Hyssop

By Kevin McIlvoy

Book Overview

Kevin McIlvoy's Hyssop is a remarkable novel filled with kindness, truth, and magic--a story that celebrates friendship and love while exploring the complexities of a simple faith that enriches materially impoverished lives. It is a gorgeous patchwork of memory lovingly sewn together by Red Greetaltruistic petty thief and guileless grifter-who has spent many days of his eighty-seven years behind bars in Las Almas, New Mexico. Twice married-the second time, while in jail, to his lifelong love Recita Holguin-Red has sampled pleasures available only to those capable of embracing life and its temptations without shame or fear. But his sins have been as memorable as his adventures-transgressions he shares freely with Bishop Francisco Velasco, Red's lifelong best friend and confessor, and his one-time rival for the affections of his first wife, Cecilia. In telling how he has loved and been loved, in confessing how he has sinned and inspired others to sin, Red Greet seeks hyssop, the substance that might wash his soul clean.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380732718
• ISBN13: 9780380732715
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

the simplicity of beauty

i have heard kevin mcilvoy read from the title chapter of this book, and his extraordinary sense of voice and passion are what drove me to read the entire book. i have been told that he did a lot of work and interviews to put together this amazing book. it paid off. it truly did.

Learned from Steinbeck and then outdid the master.

Kevin McIlvoy must have studied at John Steinbeck's feet and then surpassed his teacher. The common man and his humanity made glorious. My heart grew.

A rare lyrical delicacy and deep insight

McIlvoy possesses a deep understanding of his character's intimate lives and of those fleeting moments of grace and flashes of mutual understanding which ultimately unite us all. This is a writer to watch, his book, a gem to be treasured.

A Brilliant and Funny Oral Narrative By A Living Master!

Forget your formula novels, here is a true orginal by one of the best kept secrets in the literary world. A poignant, moving and often funny tale of Red Greet, a lively and loving New Mexican. McIlvoy, a writer for writers and readers, is arguably one of the true artists working today. Some say he's also the best living teacher of creative writing. BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

Engrossing, funny, wonderful novel

One of the hardest-working writers out there has come out with another classic. A great book to escape into.