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Flatiron
In February 1964, two teenagers collide outside Carnegie Hall. The Beatles are playing. The background is Manhattan, the streets, the skyscrapers, an intersection of shadows and light. She is a photographer; he becomes her muse. Across 25 years, she achieves fame and controversy while he reckons with the limits of being there for her. The part of love that is devotion has its own sadness and fulfillment, and it's own price.
Their world is Andy Warhol and fashion magazines, the Chelsea Hotel and Greenwich Village. Their hour is a great city in decline and the passing of youth.
Their world is Andy Warhol and fashion magazines, the Chelsea Hotel and Greenwich Village. Their hour is a great city in decline and the passing of youth.
146 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 5, 2020
Pretty good book about a relationship that stands the tests of time with its ups and downs. The backdrop being New York City (which is my hometown and where I still live). So I love reading about NYC in its past. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 7, 2022
Flatiron is a magnificent coming of age novel set in the heart of Manhattan spanning 25 years of change in the history of the city. Having an affinity for the Big Apple as well as the Beatles, I was excited to read this novel and follow the protagonist as he moves from young adult into manhood.
The first thing the reader will notice is the author’s stylized choice to showcase the unnamed narrator’s voice in short, simple sentences. It reads almost as stream of consciousness as the internal dialogue gives us a glimpse into the mind of an honest yet reliable narrator. It effectively mirrors the narrator's lack of education and struggle to earn a living and grapple with the outside forces around him.
Heslin presents us with a protagonist who takes us along in every second of his life, every thought, every action. He shares with us the sometimes complex relationships he has with many women along the way. His mother, Laura, Peggy and others have a profound impact on how he views the world.
Laura, his seemingly true love, speaks her mind. She is honest with the narrator to the point of cruelty. She is wild and experienced which compliments the simplicity in which the narrator responds to his surroundings. Always on his mind, he thinks back to her when she’s not around wondering how she would react or how she is faring.
There is a clear intent on the part of the author to frame the story around their common affection for The Beatles. Their albums, songs and even unique look is entwined throughout the story at dances, funerals, reunions, holidays, as well as in passing thought. The band acts as the cornerstone for their relationship and a constant reminder of how they met. But not just The Beatles; Bazooka gum, a Pan Am bag, and, of course, The Flatiron Building are all anchors for this unlikely yet celebrated relationship.
Flatiron is a novel that shows the reader true life. It is a snapshot of a time in NYC that is rarely seen in novels. It doesn’t show the idealized but instead the real struggles of what it was like to survive in the city during the 60s through the late 80s.
Unique in its presentation, I just don’t think there is anything out there that can compare. I truly believe this novel will withstand the test of time and be studied by scholars for years to come.
The first thing the reader will notice is the author’s stylized choice to showcase the unnamed narrator’s voice in short, simple sentences. It reads almost as stream of consciousness as the internal dialogue gives us a glimpse into the mind of an honest yet reliable narrator. It effectively mirrors the narrator's lack of education and struggle to earn a living and grapple with the outside forces around him.
Heslin presents us with a protagonist who takes us along in every second of his life, every thought, every action. He shares with us the sometimes complex relationships he has with many women along the way. His mother, Laura, Peggy and others have a profound impact on how he views the world.
Laura, his seemingly true love, speaks her mind. She is honest with the narrator to the point of cruelty. She is wild and experienced which compliments the simplicity in which the narrator responds to his surroundings. Always on his mind, he thinks back to her when she’s not around wondering how she would react or how she is faring.
There is a clear intent on the part of the author to frame the story around their common affection for The Beatles. Their albums, songs and even unique look is entwined throughout the story at dances, funerals, reunions, holidays, as well as in passing thought. The band acts as the cornerstone for their relationship and a constant reminder of how they met. But not just The Beatles; Bazooka gum, a Pan Am bag, and, of course, The Flatiron Building are all anchors for this unlikely yet celebrated relationship.
Flatiron is a novel that shows the reader true life. It is a snapshot of a time in NYC that is rarely seen in novels. It doesn’t show the idealized but instead the real struggles of what it was like to survive in the city during the 60s through the late 80s.
Unique in its presentation, I just don’t think there is anything out there that can compare. I truly believe this novel will withstand the test of time and be studied by scholars for years to come.
July 20, 2020
Told by an unnamed narrator in the first person, this coming of age story is profound. The writing is sparse, pared down, every word counts. But what a story is told. The beautiful heart of this book will give you plenty to think about.
The young man who tells the story begins it in 1964 when he meets another young girl outside the Beatles concert. Their story is told year by year, until 1989, and what a long and winding road the main characters have.
The story is almost stream of consciousness. For the young man, New York is his education, his life, his soul. He is just there to be part of it all. New York wasn’t the Big Apple then, much of it was grim with despair. But the experiences that this young man sees and feels will make you long for his life.
In addition to the young girl, Laura that he meets and grows up with, we are shown a variety of souls, people that would not be noticed, if it weren’t for the young man. The young man doesn’t judge or try to change people. He observes, cares, and does what is needed. By 1989, the last story, New York is beginning to look up. Time Square is revitalized. What will happen to him?
