Like so many refugees from the social and political turmoil of 1960s America, Frank Noal heads out looking for a new sense of self and place. Emigrating to Gloucester, Massachusetts, the world renowned fishing port, he works as a part time maintenance man and bartender at what remains of the North Shore’s last grand hotel, Rackliffe House located on Rocky Neck. Here, Frank meets Donna Pearce, a madcap expressionist painter and becomes involved in a volatile and voluble affair with the Gloucester native. As their relationship develops amidst the eclectic mix of artists, fishermen, poets and tourists frequenting the subterranean bar at Rackliffe House, it becomes apparent to both Frank and Donna that the mysterious history of the hotel is the perfect venue for the misdeeds of Jack Carson, Frank’s former college roommate and the hotel’s manager. With the assistance of their friend, the avuncular gay desk clerk, Harley Fenton, Frank and Donna finally uncover the facts regarding Jack’s import-export endeavors. Driven by the obtuse relationships these characters develop, the story winds to its unexpected and explosive climax and then concludes in the Twenty First Century with a glimpse at what their lives have become. Saucy and rich with humor, this tale explores the emotions and forces that caused so many baby boomers to reconsider their futures in so many different ways. Spiced with the allegories of Frank’s boyhood friend, an Abenaki storyteller, and the poetry of a shell shocked and beleaguered Viet Nam veteran the book presents a tightly woven appraisal of a unique time in a unique place.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Well crafted, this story winds its way to a conclusion that you never could have guessed. -- Dave McAveeny, Author, Kipling in Gloucester
From the Publisher
These 296 pages of literary fiction will appeal to all baby boomers. The 70s were tumultuous times and this book, Ed's first novel, is a bittersweet representation of just that. For anybody who has ever visited Gloucester it's a treat.
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More About the Author
I write and paint with passion, ignoring as many rules as possible except one. Get the idea across succinctly, by whatever means are at hand. Then trust viewer and reader instinct to grasp the message. If they have to work a little, hey that never killed anyone.
I enjoy the abandon with which children approach art. There are few things more gratifying than seeing the fresh, unabridged expressions of emotional worlds. As story tellers, they are energetic and exciting. We, as adults, can learn a lot from them when we look and listen.
I enjoy the abandon with which children approach art. There are few things more gratifying than seeing the fresh, unabridged expressions of emotional worlds. As story tellers, they are energetic and exciting. We, as adults, can learn a lot from them when we look and listen.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful, warm memories of the 70's,
By
This review is from: In a Place Like No Other (Paperback)
Totally enjoyed this book. Brought back wonderful memories of the 70's and a beautiful area we used to visit.Ed brought the characters and the area alive, made them easy to relate to. Can't wait for the next book!
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's real, very real....,
By Beeswood (Cape Ann, MA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: In a Place Like No Other (Paperback)
What a "wicked good" book! I realize it claims to be fiction... I understand that the chain of events, the characters, the costumes at the Beaux Arts Ball all seem a little too far-fetched and off the wall. But trust me, stuff like that happens around here! Donna's fashion reviews from her favorite barstool are accurate and on the money. The Les Moor/Bobby Crosby's surprize us around here all the time. (And the written local accent - 'spoken' more authentically than the ones from "A Perfect Storm" The Movie.)From his perch high atop his 'fictious' Banner Hill, Ed has colored everyone just as vividly in his book as they truly appear on the Neck...and in his paintings. Cannot overlook the nod to our favorite dog, either - only a Labrador would put up with people like this, in a place like no other.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!,
This review is from: In a Place Like No Other (Paperback)
Great fictional book about Rocky Neck! (Even though I've heard from locals that it's not so fictional!) If you have ever been to Gloucester, MA you have to read this book!
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