The subtle tensions and traditions between all of these groups make for some very vivid minor characters — an elderly man who helps non-English speakers prepare their letters for mailing at the post office; a dwarf who’s never lost a card or board game in the park; Chow’s former partner, a black detective who tries to keep Chow’s attitude in check — and Chow, embittered as he is, is an excellent soundpost. The varied backgrounds and agendas of his neighbors and coworkers reveal Chow to be a more sympathetic character than his jaded narration would otherwise indicate. When he hits bottom — becoming pugnacious, drunk, and verbally abusive on the job — the helping hands that save Chow act out of genuine respect and concern, not just for the sake of a happy ending.
Christopher Gray can be reached at cgray@phx.com.
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