Sins of Our Fathers, Shawn Lawrence Otto
Sins of Our Fathers, Shawn Lawrence Otto
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Sins of Our Fathers
A Novel

Author: Shawn Lawrence Otto

Narrator: Jim Meskimen

Unabridged: 10 hr 35 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/11/2014

Synopsis

From the screenwriter of the Oscar-nominated House of Sand and Fog comes a fierce, elegant page-turner about race, money, and the American Dream.JW is a small-town banker; his specialty, teaching other bankers in towns near Indian reservations how to profit from casino deposits without exposing themselves to risk; his problem, he lost his son in a car accident a year ago, he's depressed, his wife is leaving him, and he can't stop gambling.When he is caught embezzling funds to support his addiction, JW's boss offers him a choice: he can either accept responsibility and go to prison or use his talents to sabotage a competing Native American banker named Johnny Eagle. With the clock ticking, JW moves into a trailer on the reservation within sight of his prey. But as he befriends Eagle and his son, JW finds that his plan to reclaim his freedom will be more dangerous than he ever could have imagined.

About Shawn Lawrence Otto

Shawn Lawrence Otto is the screenwriter and coproducer of the Oscar-nominated film House of Sand and Fog. He also writes for such top studios as DreamWorks and Lions Gate. His nonfiction has appeared in Rolling Stone, Science, and Salon, among other publications. He lives in Minneapolis.

About Jim Meskimen

Jim Meskimen is a stage, film, and television actor who has appeared in many well-known movies and television shows. He acted in Apollo 13 and Frost/Nixon for director Ron Howard, both of which were nominated for Best Picture Oscars. His television appearances include The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Friends, Lie to Me, Criminal Minds, and Parks and Recreation. He is also a painter, award-winning audiobook narrator, and audiobook director for Galaxy Audio.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Matthew on September 06, 2015

A beautiful novel that reminds me of Hemingway when he was at his best. A strong story with complex characters written with great skill and economy. Sins of Our Fathers opens a door to another world - that of contemporary Native American life and its relationship to the rest of America - and would b......more

Goodreads review by Greg on November 06, 2015

[URL not allowed] JW, protagonist, is a flawed hero. He is not exactly an anti-hero because he is not a bad guy, though one does become annoyed at where he places his values. As his character unfolds in the first several chapters of Shawn Otto’s novel, Sins of Our Fathers, we l......more

Goodreads review by Diana on October 19, 2017

RICH AND SATISFYING Shawn Lawrence Otto’s debut novel, Sins of Our Fathers, is much more than a compelling page-turner, although it is also exactly that. The novel begins with America’s everyman, therein known as JW, taking big risks with his finances and his place within his family. Story and histo......more

Goodreads review by Rebecca on November 29, 2014

What a journey I took reading this novel. Complex and imperfect human beings attempting to make sense of life and live it the best they can given their personal histories. It grapples with imperfect love, the desire to do better even when it makes things worse. It is about what grief can do to a per......more

Goodreads review by Mike on November 27, 2014

I sat in on a radio interview with Greg Laden and Shawn Lawrence Otto on November 23 as the host of the program. Laden asked Shawn why "Sins of Our Fathers" should be considered a literary novel as opposed to a popular novel. Shawn had a good answer, and I invite you to listen to the podcast from Mn......more

Quotes

“This stylish novel…resolves in a rousing and satisfying climax. Otto’s wonderfully vivid debut narrative is reminiscent of well-known crime novelist William Kent Kreuger.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“An excellent debut literary thriller. Fans of Larry Watson and Louise Erdrich will enjoy the intricate plot, well-developed characters, and readers who are interested in mysteries with a Minnesota setting will want to try this edgy page-turner.” Library Journal

“Believable characters and a strong sense of place mark this tale of risk and redemption.” Booklist

“While JW’s story can stand on its own, Jim Meskimen’s crisp and forceful narration makes it especially engaging. His powerful voice works well for the dialogue. With emotions flying, Meskimen’s narration makes this a book listeners will be talking about long after they’re done listening.” AudioFile

“In Sins of Our Fathers, screenwriter turned novelist Shawn Lawrence Otto has pushed his perfectly crafted characters to their limits. The result is a literary tour de force and a psychological thriller that hooked me from the first page and carried me through to its stunning conclusion.” Joel Surnow, creator of 24

“Excellent writing and dynamic characters make this novel a page turner that stands above the rest.” Robert Alexander, author of The Kitchen Boy

Awards

  • Publishers Weekly Pick of the Week
  • Los Angeles Times Book Prize
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