Author: Daniel H. Turtel
Publisher: Blackstone
Release Date: April 5, 2022
A look into the lives of children of a dysfunctional father.
A man dies, but life must go on for those around him. Such is the case for three half siblings in the small New Jersey boardwalk town of Asbury Park. The legitimate son David, the illegitimate son Casey, and the maid’s daughter Gabrielle. All three have their own lives to consider, but when their father dies, the three are suddenly thrown together to cope with the aftermath. Casey has been living in the city for some time but returns to Asbury Park for the summer to help. He barely gets by and doesn’t want to ask for money. Although David gets the lion’s share of the inheritance, he does get $50,000 and a house in Asbury Park, which is where he discovers his father’s maid lives with her daughter, who ends up being his half-sister. Casey and Gabrielle really hit it off while his brother David begins to drink himself to death and buys anyone a round who will sit with him. As the summer ends, some decisions have to be made that will again affect all three lives.
This is a good read that follows the lives of David, Casey, and Gabrielle as they all deal uniquely with their father’s death. The story centers largely around Casey but throws occasional glimpses of Gabrielle’s life in for some backstory. There are also some stories from supporting characters that add some context and ramp up the tension and climax of the story. There is quite a bit of self-destruction in this story and sibling tension (not so much rivalry) that will makes readers side with different characters for different reasons. It’s not so much just a story to read, but one to resonate with.
There is some foul language throughout and some implied sex scenes that will make this book recommended for mature audiences.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
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