House of Sand and Fog

by Andre Dubus III

When I read House of Sand and Fog, although I had not yet seen the film based on it, I was aware of who was to play the main roles. So throughout the book, I kept picturing Jennifer Connolly and Ben Kingsley facing off over the house that one lost and the other bought. Whereas this can be a negative in many ways, in this case I actually found it beneficial because both actors felt like such a great fit for the roles.

The story is - for the most part and for both sides of the continuous argument - devastating. What came as a shock to me is what happened to the son. I did not at all see that coming. Everybody loses.

The copy I read of this book was borrowed but I ended up liking it so much that I got my own to re-read it at some point.

I have since seen the film and it is most excellent, too.

8/10