The Ha-Ha
by: Dave King
Published by: Back Bay Books
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Reviewed by Julie Failla Earhart
Get ready to fall in love when you read Dave King's debut novel, The Ha-Ha
Howard Kapostah can no longer read, write, or speak, thanks to sixteen days in Vietnam thirty years ago. However, as the business-sized cards he carries says, Howie is of 'normal intelligence' (whatever that means) despite a hideous head wound that leaves an equally hideous scar. But he holds a job, drives, owns a house, does his laundry...all the things that constitute a normal life. Via a collection of grunts, noises, and gestures, Howie communicates with his world. However, Howie is emotionally closed off from the world around him.
The story opens with Howie's sort-of best friend and high school sweetheart hitting rock bottom and being forced into rehab. She dumps her nine-year-old son, Ryan, on Howie and his housemates. For the first time, someone else is totally dependant on Howie. The Ha-Ha is the story of Howie rising, and sometimes falling, to the occasion. Taking responsibility for a child is a big job for anyone, much less someone with limited communication skills.
Stretching over an eight-week period, Howie learns what it takes to be a parent, a man, a human. The novel's themes of communication, building trust, blind loyalty and faith, and childhood needs and shattered dreams make The Ha-Ha a must read. Watching Howie and Ryan interact and learn from each other is poignant and heart warming.
Howard Kapostah deserves to become one of literatures enduring characters, much like Huck and Tom, Ishmal, Rebecca, Gatsby and Holden Caulfield.
Armchair Interviews says: King's work follows all the techniques that are taught in creative writing classes but imposes them seamlessly on this timeless story.
From our armchair to yours...
