Tim Dodge

Purgatory Tim Dodge

What would you do if you could go back to earth after you die? That's what philandering businessman Charles Cunningham finds out after he dies and goes to Purgatory, the place between heaven and hell. A cryptic note inspires him to go back to earth in search of the daughter he neglected in life, hopeful that he can make up for the past deeds that are keeping him out of heaven. Accompanied by the spirit of a 19th century writer, he lands in New York City in 2049. He doesn't know that another spirit, one of his jilted lovers, has followed them, intent on stopping him from doing anything that might get him into heaven. She has a long memory but not much in the way of conscience or a sense of humor, and she'll stop at nothing for revenge. The story that follows takes them from Manhattan of the future to Las Vegas, involving Charles' daughter, now a dignified senior citizen; her son, a magnet for trouble with a gambling problem; and the spirit of a carefree deadbeat, forced to spend his time in Purgatory drinking lousy beer and listening to music he hates. Charles' enemy joins forces with his desperate grandson in a bumbling attempt to prevent a happy ending. PURGATORY is a humorous romp through mid-21st century America, teaching the four spirits that, with determination, they can overcome the things that keep them from happiness. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll never think of Edgar Allan Poe the same way again.