This is a special book. I received an advance digital review copy from Netgalley and BooksGoSocial. This is my honest review.
The young man who tells the story begins it in 1964 when he meets another young girl outside the Beatles concert. Their story is told year by year, until 1989, and what a long and winding road the main characters have.
The story is almost stream of consciousness. For the young man, New York is his education, his life, his soul. He is just there to be part of it all. New York wasn’t the Big Apple then, much of it was grim with despair. But the experiences that this young man sees and feels will make you long for his life.
In addition to the young girl, Laura that he meets and grows up with, we are shown a variety of souls, people that would not be noticed, if it weren’t for the young man. The young man doesn’t judge or try to change people. He observes, cares, and does what is needed. By 1989, the last story, New York is beginning to look up. Time Square is revitalized. What will happen to him?
This is a special book. I received an advance digital review copy from Netgalley and BooksGoSocial. This is my honest review.
March 17, 2021
A rather confusing book to start to read.
Firstly I battled to grasp the simple sentence way of writing. No complex sentences, just simple ones. It tends to give the book a rushed feel - almost like short orders yelled at someone. It fits with the theme of the book though I suppose - each chapter summarizes a year so the staccato sentence-style's work.
Secondly I never found out the speaker's name. His story wasn't about him, it was about Laura and a bit of Peggy.
Thirdly, Laura seems to be well-known, rich, but lives a life of poverty with the speaker.
But at the end I found, although this wasn't my favorite read, it wasn't too bad and was kind of a social commentary about the "forgotten people" - people that just exist on the fringes of society, waiting to be needed by someone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this book.
Firstly I battled to grasp the simple sentence way of writing. No complex sentences, just simple ones. It tends to give the book a rushed feel - almost like short orders yelled at someone. It fits with the theme of the book though I suppose - each chapter summarizes a year so the staccato sentence-style's work.
Secondly I never found out the speaker's name. His story wasn't about him, it was about Laura and a bit of Peggy.
Thirdly, Laura seems to be well-known, rich, but lives a life of poverty with the speaker.
But at the end I found, although this wasn't my favorite read, it wasn't too bad and was kind of a social commentary about the "forgotten people" - people that just exist on the fringes of society, waiting to be needed by someone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this book.
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June 28, 2020I was provided a DRC for reviewing purposes. Thank you, BooksGoSocial, for your kindness!
Flatiron reports 25 years of the life of the narrator and his relationship with photographer Laura in the second half of the past century and the beggining of adult life. Each chapter summarizes a specific year of the protagonist's life through short sentences, and although it take some time to get used to and may not be everyone's cup of tea, this writing style grants some rhythm to the description of a historical New York City and the comming of age not only of the character, but also of the own Big Apple.
Flatiron reports 25 years of the life of the narrator and his relationship with photographer Laura in the second half of the past century and the beggining of adult life. Each chapter summarizes a specific year of the protagonist's life through short sentences, and although it take some time to get used to and may not be everyone's cup of tea, this writing style grants some rhythm to the description of a historical New York City and the comming of age not only of the character, but also of the own Big Apple.
July 23, 2020
25 Years in Clipped Sentences
This is the story of two people who meet in high school and remain friends Throughout their lives. There is a chapter for each year. The author writes in short, clipped sentences. If you can imagine reading 143 pages of 'See Jane Run', then this book is for you. I found it to be quite a distraction to the flow of the story. I even needed to re-read sections to be sure I understood It was just as bad as Jack Kerouac and his run-on sentences. the author. This book was not for me, perhaps you will enjoy it. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
This is the story of two people who meet in high school and remain friends Throughout their lives. There is a chapter for each year. The author writes in short, clipped sentences. If you can imagine reading 143 pages of 'See Jane Run', then this book is for you. I found it to be quite a distraction to the flow of the story. I even needed to re-read sections to be sure I understood It was just as bad as Jack Kerouac and his run-on sentences. the author. This book was not for me, perhaps you will enjoy it. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
April 15, 2021
It wasn't what I expected it to be, but surprisingly, I sort of enjoyed it. It covers the time period of NYC I would most wanted to have lived there (I was way too young in the 60's). There was so much going on in that town back then! Music (where to even start!), Broadway, so many amazing people.... My favorite time period to read about. The story was as gritty as the city was back in the day. Not sure what happened to NYC, but by the time I finally got there, it looked so generic and sanitized. Touristy. This story showed the grit. It wasn't too bad a read and it is short. So think summer read of a NYC long gone.
August 24, 2020
Welp unpopular opinion time. It was a chore for me to finish this book.
I get why the author wrote the way he did, I really do. We are inside the head of an unnamed male narrator and so we are seeing his random thoughts. His pieced together ramblings.
The characters were barely developed and Not a one called to me.
The years progressed as chapters went by yet I could not make sense of when or who or where or what.
Give it a shot though. Maybe it was too sophisticated for me?
I was given the opportunity to read this through NetGalley.
I get why the author wrote the way he did, I really do. We are inside the head of an unnamed male narrator and so we are seeing his random thoughts. His pieced together ramblings.
The characters were barely developed and Not a one called to me.
