Chain of Fools: A fictional memoir by Charles Stupidnski

"Chain of Fools: A fictional memoir by Charles Stupidnski" is the latest offering from Sanibel author Charles Sobczak. Sobczak has written an interesting novel, whose cover blurb says, "When he began looking for dirty laundry, amateur genealogist Charles Stupidnski (pronounced Stupnski) soon discovered his family owned the laundromat."

"Chain of Fools" is an open and honest book, abrasive and brutal, but genuine. There's such realism that anyone surviving a dysfunctional family can easily relate. And isn't that most of us?

The book takes place in northern Minnesota, where Charles — the protagonist, an alcoholic living in the Gold Gate Motel — has begun a novel. His research leads him to his grandmother, One-Eyed Maggie, who is a hoot and a holler and a tragedy waiting to happen. The cast of eccentric but likeable characters includes Chippewa Indians (one is named Dismount Moose Nelson), strippers (in particular, Crystal, who is an exotic dancer at Sugar Daddies) and alcoholics (especially his friend Diz, who often meets him at the Black Bear Casino where they both gamble).

The book is also interesting because of the structure.

Sobczak plays

Charles' story of his escape and downward journey from a conventional lifestyle into one of an alcoholic nomad moving from town to town, against One-Eyed Maggie's sad tale. We learn how and why she lost the sight in one eye, the marriage from hell, the death of her firstborn son and the betrayal and abuse she suffered at the hands of men she loved.

Both stories are tumultuous and riveting. And although neither story is pretty, Sobczak writes about his characters with wry humor, warmth and acceptance.

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