This book takes place in the two days
following burglaries which occur one afternoon in an affluent neighborhood of
Chicago. The chapters alternatively
recount the reactions of the residents of Ilios Lane as they deal with their
shock and sense of violation.
The McPherson family is at the center
of the novel. Mary Elizabeth McPherson
has skipped school and is home during the break-in, high on ecstasy with her
Cambodian neighbor, Sofia. They are
making too much noise to notice that a crime is being committed in another part
of the house.
Everyone’s belief systems are shaken
when fingers are pointed at different racial groups and suspects are discussed. Neighbors who were proponents of diversity
find themselves questioning their previous ideas.
Interspersed with the chapters are
emails and blogs discussing the crimes.
I found this addition to be disruptive and hard to follow.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book
and how the story unfolded. I was
reminded of the 2004 movie, “Crash” while I read this book. I think it would be a good book club book.
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