Celluloid Gangs

by Tom Tolnay

Abducted by B-movie-type thugs and whisked off to the "Big House" for questioning, down-and-out reporter Igor Lopes must prove that he does not have a long-lost film, stolen from the home of a murdered movie mogul

190 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1990

About the author

Tom was born in Manhattan, and growing up lived in four of NYC’s five boroughs. He graduated from CCNY, and studied at the New School for Social Research, but never bothered to pick up his diploma. In his three years in the U.S. Army he was stationed near Nancy, France, where he learned the language. Back in New York he held various menial jobs until he joined Back Stage weekly theatrical newspaper, and ultimately became its editor. After he resigned from the newspaper, he founded Birch Brook Press, where he printed letterpress editions of literary books. While engaged in these activities, he stumbled into the “bad habit” of writing fiction, and published dozens of works in consumer and literary periodicals, ranging from the Saturday Evening Post, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, to North Dakota Quarterly and Confrontation. His fiction won the Theodore Goodman Short Story Award, first prize in Literal Latte’s National Fiction competition, and his story, “The Ghost of F. Scott Fitzgerald,” was made into a short film by Sea Lions Productions and screened at festivals in Toronto, Savannah, and Woodstock.

Profane Feasts by Tom Tolnay is a compelling narrative that traces the journey of a male protagonist from childhood to adulthood. Set against the backdrop of his dynamic Greek family in the United States, the story is a tapestry of humor and drama. Tolnay deftly captures the essence of familial bonds and cultural nuances, portraying characters like Aunt Harriet with her unconventional lifestyle, Cousin Peter’s unexpected coming out, the enigmatic Christos, and the frequently present Stavros with his erratic work life. Despite struggling with financial challenges, the family strives to uphold their dignity and cultural heritage. The narrative weaves through a series of unique events and trials, including a lost infant, bustling funerals, moments of tension, and a poignant tale of interracial love, among others.

One of the book’s standout features is its exquisite use of language. Tolnay’s prose is not just a vehicle for storytelling but an artistic element in itself. The lyrical quality and imaginative metaphors enrich the narrative, adding depth and vibrancy to the story. Another remarkable aspect is the authentic portrayal of Greek culture. Tolnay skillfully intersperses cultural insights with the plot, enlightening readers about Greek traditions and history, such as the Thesmophoria festival in Athens. This blend of Greek heritage with the setting of the 1970s provides a unique cultural perspective. The book brims with unexpected twists and humorous moments. The protagonist, Alexandros, with his first-person narration, brings a lively and engaging voice to the story. His observations on various aspects of life, from cultural disparities and romantic entanglements to family dynamics and societal issues, are both insightful and entertaining.

Profane Feasts stands out for its rich cultural portrayal, humor, and educational value. It is a testament to Tolnay’s ability to craft a story that is both informative and engaging. The character of Alexandros Dropolous, Jr. is particularly memorable for his candor and wit. This book not only entertains but also provides a window into the Greek-American experience, making it a notable addition to contemporary literature. The anticipation for future works by Tolnay, hopefully featuring characters as vivid and relatable as Alexandros, is certainly high.

Reviews

[Corey Flanagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt really underwhelming. I feel like Igor is supposed to be unlikeable but he is just straight up repugnant. The plot was clunky at parts, the characters including the famous ghosts felt like weak characterizations of known stereotypes, and the Tolnay’s style was fine. It felt like a noir at times which would explain the unlikeable characters but Igor was just too obsessed with his libido. I don’t understand how he could come to terms with the realization that ghosts were real so fast. One second his life is threatened and the next he’s trying to undress the ghost of Marilyn Monroe.

[Tom Tolnay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tolnay's writing jumps off the page like two-dimensional characters coming to life . . . great escape reading...--West Coast Review of B0oks
This book offers a parallel universe in which the closing credits never roll for stars like Gable, Greenstreet and Tracy...--New York Daily News