Russell Banks

"In 1971, a property speculator named Harley Mann begins recording his life story onto a reel-to-reel machine. Reflecting on his childhood in the early 20th century, Harley recounts that after his father's sudden death, his family migrated down to Florida--mere miles away from what would become Disney World--to join a community of Shakers. Led by Elder John, a generous man with a mysterious past, the colony devoted itself to labor, faith, and charity,...

A collection of travel essays includes pieces on the author's interview with Fidel Castro in Cuba, his hippie reunion with college friends in Chapel Hill, and his Edinburgh elopement with his fourth wife.