In the tradition of Studs Lonigan and A Stone for Danny Fisher, a transporting historical saga about three young men coming-of-age on New York City’s rapidly changing, vibrant, challenging, sometimes heartless Upper West Side as they walk a fine line between right and wrong amid the turbulence and scandals of the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
Kenny, Frankie, Ray. For these best friends, life on the Upper West Side during the upheaval of the 1960s showed undreamed-of possibilities—and temptations. Moved by visionaries like Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcom X, Kenny risks the draft as he plunges into civil rights activism. With surprising business savvy, Frankie expands his grandfather's Harlem underworld empire to feed the growing demand for drugs—and his hunger to be the city's biggest kingpin. Ray dreams of being a doctor, but his near-addictive desires lead him to a near-fatal confrontation . . . and a different sort of healing.
But as the 1970s unwind, Kenny dedicates himself to revenge as well as social work—forming a dangerous alliance that puts him at an inescapable crossroads. Used to sexual playgrounds like Studio 54, Frankie falls for the one woman he shouldn't want. And Ray embarks on a dangerous double life that throws him into conflict with his deepest convictions.
With its relentless materialism, the 1980s will take these friends from a scandal-ridden Gracie Mansion mayoral campaign to wrenching urban change that will alter their old neighborhood forever. Kenny, Frankie, and Ray must decide how far they will pursue dreams that can guarantee success—or disaster. And each must come to terms with the kind of man he wants to be—no matter the consequences . . .
