Synopses & Reviews
A New York Times EDITORS' CHOICE Named a MOST ANTICIPATED book of 2024 by Nylon and The Millions
Following a near-death experience, an entrepreneurial father-and-son duo wreak havoc and fend off bankruptcy in this unflinching portrayal of the absurdities of American life.
"Hilarious, exceptional." Dan Chaon, The New York Times Book Review — "Honest, highwire, virtuosic writing that summons up the world with all its charms and hazards." George Saunders
Even though his firearms store is failing, things are looking up for David Rizzo. His son, Nick, has just recovered after a near-fatal overdose, which means one thing: Rizzo can use Nick's resurrection to create the most compelling television commercial for a gun emporium that the world has ever seen. After all, this is America, Rizzo tells himself. Surely anything is possible. But the relationship between father and son is fragile, mired in mutual disappointment. And when the pair embarks on their scheme to avoid bankruptcy, a high stakes crash of hijinks, hope, and disaster ensues.
Featuring a cast of unforgettable characters, this razor-sharp social satire lays bare both the gun and opioid crises.
Fans of Don DeLillo and Stephen Markley will be thrilled by this smart, inventive debut.
Review
"What a taut, energetic, tender, and wholly original debut novel Alexander Sammartino has written. He knows something deep about the dark heart of America that somehow doesn't stop him from writing about it with genuine, goofy love." George Saunders, author of Liberation Day
Review
"Sammartino's promising debut offers keen insights into gun violence, drug addiction, and capitalism along with a skewering satire of social media... A sobering tale full of heart." Booklist
Review
"Acerbic... [Last Acts] satisfies on multiple levels." Publisher's Weekly
About the Author
Alexander Sammartino lives in Brooklyn. He received his MFA from Syracuse University. Last Acts is his first novel.