Mystic River CD

Rating:
Summary: A great work by a genius of an author.
Review: Mystic River shows how events of childhood shape up the lives of 3 boys (Dave,Jimmy and Sean) who grow up in the same working class neighborhood. Abuse at the hands of kidnappers causes
permanent emotional scars and inner demons in Dave. Jimmy continues his childhood habit of thrill seeking and contempt for rules and this leads to time in jail for him. He gets out of jail, goes straight but some part of him retains the persona of a lawless man. Difference in personalities and clash of professional and personal lives leads to marital trouble and breakup for Sean.
All the 3 come together when Jimmy's teenage daughter is murdered. Dave's and Jimmy's wives are cousins; Sean is the
investigating officer for the murder.
Dennis Lehane has done a phenomenal job of providing an indepth look into various facets of life in a working class neighborhood.
He dwells deep into what goes through the minds of various characters in different situations such as a child's first communion,
fans' feelings and emotions during a ball game, battle with inner demons by an abused person, people hoping against hope when
facing imminent bad news, making preparations for burying a loved one, turmoil and struggle for justification even by a ruthless character, etc.
This book is powerful, gripping, intriguing, and insightful.
The only complaint I have about this book is that it's a tad too lengthy and drags at times.