Before Ever After

In her debut novel, Sotto sets up the intriguing notion that Shelley Gallus's husband, Max, dead for three years, is actually alive and well on an island in the Philippines%E2%80%94in fact he's been alive for centuries! As Shelley and Paolo (who claims to be Max's grandson) embark on a journey to confront Max about abandoning them, Shelley recounts how she met Max in Europe while he was working as a tour guide for the Slight Detour Company. She and Paulo come to understand that Max's historic tidbits, from 79 A.D. to 1871, involve stories in which he was a major player. While Sotto capably envisions different venues and historic events, it is difficult for readers to make the leap of faith necessary to make this fantastical premise work, especially since Sotto never adequately explains the precise logistics of how Max achieved his immortality. While the various anecdotes about Max's different roles through history are entertaining%E2%80%94including that of a wealthy landowner living the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius and a French rou%C3%A9 who escaped the ravages of the French Revolution%E2%80%94they lack narrative purpose and seem to merely showcase Sotto's knowledge of obscure historic facts and myths. Nevertheless, the author shows a flair for description and offers insight into successful relationships. (Aug.)