Thomas Kelly’s Empire Rising

Author Thomas Kelly brings New York City to the front and center is his novel, Empire Rising. From the start, let me say that Kelly is on par with Steinbeck when it comes to capturing not only the essence but also the sweep of an era.

This is a story that takes place in the shadow of the construction of the Emprie State Building. The main characters are recent Irish immigrants. One, Michael Briody, has a terrorist past, and he struggles to put that behind him as he works as an ironworker. Grace Masterson has her own crooked dealings, including her relationship with a Tammany Hall boss. Then there are the other characters, from Mayor Jimmy Walker to union bosses and thugs galore, including the hint that the Italian mafia may be growing more powerful than the Irish gangs. The pot boils as these people claw their way through the depression and the struggles of a corrupted political system that may work better than anyone realizes. However, the price paid is not always denominated in dollars.

The best part about this book is Kelly’s ability to put the reader into the City, into the jobs these people do, and into the mood of the time. You’re right there, praying it works out. Like reality, Kelly gives the good with the bad, something I always enjoy about great fiction. As I mentioned earlier, this story is on par with some of Steinbeck’s work. Kelly doesn’t pass political judgment either, which too many recent authors seem unable to resist. He simply lets the story run its course in the context of the time in which it is set.

Thomas Kelly has written two other books, Payback, and The Rackets. I haven’t read Payback, but I did enjoy The Rackets. I’m looking forward to another book by Kelly soon.

Published in: on August 19, 2008 at 9:34 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Modern Apartments, Aruba

This post shows a modern apartment building that is under construction in Oranjestaad, Aruba. In other posts, I showed cunucu houses, ruins, and things of that nature. It’s only right to show something a bit out of the ordinary. This structure is built directly across the street from the Caribbean Sea. There isn’t really a beach there, but at some points you could clamber down to the water.

The sign above gives you an idea of the finished product. There is to be one apartment per floor, with parking at ground level, two spots per apartment. Some people don’t like this sort of thing cropping up on the island. They think it is out of character or too large. I don’t have no opinion with regards to that. Progress is inevitable. Without progress, you’ll have decline. It is impossible to remain in a constant state. Here’s a look at the conceptual drawings of each apartment.

One way or another, those five apartments will be occupied. The location isn’t bad. It’s on the far side of town in relation to the new shopping mall and many new restaurants. However, that may appeal to someone who wants to live there as opposed to vacation on the island. It is also more accessible to the airport, a benefit to a local business person with off-island dealings.

Whatever your preference, the good thing about Aruba is that there are plenty of options.

Published in: on August 19, 2008 at 10:28 am  Leave a Comment  
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