
The book opens on a November morning, when 16-year-old William Heller enters the Manhattan subway system. Talking to an aged Sikh seated next to him, William explains he has a fondness for riding trains, specifically subways — hence his nickname, “Lowboy.” His voice drops when he asks if the Sikh understands him. He checks over his shoulder to see if he’s being followed. “The Sikh religion,” he confides knowingly to the puzzled Sikh, “is less than 70 years old.” Soon he curses, impatient.
See you next month...