"Ron Hansen has won an Award in Literature from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters for his rich writing and poetic style. Atticus begins in the vein of a contemporary western. As it unfolds, it includes an intriguing murder mystery and a dramatic parable of the prodigal son. For years, prosperous Colorado rancher Atticus Cody has tried to understand his rootless son, Scott, who is now living a marginal life in Mexico. When he learns that Scott is dead, apparently by suicide, Atticus travels to Mexico to claim the body. Instead, he discovers evidence of murder and a trail of clues that will lead him to a strange and wonderful epiphany. Suspense and conflict, love and forgiveness combine in this deft story of Atticus' search for his son. Each character stands out, sharply etched, against the bright Mexican landscape."
"One of the most highly acclaimed and best-selling novels of 1991, Mariette in Ecstasy inspires even the most discriminating listener to some degree of reverence. This captivating story of faith and divine madness may move you to examine your own belief system. Since the tender age of four, Mariette Baptiste has had visions of her Savior. Now, at 17, she is entering the convent to dedicate her life to Him. At first, she is welcomed and admired. Then she begins to bleed from stigmata, and the villagers regard her as a saint. Emotions from the other Sisters of the Crucifixion range from admiration, to jealousy, to hatred. Readers will be stunned by the conclusion to Mariette's journey of faith. Recipient of an Award in Literature from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, Ron Hansen writes sensuous and compelling prose that is pure pleasure to listen to. Barbara Caruso's expressive voice beautifully conveys the rhythms reminiscent of haiku that the author so skillfully intersperses throughout."
