A Good Man: A story of heroism, friendship, and survival

by Debbie Slevin

“Slevin delivers a riveting novel about two abused women in New York City in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. . . . A moving novel about tragedy and recovery.”
—Kirkus Reviews

In the aftermath of September 11, a grieving city searches for heroes....

Elizabeth Allen, a journalist trapped in a violent marriage, is searching for a story big enough to change her life. Drawn to the portrait of a firefighter lost in the attacks, she sets out to tell the story behind the public tributes and headlines. What begins as a quest for professional success becomes a deeply personal journey into the lives of those left behind.

As Elizabeth uncovers stories of love, sacrifice, loyalty, and loss, she finds that heroism is rarely simple and that the people we admire most often carry hidden truths. Weaving together the voices of survivors, families, and ordinary New Yorkers, A Good Man is a moving novel about friendship, resilience, and the courage required not only to face tragedy, but to transform a life.

What makes a good man—and who gets to decide?

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2026

About the author

Debbie Slevin is a writer, producer/director, and teacher. After 25 years of nurturing the theatrical yearnings of countless students, she now devotes her creative energy to exploring her own artistic passions. She conceived and co-produced The Apron Strings Project in Riverhead, NY, produced and directed The Last Five Years at Guild Hall in East Hampton, and the first NYC revival of Songs for a New World. Her original play Gate B23: Carry-On Baggage was a best-selling selection of NYC International Fringe Festival and Manhattan Repertory Theater's Winterfest.
Winner of two essay contests in 2015, Word Up! Long Island Litfest and Dan’s Papers Literary Contest, her writing has also appeared in Essence Magazine, Woman’s World, and Reform Judaism, among other publications. She was also a staff writer for the Jewish Standard. She has just completed a new play about Mark Twain's women. Debbie is married with three children and one grandchild and makes her home in Northern NJ and Eastern Long Island.

Reviews

[Joan S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and then reread it because there was so much of the story that I wanted to remember. Debbie's descriptions are so vivid, and much of the story is told in phone messages that are so real that you can imagine hearing the character's voice and New York accent! Yes, it's a sad story of post 9/11 but it brings to life the stories behind the grieving. I love a book that can make you laugh as well as cry and the author not only does this but her writing is beautiful as well as sophisticated. She describes how friendships develop between characters brought together by tragedy who would never make contact in their normal day to day lives. She shows how they benefit greatly from those relationships and then begin a healing process that changes their live for the better.

[Nancy Simonson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving read as we head to the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Debbie has shown us the depths of pain and then recovery from different types of trauma. There are a few secrets uncovered as the book moves along and as we follow the narrator’s journey. Not a long book but you still get to know the characters well. A Good Man and a good read.

[Barbara Fitzgibbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well done even though the heart of it revolves around 9/11. The book has many intriguing characters and really is a page turner and a quick read.
I thought it was enjoyable and would recommend it.

[Miriam Korn Haimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of surprises. The story is both heart wrenching and heartwarming. I couldn’t put it down.