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Inherit the Lightning
Growing up middle-class in Cleveland, Ohio, Darcy O’Brien and his sisters learn they’re about to inherit a long-rumored, immense family fortune from their great-grandfather Cooper Tiller—until a mysterious stranger from New York City swoops in and claims ownership of the estate.
When his lawyer forbids Darcy from confronting the interloper, it only fuels his determination to protect their rightful inheritance. In many ways a mirror of Coop—a masculine, hard-charging businessman from the early 20th century—Darcy’s uncertain about his ability to find love with the right man, but he secretly longs for Jake Tester and allows him to join his quest.
The journey will change their lives as they uncover Coop’s epic tale, unraveling a seventy-year-old family secret that forces Darcy to face his fears and leads to a breathtaking discovery waiting more than a century to be unearthed.
When his lawyer forbids Darcy from confronting the interloper, it only fuels his determination to protect their rightful inheritance. In many ways a mirror of Coop—a masculine, hard-charging businessman from the early 20th century—Darcy’s uncertain about his ability to find love with the right man, but he secretly longs for Jake Tester and allows him to join his quest.
The journey will change their lives as they uncover Coop’s epic tale, unraveling a seventy-year-old family secret that forces Darcy to face his fears and leads to a breathtaking discovery waiting more than a century to be unearthed.
260 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2022
20 people want to read
About the author
Bud Gundy
5 books18 followersIn addition to being a Lambda Literary Award finalist, Bud is an Executive Producer and on-air host for KQED, San Francisco's PBS and NPR affiliate. He's won two Emmy Awards and his novel Elf Gift was considered for inclusion on the Over the Rainbow list by the GLBT Round Table of the American Library Association. He is on Twitter but he rarely checks his feed.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 10, 2022
3, 5 stars rounded up
Somewhere Over Lorain Road by Bud Gundy belongs to one of my favourite books of all time, so I was really looking forward to Inherit the Lightning.
I enjoyed it, it couldn't top Somewhere Over Lorain Road but it was a good read. Similar to Somewhere Over Lorain Road the author was not confined to one period of time or to a single story-line.
After the grandmother of Darcy O’Brien had passed away, he learned to his great surprise (and joy) that his inheritance was close to five hundred million dollars. With a small "but": there was a third person who was set by his grand-grandfarther Cooper as a beneficiary, and this unknown person claimed the complete ownership of Cooper Tiller's estate. In spite of lawyer's advice Darcy set off on his journey to find out who this beneficiary was and to learn more about his grand-grandfather.
There is a kind of mystery here: Who is this unknow person? What is his relation to the Cooper's family?
There is also a kind of romance: Darcy becomes unexpectedly a thoughtful companion on his side.
But in my opinion, it is in the first place a historical novel . Because a main story is the story of Cooper Tiller, his childhood, his family, his blessing in disguise, his personal struggle for self-definition, his love and loss, hope and despair. The story of Darcy, Cooper's grand-grandson is of secondary importance.
I wish though this book could have more balance between the past and the present telling. While the story in the past was in some scenes unnecessary detailed, I had the feeling that the present events rushed through, leaving little scope for a deeper emotional connection to the main characters. I won't recommend this book also those readers who expect mm romance as the main focus of the plot. There are intime relationships between men but it is not a classical mm romance.
So, 3, 5 stars from me. Quite a good read.
***ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.***
Somewhere Over Lorain Road by Bud Gundy belongs to one of my favourite books of all time, so I was really looking forward to Inherit the Lightning.
I enjoyed it, it couldn't top Somewhere Over Lorain Road but it was a good read. Similar to Somewhere Over Lorain Road the author was not confined to one period of time or to a single story-line.
After the grandmother of Darcy O’Brien had passed away, he learned to his great surprise (and joy) that his inheritance was close to five hundred million dollars. With a small "but": there was a third person who was set by his grand-grandfarther Cooper as a beneficiary, and this unknown person claimed the complete ownership of Cooper Tiller's estate. In spite of lawyer's advice Darcy set off on his journey to find out who this beneficiary was and to learn more about his grand-grandfather.
There is a kind of mystery here: Who is this unknow person? What is his relation to the Cooper's family?
There is also a kind of romance: Darcy becomes unexpectedly a thoughtful companion on his side.
But in my opinion, it is in the first place a historical novel . Because a main story is the story of Cooper Tiller, his childhood, his family, his blessing in disguise, his personal struggle for self-definition, his love and loss, hope and despair. The story of Darcy, Cooper's grand-grandson is of secondary importance.
