Lamont is a former gang member who at one time ruled his tribe with assurity but has succumbed to the oblivion that alcohol provides; Ranger is a Vietnam veteran who is suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome; Michael is addicted to gambling which has rendered him destitute; Target is truly possessed by demons and speaks only a rhyming sort of chant that his friends think is either brilliant or totally disconnected from reality (but they are betting on the latter); and Brewster is a book collector who has amassed a large collection of seemingly valuable paperback books.

The unlikely alliance is united in a common goal. The abandoned building in which Brewster has stored his prized collection is to be torn down. He and his friends are determined to move the books before the building is destroyed. This effort requires the use of a truck to transport Brewster’s treasures, and a new place to house the collection. The beauty and power of the novel lies in the contribution that each man makes toward their joint goal.

While not really a mystery novel, Haiku is an outstanding character study of several individuals each with his own cross to bear. Each man is flawed in his own way, yet each is willing and eager to contribute what he can toward their common goal. It is easy to assume that the homeless population is worthless to society and themselves but each of Vachss’s characters demonstrates how mentally tough they are even though each mind has in its own way been damaged.

 A short but compelling read, Haiku is a book that will give any reader much food for thought. The author’s sensitive portrayal of several different kinds of mental problems and his realistic demonstration of how each man is capable of dealing with his lot shows that not all seemingly insurmountable difficulties are destined to destroy the person who possesses them.

Aside from the content of the book, the author’s command of the English language and his ability to deliver his message in such a precise and accurate way make the novel a joy to read. In a single evening one can get a week’s worth of information to contemplate. The significance of the title and what it means to each character could lead to some lively discussions.

--Andy Plonka