The Golden Hour: A Novel of Manhood, Marriage, and Redemption Among Volunteer Firefighters

by Nicholas Weinstock

After 46 years in upscale Manhattan, two roaring decades as an investment banker, and 19 years of marriage, Bill Schoenberg has lost it all. He made a mistake, regrettable and unspeakable; and now he’s fled to his neglected house in rural New York. But of instead of losing himself, Bill finds a chance for renewed self-respect and maybe even redemption.

To a man who has thought of little but his own needs, the Harristown Volunteer Fire Company represents an unlikely pursuit—until he has a fire in his house. As Bill struggles with trading his French-cuff shirts for flannel, dressing in a moving fire truck, and learning to knock down forest fires, he must also navigate the darker recesses of his life. His wife may be having an affair with one of his colorful country neighbors, an angry intruder seems to be preying on his property, and his own unmentionable secret is coming closer to the surface the longer he stays in Harristown.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, non-taxing read

Conversion stories are usually enjoyable, and sometimes one ever learns something new to boot. Why not learn to fight fires?

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reminded me a lot of early Richard Russo, who does small towns, and fish out of water very well.

Interesting story of a man coming to terms with himself, his life, his faults and fears. Along the way, he learns more about himself and steps outside of his comfort zone to find a new life. Throw in becoming a volunteer firefighter, a small town in upstate New York (characters welcome), a divorce and trying to figure out who the paramour of his ex was, and the tale gains depth and amusement.

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Weinstock's last book, _As Long As She Needs Me_, which was a sweet romantic comedy. This, in contrast, is a boy book about a wimpy wealthy Manhattanite who moves out to the country and joins the volunteer fire department, where he battles his inner fears and learns to be physically brave. Pretty predictable, but some nice characters. Lots of profanity.

[Pamk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story written from a man's perspective, and it seemed very plausible. It's very rare that I laugh out loud while reading, but this book accomplished that at least once. An enjoyable read.