I wish though this book could have more balance between the past and the present telling. While the story in the past was in some scenes unnecessary detailed, I had the feeling that the present events rushed through, leaving little scope for a deeper emotional connection to the main characters. I won't recommend this book also those readers who expect mm romance as the main focus of the plot. There are intime relationships between men but it is not a classical mm romance.
So, 3, 5 stars from me. Quite a good read.
***ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.***
May 11, 2022
The author tells a sweeping story of Cooper Tiller and his rise to incredible wealth in turn of the century America, and frames it with two additional stories - a tragic school fire in Collinwood, Ohio in 1908 and that of his great-grandson, Darcy, in modern-day Cleveland, Ohio attempting to find a mysterious beneficiary listed in Tiller's will.
Coop's story is engrossing, born in 1880 into a hardscrabble life on an Ashland, Ohio farm, but after failed crops and the death of his parents, he trades the farm for some property on Lightning Mountain in Harrison County, near the town of Cadiz, in the Appalachians. And on his journey, Coop meets recently orphaned Will:
Gundy also shares how gay men of the era had little protection, from small town America to the skyscrapers of huge cities, with the law looking the other way if something should happen to them. In much the same way, Coop's friends, the black Whitney family, thread this thin line as well.
But life changes, people change, circumstances change, and the later part of the book moves in a new direction, equally as enthralling as the author introduces us to many secondary characters who each play an important part in Coop's life. And later on, the Collingwood school fire comes more clearly into focus and provides the impetus for Coop's later years, and the circle is complete when Darcy and his newfound love Jake learn they share a bond built on the past.
When I first started Inherit the Lightning, I felt it wasn't really in my wheelhouse - a boy on a farm in the middle of Ohio? A coal mine? But it quickly grabbed my attention, and my heart, and while the book is about 260 pages, honestly I would have read this book if it were twice as many pages. The author bites off a huge chunk of history and gives voice to a whole range of characters, historical events, and shapes it all into a really beautiful, haunting and hopeful tale.
My only niggle is that Darcy's story just wasn't as gripping as Coop's, and the importance of the Collingwood fire doesn't really unfold until much later in the book, but the main story is wonderfully done and I highly recommend this book. 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Coop's story is engrossing, born in 1880 into a hardscrabble life on an Ashland, Ohio farm, but after failed crops and the death of his parents, he trades the farm for some property on Lightning Mountain in Harrison County, near the town of Cadiz, in the Appalachians. And on his journey, Coop meets recently orphaned Will:
Coop would hand over every dollar, the rest of his days, even his very soul to repeat a few moments of a buggy ride through the Appalachian foothills with Will. He'd only just met Will the night before, and they rode squished into a single small buggy with a chatty old hillbilly named Elmer. Somewhere on that bumpy road when they were little more than boys, Coop and Will fell in love.The story really shines as Coop and Will build their cabin near Nightmare Lake, sustained by Will's skill as a trapper, and Coop eventually finds his seam of black bituminous coal, changing his and Will's lives forever. Again, I loved all the details Gundy provides about coal mining, In fact, his explanation of how coal came to be deposited over epochs in the mountains is downright lyrical. Fun fact: did you know that miners worked naked due to the heat underground and because clothing caught on the narrow tunnels?
Gundy also shares how gay men of the era had little protection, from small town America to the skyscrapers of huge cities, with the law looking the other way if something should happen to them. In much the same way, Coop's friends, the black Whitney family, thread this thin line as well.
But life changes, people change, circumstances change, and the later part of the book moves in a new direction, equally as enthralling as the author introduces us to many secondary characters who each play an important part in Coop's life. And later on, the Collingwood school fire comes more clearly into focus and provides the impetus for Coop's later years, and the circle is complete when Darcy and his newfound love Jake learn they share a bond built on the past.
When I first started Inherit the Lightning, I felt it wasn't really in my wheelhouse - a boy on a farm in the middle of Ohio? A coal mine? But it quickly grabbed my attention, and my heart, and while the book is about 260 pages, honestly I would have read this book if it were twice as many pages. The author bites off a huge chunk of history and gives voice to a whole range of characters, historical events, and shapes it all into a really beautiful, haunting and hopeful tale.
My only niggle is that Darcy's story just wasn't as gripping as Coop's, and the importance of the Collingwood fire doesn't really unfold until much later in the book, but the main story is wonderfully done and I highly recommend this book. 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC from the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2022
Inherit the Lightning is an epic novel that spans 120 years. This fantastic book contains two stories in one: the first is that of Cooper Tiller, who earned a fortune from his coal mine and embarked on an all-encompassing, same-sex love affair as a young man in the late nineteenth century. The second story is about Cooper's great grandson, thirty-six-year-old Darcy O'Brien, whose grandmother’s recent death spurred him on a quest to find the mystery person asserting they have a claim on Darcy's nine-figure inheritance. The narrative hops between present day and the historic era in alternating chapters. The non-linear format is easy to follow.
