The Houseguest: A Novel

Description

Chuck Burgoyne is no ordinary houseguest. The Graveses (father Doug; wife Audrey; son Bobby; and daughter-in-law Lydia) have gotten used to his polite manners and gourmet breakfasts. But one morning at the Graveses' summer home, Chuck fails to appear. When Chuck finally does surface, he is no longer sweet and charming, but rather has become aggressive and arrogant, abusing each family member in turn. Each family member that is, except the fellow outsider, Lydia. Once Chuck rescues her from the dangerous undertow of the ocean, Lydia can't help but feel obligated to him, even after his uninvited advances to her while she's half asleep. Slowly it becomes apparent to the family that Chuck isn't anyone's guest but rather a perfect stranger who wormed his way into their home. Yet the Graveses are so concerned with not offending him by being impolite that they willingly accept the abuse he freely dishes out. In private, however, they all scheme for his undoing. But will anyone muster up the courage? An eerie and clever novel, The Houseguest introduces one of Berger's most dangerous and compelling villains.

Thomas Berger is the author of twenty-three novels. His previous novels include Best Friends, Meeting Evil, and The Feud, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. His Little Big Man is known throughout the world.

Time The Houseguest...is a rare example of buoyantly irresponsible comedy....At his best, as he is here, Thomas Berger can command attention solely as a lonely, insidious voice insisting that fiction can be stranger than truth. The New York Times Book Review The Houseguest is wonderfully bizarre....The Houseguest is Spooky-land, where the twists of reality are more frightening than any gothic horror tale and domestic confessions as expressed by the accomplished satiric wit of Mr. Berger are certainly not to be trusted. Detroit Free Press Thomas Berger is a magician...he never hits a false note.