DeLillo, Don. Mao II. Viking. Jun. 1991. c.239p. ISBN 0-670-83904-3. $19.95
[FICTION]

This extraordinary story focuses on one Bill Gray, a reclusive writer whose legend abounds while he slowly deteriorates from drinking, drugs, and depression. His assistant Scott keeps his image alive, yet mysterious. "Years ago there were stories that Bill was dead, Bill was in Manitoba, Bill was living under another name, Bill would never write another word. . . Now Bill was devising his own cycle of death and resurgence. It made Scott think of the great leaders who regenerate their power by dropping out of sight and then staging messianic returns. Mao Zedong, of course." Enter Brita Nilsson, photographer of writers and terrorists, who captures Bill's likeness on film for the first time in more than three decades and pushes him to publish his last great novel. Publisher Charlie gives Bill an offer he can't refuse, and the story concludes on the violent streets of Beirut. DeLillo's style is wonderfully expressive, yet dark in tone. Readers will throughly enjoy it.

Kevin M. Roddy, Oakland Public Library, California