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The Submissionby Amy Waldman |
Arlene Almas (09/15/11): This is a book that could not be any more timely: it's a
fictional account of the selection of a design for the 9/11 Ground Zero memorial. A panel of thirteen judges
comprising architects, designers, artists, art critics, and one woman representing the victims' families has
been chosen to review all designs submitted. Unlike the actual process, in which prominent architects and
landscape designers were invited to participate, in the novel submissions have been accepted from anyone;
during this phase, the judges have been given no information regarding the person who submitted each design.
When they have narrowed the choices down to two designs, Claire, representing the families, convinces the
panel to choose the Garden, a beautiful setting with trees, flowing water, and walls on which to inscribe
the names of those who perished. At this point the judges are given the name and other information concerning
the architect who submitted the Garden design, and the reason for their shock is the catalyst for
all the events to follow. I found both the story and the writing very realistic, and I couldn't help
imagining what I would have done if I were in the place of any of the characters.
Rating: *****
