Suspension
by Robert Westfield
review by Dr. Ronald P. Baumanis
Andy Green, gay college admissions-test question-writer, based on an act of violence in NYC's Hell's Kitchen, retreats to his apartment
for many months. What comes before, and what comes after, is dark
comedy at it's best.
It's difficult to speak much of the plot of SUSPENSION, Robert
Westfield's wonderful novel, except to state that while it seems
absurd at face value, the characters and situations are as keenly
observed as any in current literature and reflect a NYC that is real,
gritty, uncaring-and-caring at the same time. Weaving together a
story of vivid characters in modern-day NYC with a mysterious event
that occurred ten years previously in Michigan, the story barrels
along to its highly satisfying finish.
The novel speaks to things we can control, and things we can not;
coincidences; and appearances that may not (or may!) be what we first
expect.
Combining farce, mystery and travelogue, Westfield draws a portrait
of NYC before and after 9/11 that isn't about terrorists, and while
portions are very serious is never morose. The novel veers from one
outlandish instance to another - and yet remains utterly believable.
As a 14-year past-resident of Manhattan myself, I found the novel's
ability to capture the essence of NYC (even its smells) better than
any recent novel I have read that has been set in the city.
By the middle of the novel, you will be glancing back at the photo on
the back cover and wondering how much of this is novel, and how much
of this is autobiography, and hoping most is the former and little in
the latter.
A fine book.
