BEFORE YOU KNOW KINDNESS by Chris Bohjalian

Spencer, an animal rights activist, is accidentally shot by his own daughter, Charlotte, using his brother-in-law's hunting rifle.  The irony of this incident overwhelms both families.  Spencer’s wife Catherine had been seriously contemplating divorce before the accident and now is stuck helping Spencer with everyday tasks like buttoning his shirt.  This novel is certainly not a mystery, but it is suspenseful in its own way, as the press conference announcing a lawsuit against the gun manufacturer looms, making everyone but Spencer nervous about how the publicity is going to shame Charlotte and John, his brother-in-law, even more.  I love the way Bohjalian has woven the guilt into this family drama, along with the controversy over whether hunting is a good thing, from a population control standpoint, or a bad thing.  He presents both sides of the argument, and I was curious as to how he would ultimately resolve this issue that divides the family.  His neutrality may be the most exasperating aspect of the novel, but I think it’s vital to keeping the family conflict balanced.  Some readers may think he leans too far one way or the other, but I think he does a good job of not alienating anyone.   Others may think his sitting on the fence is cowardly, but I think it’s just smart.