Seth Greenland’s timely new novel is set in the high California desert between the trailer parks and amphetamine labs of Desert Hot Springs and the classic mid-century architecture of Palm Springs. In this sun-blasted territory, with its equally arid social culture, a fiercely contested congressional election is in progress. The wily incumbent, Randall Duke, is unburdened by ethical considerations. His opponent, Mary Swain, a sexy, well-financed newcomer, does not have a firm grip on American history or elemental economics.

This is the perfect combination of people and place for Seth Greenland, one of America’s finest satirists. The Angry Buddhist swirls together the character-derived humor of an Elmore Leonard tale with the clear-eyed suspense of a James M. Cain noir. It convincingly explores mendacity in its many modern American forms: contemporary politics, middle class sexual mores, the criminal justice system and the limits and costs of filial love. Greenland is able to mix satire with crime to produce humor that is vibrantly caustic and subjects that are alarmingly authentic

Seth Greenland
Seth Greenland is the author of five novels. The last two, The Angry Buddhist (2011) and I Regret Everything (2015), were published by Europa Editions. Greenland is also a playwright and screenwriter and has worked as writer and producer for HBO. Born in New York City, he currently lives and works in Los Angeles with his wife.

• Dec 4 2012
  Buddhist Book Reviews: "It really is superb."
  
• Nov 19 2012
  Tricycle: "Is it a great novel? I think that’s a question worth asking."
  
• Jun 9 2012
  LA Review of Books: "There is nothing deserted about The Angry Buddhist."
  
• Jun 7 2012
  The Nervous Breakdown: An Interview with the Author
  
• May 10 2012
  Forward: "“The Angry Buddhist” is an entertaining novel, and I expect that most readers will have a hard time putting it down."
  
• Apr 22 2012
  The New York Times Book Review: "“The Angry Buddhist” makes a fine high-end beach read for election season."