It’s a tricky thing to write a crotchety old person, and pretty soon the reader wonders what sort of redeeming qualities will make it desirable to spend time in Eugene’s presence. “Well, imagine being young,” he explains. Eugene begins the novel in self-confinement, hiding away in his room doing jigsaw puzzles, but Angel has a charm that slowly wins over the grouch. Angel gives him nicknames, like calling Eugene “homie,” “dog” and “Geno,” much to his chagrin; and he urges the old man to leave his bubble. Eventually Eugene’s reserve cracks, and he agrees to lunch at an outdoor picnic table, where he begins to tell Angel the story of his life.

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Persons: Jonathan Evison, Jonathan Evison’s, ”, Eugene Miles, —, Irma, gardenias, “, Eugene, Angel, Eugene “ homie, “ Geno Locations: California, Eugene, Chicano