Novel

SetinthetownofGruel,SouthCarolina,thisfirstnovelbyGeorgeSingleton,masterofthecomicshortstory,isthetaleofayoungmannamedNovel(hisbrother'snameisJames;hissister'sisJoyce),aprofessionalsnakehandlerwhostumblesacrossstrangedoingswhilehesitsinamotelroomwritinghisautobiography.Ashestrugglestorecounthislifestory,heuncovers-andfindshimselfstarringin-adecades-oldtownsecret,onethatcanblowhimandhisfellowcitizenssky-high.FunnyasonlyGeorgeSingletoncanbe,fullofSouthernmischiefandwit,Novelisacrazedandcrazyfictionalwhirlwindofdrinking,motel-living,art-forgery-committing,pool-playingredneckcharm.