Beverly Gologorsky Livres

A story of family--whether the one you inherit or the one you create--bound together and torn apart in the struggle for a better world.Change rarely comes easily or without a fight. In her much-anticipated fourth novel Beverly Gologorsky takes a close, loving look at the members of a working-class family in the Bronx, each in their own way struggling for a better world. At the heart of the story is Josie, a young woman whose fraught relationship with her family is further stretched by her commitment to anti-Vietnam War activities and her deepening relationship with a rising star in the Black Panther Party. Her brother Johnny is a police officer, rough and judgmental. Closest in age to Josie is sweet Richie, who, inexplicably to her, has just become an enlisted soldier. Her sister Celia is pulled toward activism in the women's fight for equality, but paralyzed by fear for her eldest son who may or may not have blown up an enlistment center. Their lives intertwine through acts of violence, loyalty, and, above all, the bonds of family love and loss. One thing is certain--that in the long run of life, change is inevitable.

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, this notable first novel explores the profound effects of the conflict on American families. It delves into themes of loss, trauma, and the struggle to maintain connections amidst chaos. Through its poignant narrative, the book captures the emotional turmoil experienced by those waiting at home, revealing the war's far-reaching consequences beyond the battlefield. The characters navigate their shattered lives, offering a compelling reflection on the personal cost of war.

As the Great Recession and the foreclosure crisis hit, four close friends who barely made it out of poverty in New York City’s South Bronx, suddenly find themselves caught up in the economic maelstrom. Lena, Zack, Dory, and Stu must reconcile their troubled past with an uncertain future in Beverly Gologorsky’s stunning new novel, a tapestry of working-class life in a world on the brink.

Set against the backdrop of Murray's Diner in Long Island, the story follows three friends navigating their tumultuous lives. Ava grapples with the grief of losing her husband in the Iraq War, while Mila fights to prevent her daughter from enlisting in the military. Rosalyn juggles her dual life as an escort and seeks solace in a budding romance. Through love and shared struggles, they learn to confront their pasts and find strength in their bonds, ultimately discovering that love is what helps them endure life's challenges.