CHANGO'S BEADS AND TWO-TONE SHOES by William Kennedy

Finished Su 6/24/12

This is a kind of novel that might not appeal to all readers. Although entertaining, I felt it was more a series of very well written scenes that happened to be loosely connected. The novel is divided into three broad sections. The first we meet Daniel Quinn, one of the central characters, as a young child in 1936. In the next section the the action switches to Cuba, and we meet Ernest Hemingway and learn of Fidel Castro's relationship with his people and country. And, the third and longest section, returns to the streets of Albany, New York during the race riots which occurred after the assassination of Robert Kennedy.

The writing is like a 'free-style' Jazz improvisation, and characters deliver a blizzard of historical detail and rich insight, yet a strong story-line never really emerges to define the novel. Certain parts of the book are nearly spellbinding, but it's not the kind of novel that easily ties together. On the other hand, it's an audacious concept to make any kind of connection between Castro's Cuban revolution and the racial strife in Albany, New York during the summer of 1968.

Daniel Quinn- Newsman and George Quinn is his father who is beginning to show signs of senility.

Joe Cooney- A tourist to Cuba, and Hemingway punches him out, and later they fight an unusual duel. Two pistols at twenty paces. Hemingway refuses his weapon, so this prevents Cooney from shooting at an unarmed man.

Reneta- Beautiful Cuban woman who later marries Dan. He has had many relationships and marriages and was married to Max. Max becomes a drug runner late in the novel.

Tremont- Black alcoholic that goes with George and Vivian on their night of drinking during a riot.

Diego- One of the revolutionaries who runs guns with Reneta. She was in love with this man.

Vivian- Friend of George, and both of them are on the streets of Albany on the night of Robert Kennedy's assassination. They are out drinking and George is attacked. A Black man throws a bottle at him.

Cody Mason- Black piano player

Gloria- Dan and Renata's daughter.