The years progressed as chapters went by yet I could not make sense of when or who or where or what.
Give it a shot though. Maybe it was too sophisticated for me?
I was given the opportunity to read this through NetGalley.
October 25, 2020
This book just didn't cut it for me. I've lived in New York City for a few years so I was really excited to go back in time and learn more about it. Based on the description, I was expecting a love story memoir which this did not feel like at all. The sentences were too choppy, and the writing didn't seem to flow.
I gave this book two stars instead of one because there were some passages that made me feel nostalgic. I also do believe that there are plenty of people who will enjoy this book, and based on other reviews, this seems to be the case. However, this book wasn't for me.
I gave this book two stars instead of one because there were some passages that made me feel nostalgic. I also do believe that there are plenty of people who will enjoy this book, and based on other reviews, this seems to be the case. However, this book wasn't for me.
November 29, 2021
What a wonderful attestment to living in Manhattan in the 60’s and 70’s, when it was artistically cool to be there. Andy Warhol was holding court with his minions at Max’s Kansas City, A Chorus Line was Opening at the Schubert, and Horn and Hardarts Restaurant was still in Times Square. I loved this book. It brought back a ton of memories, especially of the Chelsea Hotel. Thank you to NetGalley and Bublish Publisher for the egalley.
June 8, 2026
This book was definitely something different and it kept me reading. The stream of consciousness style was intriguing and I liked how it really dove into the culture and the city of New York over a period of time. The chapters were fairly short and I appreciated this with the type of writing the author used. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I felt it offered something unique and powerful. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.
November 23, 2020
Author # Michael Heslin is quite the storyteller. His novel #'Flatiron' starts off in 1964. And two teenagers meet. She is a photographer, he becomes her muse. This was a comfort read. Exactly what many need.🌟🐾🐾
February 18, 2021
What a lovely remembrance of what NY was and still is in a way. The story passes over a couple of decades and the complex relationships the narrator has with the women and some men in his life. We never learn the name of the protagonist but get to know him through his first person tales of the City, his friends and perhaps his loves.
He meets one of the main characters in 1964 where this story begins and ends in 1989. It follows their friendship, her successes as a photographer, his trials of surviving as a short order cook and cabbie, his friendships (and possible love) with another woman and other friends in his life. Our protagonist tells us his tale is short, simple and less than complex ways but it is so very deep this story.
Its a fascinating history lesson of the city as well. We see the city change, the people in it at their lowest sometimes and I as the reader, really got into it. It's a side of NY in the 70s and 80s we have heard talk of many times but this is from a slight outsider view. There was a lot of empathy for the narrator for me. His life was not easy, his friendships and relationships were not easy... but he was really so very kind to everyone that he engaged with. As a cabbie he waited in a hospital lobby to find out about the birth of a child that started in his cab after being paged for the far, just to have the fare never page him again. It was sad. People used him. That was hard. He is a very kind character in a very hard environment. You have to have some empathy for him. I did.
I enjoyed this story and I appreciate that in the end I was hopeful that he was able to find some payback for how people used him.
It's not a heavy read. It's not a difficult read. But it is a solid read. It did take me a few stops and starts to understand that this is completely first person, told in the way the author anticipated this character to speak. Short and simple sentences like I said for a character that really truly is far more complex than presented. I really appreciated this storytelling style so very much.
Enjoyable. That is my short and simple but complex take.
Available from what it looks like as a Kindle published book on July 21st 2020 at $4.99. I was provided the book to read and all opinions are mine.
He meets one of the main characters in 1964 where this story begins and ends in 1989. It follows their friendship, her successes as a photographer, his trials of surviving as a short order cook and cabbie, his friendships (and possible love) with another woman and other friends in his life. Our protagonist tells us his tale is short, simple and less than complex ways but it is so very deep this story.
Its a fascinating history lesson of the city as well. We see the city change, the people in it at their lowest sometimes and I as the reader, really got into it. It's a side of NY in the 70s and 80s we have heard talk of many times but this is from a slight outsider view. There was a lot of empathy for the narrator for me. His life was not easy, his friendships and relationships were not easy... but he was really so very kind to everyone that he engaged with. As a cabbie he waited in a hospital lobby to find out about the birth of a child that started in his cab after being paged for the far, just to have the fare never page him again. It was sad. People used him. That was hard. He is a very kind character in a very hard environment. You have to have some empathy for him. I did.
I enjoyed this story and I appreciate that in the end I was hopeful that he was able to find some payback for how people used him.
It's not a heavy read. It's not a difficult read. But it is a solid read. It did take me a few stops and starts to understand that this is completely first person, told in the way the author anticipated this character to speak. Short and simple sentences like I said for a character that really truly is far more complex than presented. I really appreciated this storytelling style so very much.
Enjoyable. That is my short and simple but complex take.
Available from what it looks like as a Kindle published book on July 21st 2020 at $4.99. I was provided the book to read and all opinions are mine.
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December 18, 2021Pop culture, romance , easter egg style references and a unique writing style.
This was an engaging, interesting book, which I really enjoyed.
This was an engaging, interesting book, which I really enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews