Place in the City

by Howard Fast

Fast’s stunning third novel, about neighbors on one New York City street, struggling to achieve their dreams during the Great Depression


On Apple Place, John Edwards aspires to poetry and love, while his neighbor Claus Silverman dreams of a life of music. Meyer runs a cigar stand, saving each penny to build a better future for his family, while Mary sells herself on the corner to provide for her children. Ground down by poverty during some of the city’s bleakest years, the characters that mix and mingle in Place in the City all yearn for more, striving constantly for the American Dream lying just beyond their reach.
 
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Howard Fast including rare photos from the author’s estate.

Genres: Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Howard Fast was one of the most prolific American writers of the twentieth century. He was a bestselling author of more than eighty works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenplays. The son of immigrants, Fast grew up in New York City and published his first novel upon finishing high school in 1933. In 1950, his refusal to provide the United States Congress with a list of possible Communist associates earned him a three-month prison sentence. During his incarceration, Fast wrote one of his best-known novels, Spartacus (1951). Throughout his long career, Fast matched his commitment to championing social justice in his writing with a deft, lively storytelling style.

Pseudonyms: Walter Ericson, E.V. Cunningham

Reviews

[Margie Cady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning book that doesn't disappoint.

Picture a small New York neighborhood during the Prohibition era. Most of the people there struggle, financially. Some struggle with their conscience. A legend is created thorough tragedy. These are the stories spurred by faith, love, hopelessness, and greed A must-read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Every page is like a poem. I think I've discovered a new favorite author.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting early novel by prolific blacklisted author with a strong social conscience. Vignettes of NYC life on a cul de sac during the Depression and Prohibition. Bleak but always hopeful.