The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey: A Novel

When I bought this book, I thought I'd gotten a murder mystery with an old man acting as a detective. Now that I've read it, I think the story could be better characterized as a reverse coming-of-age story -- how an old man regains his vitality in order to define and establish his family legacy. Ptolemy, the old man's name, is the first thing that struck me. How do you pronounce it, and why did the author select it? A quick glance at Wikipedia reveals that the "P" is silent and the first Ptolemy began an Egyptian dynasty that ended with Cleopatra. Additionally, a Ptolemaic view of the universe argues that the earth is the center of the solar system. Perfect! This book is the story of Ptolemy Usher Grey's dynasty. The book begins with Ptolemy in his filthy, cluttered apartment. He can't even open the bathroom door because it's blocked with junk. His apartment reeks. His TV and radio blare all day and night. Danger looms outside. A dope fiend regularly mugs him when he ventures outside his apartment. Ptolemy's thoughts and memories are like his apartment. This story is about how he gets both back in order for his family.