't seem to get any facet of his personal life together. The book is beautifully rendered and is by turns poignant and funny and furnishes more than its fair share of surprises. I rated it a five and consider it one of the best I've read this year.