Backward-Facing Man

by Don Silver

Charlie Puckman, Jr., Lorraine Nadia, andFrederick Keane came of age in the late 1960s.Like that era, their lives were mysterious,idealistic, passionate, and romantic, even -- butultimately confused and, often, ineffectual. Morethan thirty years later, their youthful adventurescontinue to have Charlie facesprosecution after an industrial accident at hisfamily business, Lorraine's daughter is searchingfor the father she never knew, and Frederickhas gone underground after his radical life hasspiraled out of control. Epic in scope and touching on such provocativeissues as Patty Hearst and the SLA, crimeand the possibility of redemption, and the searchfor self and life’s meaning, Backward-FacingMan is a novel about choices and their lastingeffects on people's lives, their families,and American society.

309 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Don Silver has been a musician, talent scout for a record company, record producer, business person, and consultant to CEOs. He has an MFA from Bennington College. His first novel, “Backward-Facing Man,” published by Ecco/HarperCollins, was hailed as “memorably offbeat” (New York Times) and “illuminating and entertaining” (Pittsburgh Tribune). His second novel, “Scorched,” will be released in May 2024. Originally from Philadelphia, Don lives in Asheville, NC. Learn more at www.donsilver.net.

Reviews

[Robert Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because Silver lives in the same quirky town as I do. For a first novel, I think the fellow did a stellar job and I'm surprised and perplexed he's only now, in 2024, coming out with his second novel. Most readers will enjoy this, I think. If nothing else, you'll gain insights into the ideological misfits that were the Symbionese Liberation Army and the times they romped and robbed in.

[Tiffany Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confusing to keep all the characters separate at first, having to go back and reread a lot, but in second half, so much historical information. If u want to know about how it worked in the 60’s and 70’s and how that segment of society made it into the 90’s, this is a great book. I was forever looking up names to see if they were “real” or not. Would love a sequel

[Gary George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing piece of writing. I was so impressed by the depth of this writer's knowledge. It is rare to find a book about a complicated period like the 60s that is at once a summation of some aspect of that period coupled with some stylistically sophisticated, and for that matter flawless, writing.

[Melanie]

I read this at the same time as I saw, "Lions for Lambs". It's all a conspiracy, man!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just picked this one up one day at the dollar store because of the quirky title. Turned out to be a pretty good read about the Patty Hearst scandal.