My favorite of Hawkes's novels. Tender and effortlessly spot-on, it's a lovely exploration of its concept. Joseph, the point-of-view character, is mute--for reasons medical science is unable to explain--and can not only see the future, but experiences it. The novel is about how Joseph comes to understand his ability and how he learns to live despite his knowledge of what is to come. Hawkes wastes no time trying to explain how Joseph got to be the way he is, but we buy the set-up because of his deft characterization. This is my second or third reread and I'm always impressed by the seeming ease with which Hawkes puts Joseph on the page. Recommended. ( )