House of Sand and Fog: A Novel

There are no heroes in The House of Sand and Fog, only flawed people, struggling to recover from devastating changes to their lives. Kathy Nicolo is a former addict trying to rebuild her life after her husband left. Massoud Amir Behrani is a former colonel in the Iranian military under the Shah, struggling to cope with life as a refugee immigrant who has lost his status, wealth and power. These two are cast into conflict through no doing of their own. There is no villain in this story, except perhaps the vague ‘county’ which in Kafkaesque fashion has omitted one letter from a street name, causing these two lives to be thrust into turmoil.For much of the book, the story is compelling. The two main characters, though not especially likeable, evoke the reader’s sympathy. After all, they were trying to improve their lot, taking the right steps and making reasonable choices, until a fluke of fate intervenes. The situation the author has created places them into a crucible that tests their character and reflects the human condition.But great tragedies drive the lead characters inexorably toward their doom. Given their human flaws and the circumstance, they have no way out. As this book moves toward its conclusion, I found myself wondering if these characters would really take the steps needed to fall further, or if the author was expediently taking some short cuts to complete the story.Though this story was well written throughout and presented a great premise, I felt the story a bit contrived despite the strong start, and therefore found the tragedy less compelling.

This is a story told from two points of view, which I thought really worked. One POV is from Genob Behrani, who was a colonel in the Iranian Air Force but is now a political refuge living in California. The other POV is from Kathy Nicolo, a recovering alcoholic who is down on her luck.For me, this book started out strong, and I couldn’t put it down. I thought the plot was unique and the characters well defined. As the story progressed, the character’s actions became, to me, a little over-the-top and unbelievable, which is why this was just an okay read for me. People who like drama or contemporary fiction may like this book.

The second book I've read of Andre Dubus III and I must say I now want to read more of his work! He is one of those writers who can truly show the reader a whole scene without being long-winded and pedantic.And then the story itself! I found myself rooting for one side but then easily switched back, because Dubus III shows the human nature of every character, who, although flawed, have their heart in the right place.Amazon to how one tiny decision, one wrong turn, can escalate into something that spirals completely out of control.

The House of Sand and Fog is a marvelous book. The wishes and dreams of each of the characters are beautifully articulated. We can relate to the aspirations of the deposed Iranian colonel, who loves his depressed wife and wants to make a better life for her and his family and who wants to quit his demeaning job as a garbage collector and hold his head up again. We also sympathize with Kathy, who was too depressed, after her husband left, to read her mail and find out the county was about to auction off her house for non-payment of a tax bill, she didn't really owe and we wish she would eat something and stop drinking. At the end, when Kathy finally admits her motivation, is at once shocking and and sad.

I'll admit that I saw the movie before I actually read the book, however I have been aware of the novel since its publication and in fact I have come across a few quotes before, but as I said before I was influenced to read it because of the movie. I think for many who have seen the movie and are thinking, "Why should I read the book?" Well the obvious answer is that the book succeeds in many places where the movie didn't and vice-versa. One of the key areas where the book was better than the movie was the introduction. I know this may sound shocking to those who have read the book and seen the movie, but I found Kathy's eviction from her bungalow lackluster. It functioned in the movie as allowing the audience to become sympathetic to Kathy and cast Behrani as a villain (of sorts) in all our minds (initially), however the novel takes a much kinder view of Behrani and creates a more balanced picture of the two main characters. Unfortunately for the book there was not enough time for certain character development that the movie had, in particular Nadi and Lester. Both characters in the movie were established in the background. Nadi as Behrani's demure wife in a country she did not want to be in and isolates herself in memories while quietly (sometimes) resenting her husband for his role in their fleeing. And even though Lester is given a little more information for his motivation to help Kathy, plant drugs and his despair over leaving his wife he did not have enough time to adequately develop like he did in the movie. Ultimately I believe that the novel created a more well-adjusted view of both where it allows the reader to see both Kathy and Behrani as villains in each other eyes, yet by the next chapter we are sympathetic with either Behrani or Kathy once more. I decided on giving House of Sand and Fog four stars rather than five for small issues like being a little too obvious (I know that I watched the movie beforehand and I have the same issue) by heavy handily foreshadowing one background character and a few events, however despite that it was quite an enjoyable read.

Long instances of past events. Some exciting passages but much rather mundane detail and poor metaphors. Too long. Far too much love making detail. However use of first person for Lester & Kathy good idea / unusual

This book, a thriller, is based on a simple idea: two families fighting over the ownership of one house. I found myself intrigued and couldn't wait to find out what happened - who would eventually get the house?! Kathy did not come across as a very likeable character (I'm not sure if that was the intention?) so I found myself hoping that Behrani and his family would keep it. I thought the ending was a bit rushed and perhaps too unrealistic, but I'm still giving it 5 stars because I think it is a book that deserves to be read and it will keep you hooked.

This is simply a brilliant book, I have lent my copy to friends and I'm buying copies for presents, everyone has raved about it. The tension builds, the personalities with all their strengths and flaws are totally believable. I shouted out loud at this book, like you might at a film - and that has never happened to me before. Couldn't put it down, can't recommend highly enough.

very different novel which works on a number of levels looking at two different cultures and lifestyles. At times characters thoughts too protracted or repetitious but certainly a very worthwhile read

Brilliant and very moving account of a 'muddle' that develops into a tragedy. Reminiscent of E.M. Forster's concerns in the scope of the novel; clearly worlds apart in manner of style.