Overview: 

Andre Dubus III’s novel brings together two narratives of the American Dream and the potential for such dreams to quickly turn to nightmares. The story alternates between two characters—a U.S. born woman forced from her home due to a clerical mistake showing that she has an unpaid tax bill and an Iranian immigrant who has purchased a home for his family only to find that the home was sold to him in error—neither of whom are responsible for the situation in which they find themselves. Dubus presents first person perspectives for each of these characters with seemingly genuine insight into their respective plights and the wronged feelings each cannot help but experience. Dubus education in sociology is put to work in this tale of failed bureaucratic processes and the human fallout that can result from such failures.

Thoughts:

House of Sand and Fog presents a realistic portrayal of human beings cast into an, unfortunately, all too believable scenario in which no one would ever conceivably believe they might find themselves. It is impossible not to see the opposing sides of this story and feel that neither character is wrong but rather the flawed system that puts them at odds. Though, while not wrong in their positions, no character is innocent in their actions. Dubus draws portraits that are simultaneously sympathetic and deeply flawed, as he builds a toward a life-altering finale, the impact of which extends far beyond the principle players.