West End

by Crockett White

A NOVEL OF ENVY, REVENGE AND DIRTY MONEY THE The beginning of a golden age in American politics in the 1960s—when the constitutional promise of a nation of equal justice under the law appeared realistically attainable. THE A fictional intersection of the Kennedy Brothers’ Camelot in the South, where the country’s enduring and painful struggle with racial integration was once again inflamed. THE The coming of age of one young man and the tragic undoing of another. David Arthur and Tate Weston—born on opposite sides of a great river that not only divides their Southern town but also sets them worlds apart for years to come— are picked up like leaves by swirling winds and blown in to the magic sphere of Jack Hickenlooper, publisher of a crusading Southern newspaper dedicated to equal justice under the law. THE Weston’s extraordinary charisma, confidence and resolute purpose to be elected president; Arthur’s uncertainty, naiveté, inferiority complex, and streak of exceptional luck; Hickenlooper’s grasp of the Kennedy power and their Machiavellian brand of end-justifies-the-means politics. And, oh yes, the doting mother, the perfect wife, the seductive receptionist, the crotch artist and the amazing Henri, and of course the soiling staples of politics—envy, revenge and dirty money.

346 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2015

Reviews

[Jacob Feldman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The influences are obvious - the author’s attempt at a southern postmodern Gatsby. Several small changes, such as beginning each chapter with the time and location and not transitioning into a flashback mid-sentence, would have gone a long way.

[Marty Durham · Rating 3 out of 5]

some interesting parts but didn't stay with me.

[Patty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nashville

A thinly disguised comment on 1960's good old boy politics. Easy to recognise the players, if you lived in Nashville during these times.

[Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meanderingly entertaining, like the digression-filled stories told by a drunken older relative just inappropriate enough to be truly amusing, this ribald and insightful book about politics and newspapers from the 60s through the 90s begins in (let's face it) Nashville, and then spills out all over into everything and everywhere. This is possibly where the usefulness of this review ends, however, since I would assume that this book would take on a Rick Bragg/Fannie Flagg sort of feel if one had not grown up in Middle Tennessee during the period in question. This book resonates with me because I recognize it and remember some of it - but I cannot imagine it will go down that well for every reader.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Nashville story

After having read "Secrets of the Hopewell Box" and the Bill Carey books I found this to be another great story about so many of the interesting people who have made our city great.
Highly recommend that anyone who has any history in the area read this; you'll find it fascinating.

[Esther Gulli · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must read for Nashvillians interested in Democratic politics. Everything will be very familiar to you.

[Nadine Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars really. Entertaining characters, interesting (probably true) stories. Perhaps would have been better as a short story collection.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was given to me with a warning of sorts that it wasn't the best read, and I have to agree. Probably the only reason I continued reading was just pure nosyness. The characters are based on local politicians, journalist and their peers, so I wanted to learn more. I wondered if the author had the sexual experiences he described and if he did, I (if I were he) certainly wouldn't brag about bedding a woman and after that woman dies, her mother. But hey, that is me, maybe you find this book interesting and well written, but I pass and I would recommend you do as well.