Duro, the handyman in question, finds himself helping out an Englishwoman who came to live the summer in the town of Gost. Laura and her husband Conner had purchased the place and she and her two children Grace and Mathew are fixing it up with the help of Duro.
That is the first story that is being told. The second story is about Duro and his growing up years and his relationships with two men who have become frenemies. That is the best word for them I think. They all dislike each other but they know secrets about each other that they keep to themselves for fear that their own secret will be told. They are civil with each other in public - for the most part, but when alone they fight over little things to cover up the fact that they are still fighting about the past.
As you read the story of Duro helping Laura and her family you step back and forth in time to learn the story of the secrets and what binds these men to each other.
I thought this was a very intelligent book, well written and readable. I wish I could find more books that are as good as this one!
Rating: 10 / 10
ISBN: 9780802121912
Atlantic Monthly Press
Edition: 1st American Edition