Lost Memory Of Skin by Russell Banks
The novel explores the life of a young sex offender known only as "The Kid," who, after being released from prison, struggles to adapt to a marginal existence on the fringes of society. Living under a causeway in a makeshift encampment with other convicted sex offenders, The Kid's life takes a turn when he meets "The Professor," a brilliant but obese sociologist who has his own mysterious past. The Professor takes an interest in studying The Kid and his fellow outcasts, leading to a complex relationship that forces The Kid to confront his past actions and his uncertain future. The story delves deeply into themes of redemption, the dehumanizing effects of technology, and the thin lines between society's outcasts and its guardians.