Jonathan Rabans powerful novel is set in Seattle in 1999 at the height of itsinfatuation with the virtual. Its a place that attracts immigrants. One ofthese is ... » 

Jonathan Rabans powerful novel is set in Seattle in 1999 at the height of itsinfatuation with the virtual. Its a place that attracts immigrants. One ofthese is Tom Janeway a bookish Hungarianborn Englishman who makes his livingcommenting on American mores on NPR. Another who calls himself Chick is afrenetically industrious illegal alien from China who makes his living any wayhe can. Through a series of extraordinary but chillingly plausible events thepaths of these newcomers converge. Tom is uprooted from his marriage and mustlearn to father his endearing eightyear old son parttime. Chick claws his wayup from exploited to exploiter. Meanwhile Seattle is troubled by riotinganarchists vanishing children and the discovery of an alQaeda operative itis a city on the brink. Savage and tender visionary and addictivelyentertaining Waxwings is a major achievement. «