At its heart, this is Coop's story beginning when he was fourteen, living and working on his family's small Ohio farm. He left the farm on his own and set out for Lightning Mountain, a property he acquired where he hoped to find coal. Along the way, he met and fell in love with Will, another young man living on his own. Eventually, Coop found coal on their land and it changed their lives forevermore, for better or worse. We then follow along with Coop as he grew older and became a very wealthy man. We witness his business ventures, his intimate relationship with Will, and other family relationships. If I go into more detail, I’ll spoil the happenings so I’ll leave it at that.
It’s a riveting, historic tale with memorable characters, from the neighboring farmers to Elmer the hillbilly who Coop once hitched a ride with, to endearing Will whom I love so much. Both Coop and Will are wonderful, well-developed characters. My favorite part of the book takes place on Lightning Mountain. When Coop and Will first arrive, they have almost nothing but Will teaches Coop how to build a cabin, catch fish and trap animals for meat and their pelts. The proceeds from trapping sustain them as they live off the land, a utopian existence for them. When they’re not working, they spend their time lazily on their lake just cherishing each other. They experience all the heightened emotions of first time, young love. But given the time in history, they had to stay closeted, of course.
Moving forward to the present, Darcy is disgruntled to learn of the challenge to his grandmother's estate. Recent years have been hard on Darcy. Both parents died of Covid-19, and he was living a wild life in San Francisco. Returning to Cleveland gives him the opportunity to learn more about his history, in particular Cooper Tiller. Darcy forms a tentative relationship with his late grandmother's gardener, Jake, and they travel together to New York City to find answers. This plotline is interesting but the story fell flat with the budding romance. Unfortunately, hardworking, unsophisticated Jake is a one-dimensional character and their relationship is severely underdeveloped. I felt very little chemistry between the two men.
The beautiful world building is a highlight of the novel, from the farm to the mountain to Cleveland. The imagery of Lightning Mountain and the boys’ rudimentary cabin on the lake makes their idyllic life feel real. Authenticity of the period is achieved with the exploration of race and class issues. We see the change of attitude toward Coop from when he was a poor farm boy to the wealthiest man in the county with people fawning all over him. Homosexuality was dangerous so Coop an Will had to project the image of business partners. Later in the story, the difference in acceptance of same-sex relationships over the years is striking. The use of visual imagery is consistent in the current day story when Darcy returns to his grandmother's mansion (formerly Coop's) on the shores of Lake Erie. He moves from room to room admiring the home’s artistry and architectural details, built to Coop's standards two generations before.
Although Elmer's appearance is brief, he adds sparkle to the story when he spins his yarns and treats Coop to a picnic of cider and cheese as they travel though the Appalachian foothills. Elmer has a big heart and a big personality that add humor to the story.
By the end of the book, Coop is rewarded with a hard-earned happy ending, whereas Darcy's story ends with an HFN. He unlocks the mystery of the stranger and how they fit into the family history. He’s able to piece everything together largely through photos Coop left behind. But he and Jake didn't establish a significant relationship, yet. There’s not enough substance for me to imagine their future. I found Coop's storyline much more complex and compelling than Darcy's.
There's a very sad part of the book that left me heartbroken. It’s the kind of ache that stays with you all day long. If you like to give your tear ducts exercise, you’ll be pleased.
All in all, this is a beautiful, grand novel that will be of particular interest to readers who enjoy historical fiction and family history. When Darcy puts all the puzzle pieces together, it makes for a rewarding conclusion. Highly recommended.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
At its heart, this is Coop's story beginning when he was fourteen, living and working on his family's small Ohio farm. He left the farm on his own and set out for Lightning Mountain, a property he acquired where he hoped to find coal. Along the way, he met and fell in love with Will, another young man living on his own. Eventually, Coop found coal on their land and it changed their lives forevermore, for better or worse. We then follow along with Coop as he grew older and became a very wealthy man. We witness his business ventures, his intimate relationship with Will, and other family relationships. If I go into more detail, I’ll spoil the happenings so I’ll leave it at that.
It’s a riveting, historic tale with memorable characters, from the neighboring farmers to Elmer the hillbilly who Coop once hitched a ride with, to endearing Will whom I love so much. Both Coop and Will are wonderful, well-developed characters. My favorite part of the book takes place on Lightning Mountain. When Coop and Will first arrive, they have almost nothing but Will teaches Coop how to build a cabin, catch fish and trap animals for meat and their pelts. The proceeds from trapping sustain them as they live off the land, a utopian existence for them. When they’re not working, they spend their time lazily on their lake just cherishing each other. They experience all the heightened emotions of first time, young love. But given the time in history, they had to stay closeted, of course.
