Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon

This was a bit lame after "Wonder Boys" and "The adventures of Kavalier and Clay". Not surprising, since "Mysteries of Pittsburgh" was indeed the author's very first book. One can see his arduous attempt at mimicking Dickens in his depiction of the human condition in modern day America. The murky, seedier side of reality portrayed by Chabon, reminds us of how easily we too can become victims of circumstance. In his own subtly humorous style, the author takes us through the smog of depravity as he unravels the drama of the life of Art Bechenstein.