Tom Lynch

The2NDHAND editor Todd Dills introduced his first novel, "Sons of the Rapture," last month via Featherproof Books, and it's an impressive, booze-soaked debut, told from various perspectives with unapologetic frankness and raging fervor. As for the plot--Billy lives in Chicago and his dad lives in South Carolina, but is planning to come get him. That's all you really need to know for now. Throughout the pages, Dills infuses the haze of alcohol constantly streaming through your body, the confusing and infuriating politics in this spiraling country and the desperate hold we each have on youth--a little bit of Faulkner in structure and symbol, for sure. The Southern-style prose, effortlessly sweeping and never stuttered, brings Dills' enigmatic characters together without ever sacrificing depth for style. Fine work, indeed.

Todd Dills discusses "Sons of the Rapture" October 12 at Barbara's Bookstore, 1218 South Halsted, (312)413-2665, at 7:30pm. (2006-10-10)

Also by Tom Lynch

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