A Howl for Mayflower
by Dan Gilmore
Published by Imago Press
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Reviewed by Brenda A. Snodgrass
Tobias Seltzer, aging widower, prefers to spend time reading his books rather than conversing with actual, flawed humans. Until one night, caught in just his skivvies while in his building's basement laundry, Mayflower Bryant asks him to dance. Mayflower, also a tenant of the building, quickly bewitches Tobias with her spontaneity and zest for enjoying every little thing in life. Her absolute passion for life itself, is like a tonic to all those involved with her. This seems to be the catalyst for ending Tobias self-inflicted solitary lifestyle.
Tobias feels himself being drawn, regardless of his intensions, into the lives of every other misfit in his building and neighborhood--a grieving widower; a pregnant, homeless teenager; a one-handed juggler; a Vietnam veteran whose left brain was damaged from a misfired suicidal attempt; and a woman on the verge of Alzheimer's. Their interactions with one another, are, at times, both poignant and oddly disturbing.
In his debut novel, Gilmore demonstrates a great gift for developing endearing characters, both incisive and multifaceted plot lines, and a story that alternates between hilarity and insanity.
Armchair Interviews says: Odd mix of characters to make up a good story.