In the wink of an eye

In The Wink of an Eye is a modern fable in the form of a novel. Or a romantic satire. Or a social burlesque. Or an ironic fantasy. Or all of the above. Whatever the label, it's a joy to read. This tale is about a revolution—a small, upstart, none-too-promising revolution—that succeeds too well. A band of inept guerrillas in the Bolivain backcountry has modest ambitions to take over the jungle-ridden province of Santa Cruz, a place no one else wants. Before the story is half over a shady German industrialist, with an obsession for big deals and big women, devises a scheme to expand the revolt into a takeover of all of South America. The President of the United States, for his own veiled purposes, embraces that takeover for a vast Western Hemisphere plan. And through the independent actions of a few irate citizens in Tulsa, New York, and London, the plan unexpectedly snowballs into a wildcat world movement. The second half is more explosive still. To match the swift, tumultuous action, there's a cast of engaging, outrageously human characters. Just a hint: In Bolivia, at the start there is Miguel , young rugged guerrilla leader; ambitious entrepreneur with a frequent glance toward a personal place in history. Rosita , lively, lovely, sensual, practical young woman, living with Miguel; as great with a rifle as she is in bed, but would rather be a wife and mother. Ramon , shy nonviolent, U.S.-educated son of wealthy Bolivian family; Miguel's closest friend and advisor; wouldn't know how to use a rifle; is hopelessly in love with Rosita. (Who wouldn't be--except for a dope like Miguel?) And the cast captivatingly enlarges in New York, London, Tulsa, Washington, Rome, Cape Canaveral, and the environs of the Amazon. Boson Books also offers Sick and Full of Burningby Kelly Cherry. For an author bio and photo, reviews and a reading sample, visit bosonbooks.com.