Writing with the telegraphic swiftness and microscopic sensitivity that have made her one of
our most distinguished journalists Joan Didion creates a shimmering novel of innocence and
evil. A Book of Common Prayer is the story of two American women in the derelict Central
American nation of Boca Grande. Grace Strasser-Mendana controls much of the country's wealth
and knows virtually all of its secrets Charlotte Douglas knows far too little. Immaculate of
history innocent of politics she has come to Boca Grande vaguely and vainly hoping to be
reunited with her fugitive daughter. As imagined by Didion her fate is at once utterly
particular and fearfully emblematic of an age of conscienceless authority and unfathomable
violence.
