Review of Feast of the Assumption by David Vardeman

I’ve read all of Vardeman’s books. You should too. He is a unique and unusual author.

Like some of his other long-form drama stories, this one is told entirely through dialogue. Actually it is a polylogue, a fusion of quirky voices discussing a bizarre situation. At least six main characters, with interludes containing new characters, and some participating only rarely in the heated debates and sort of hyper-specific repartee that fans of Vardeman will instantly recognize as his signature method of conveying information. The characters’ behavior is often reprehensible and motivated by semantic pride.
The action opens on a diner scene. They enjoy the fruits of a boon, handed down by their circumstances which are described as one of their acquaintances being taken aloft by a crackling cloud. They accept this explanation for her disappearance and make light of her plight. They make use of her credit card liberally, as well as later her house, clothing and car.
She could be called rich, that is, they could be called rich. Their inter-relationships are not always clear. Their lack of moral compunction could not be clearer.
While less startling than Vardeman’s other books, this one is a slow burn with incredible tension throughout stemming from the fascinating selfishness and uncanny manipulative words of the characters.
A character and voice driven piece, diffuse of events and plot per se, but unfailingly entertaining. The incorrect entry point to the author’s work, but a worthy corollary to his svelte body of work.