The tragic events of November 22, 1963 provide the backdrop for this intriguing novel by the author of The White Hotel ( LJ 2/1/81). Thomas's interest, however, goes far beyond the mere facts to an exploration of the creation of myth and its impact on individual lives. Indeed, as one of his characters writes, the fact that "all theories of what happened in Dealy Plaza seem unbelievable, whether they posit a single assassin or a conspiracy," only backs up his suggestion that the event was mythic. Within this context, we encounter all the major players and many minor ones (some factual, some fictional) as they relive the day. Thomas even considers what might have happenend had the assassination not occurred. The portraits that emerge are vivid and intensely human. Kennedy, in particular, is seen as neither saint nor sinner but as a complex individual driven by powerful appetites. This book is likely to be a big if not best seller and should unquestionably be acquired by all public and most academic libraries.

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