New City

by Patrick Girondi

Genres: City Life; Coming of Age; Cultural Heritage

Synopsis

Davey is a Polack with a heart of gold. He grew up in New City, home of what was once the world’s largest slaughterhouse, the Chicago Stockyards. 

After Davey’s wife’s infidelity, he stepped out of what the US calls the “white man's” world. Standing over six feet tall, with a chiseled body, he can fix anything from leaky pipes to broken hearts.  

New City becomes the target of gentrification. Davey owes $280,000 in taxes and fines on his house worth no more than $10,000. He knows it’s just a matter of time before he’s living on the streets or worse, in one of the city’s shelters. He and his next door neighbors decide to move to Greencastle, Indiana. 

Mountain, a simple-minded man, becomes Davey’s  boarder. At seven, Mountain could squash two walnuts in one hand. He shares Davey’s dream. They scrap metal, pick up bottles, and do odd jobs to gather the $13,000 dollars needed to purchase their country paradise.

Lippatu, the eight-year old daughter of Davey’s neighbor Napoleon, is afflicted with Sickle Cell Disease. Her sage-like strength and wisdom provides an odd balance to the chaos of their lives. 

Unfortunately, an ambitious, badgering, City Revenue Agent, Burman, discovers the hidden Greencastle funds. He ends up dead and with Mountain’s freedom at stake, Davey must decide if he will make the ultimate sacrifice. 

Release date: February 14, 2023

Publisher: Skyhorse

Print pages: 240