Moving forward to the present, Darcy is disgruntled to learn of the challenge to his grandmother's estate. Recent years have been hard on Darcy. Both parents died of Covid-19, and he was living a wild life in San Francisco. Returning to Cleveland gives him the opportunity to learn more about his history, in particular Cooper Tiller. Darcy forms a tentative relationship with his late grandmother's gardener, Jake, and they travel together to New York City to find answers. This plotline is interesting but the story fell flat with the budding romance. Unfortunately, hardworking, unsophisticated Jake is a one-dimensional character and their relationship is severely underdeveloped. I felt very little chemistry between the two men.
The beautiful world building is a highlight of the novel, from the farm to the mountain to Cleveland. The imagery of Lightning Mountain and the boys’ rudimentary cabin on the lake makes their idyllic life feel real. Authenticity of the period is achieved with the exploration of race and class issues. We see the change of attitude toward Coop from when he was a poor farm boy to the wealthiest man in the county with people fawning all over him. Homosexuality was dangerous so Coop an Will had to project the image of business partners. Later in the story, the difference in acceptance of same-sex relationships over the years is striking. The use of visual imagery is consistent in the current day story when Darcy returns to his grandmother's mansion (formerly Coop's) on the shores of Lake Erie. He moves from room to room admiring the home’s artistry and architectural details, built to Coop's standards two generations before.
Although Elmer's appearance is brief, he adds sparkle to the story when he spins his yarns and treats Coop to a picnic of cider and cheese as they travel though the Appalachian foothills. Elmer has a big heart and a big personality that add humor to the story.
By the end of the book, Coop is rewarded with a hard-earned happy ending, whereas Darcy's story ends with an HFN. He unlocks the mystery of the stranger and how they fit into the family history. He’s able to piece everything together largely through photos Coop left behind. But he and Jake didn't establish a significant relationship, yet. There’s not enough substance for me to imagine their future. I found Coop's storyline much more complex and compelling than Darcy's.
There's a very sad part of the book that left me heartbroken. It’s the kind of ache that stays with you all day long. If you like to give your tear ducts exercise, you’ll be pleased.
All in all, this is a beautiful, grand novel that will be of particular interest to readers who enjoy historical fiction and family history. When Darcy puts all the puzzle pieces together, it makes for a rewarding conclusion. Highly recommended.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2022
Oh I'm so glad I didn't give up on this book as in the beginning I was tempted to.
This is a very good read history and modern day seemlessy put together.
It also shows how small the world we live in is.
This is a very good read history and modern day seemlessy put together.
It also shows how small the world we live in is.
November 30, 2022
This book is a triumph of multigenerational storytelling. I went into it not really knowing what to expect and the story really blew me away. There are several threads to this story, and I had to let myself get immersed in them without worrying that I wasn't sure how everything would connect. Everything weaves together, and the author deftly carries you along the paths you need to travel to get there. Along the way, Bud Gundy tells a hefty story that reads quickly but feels more substantial than the number of pages comprising the book.
The story follows Darcy in the present day as he tries to untangle his grandmother's estate, and in parallel we also are told the story of his great grandfather Coop Tiller's life from poor farmer's son to early 20th century businessman. There are several queer story lines for both primary and secondary characters, and while some of the plot is during eras when gays kept their relationships mostly hidden, the story does not dwell excessively on those struggles. It's really about finding a path to joy, happiness, and freedom, whatever that might look like for a gay man at the turn of the last century to post-WWII to the present day. All of this is set against the fascinating story of the Rust Belt's relationship with coal and railroads, the shift away from agrarian communities and the push toward modernization, as well as the class and racial dynamics seething under the surface and sometimes erupting in devastating ways. We learn about Coop's life before Darcy does, and it's interesting to watch how that unfolds as Darcy gradually uncovers layers of family secrets. What he learns from Coop's story becomes significant to his own life. The way the two stories converge is very satisfying. I also found the romances very compelling and real. While this isn't necessarily a romance novel, the romantic elements are significant to the plot and the decisions, motivations, and journeys of Darcy and Coop.
There were a few stylistic choices that took me a chapter or two to get used to, and I also would've liked a bit more of Darcy's story, but overall those are minor nits. I highly recommend this book, and thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review!
The story follows Darcy in the present day as he tries to untangle his grandmother's estate, and in parallel we also are told the story of his great grandfather Coop Tiller's life from poor farmer's son to early 20th century businessman. There are several queer story lines for both primary and secondary characters, and while some of the plot is during eras when gays kept their relationships mostly hidden, the story does not dwell excessively on those struggles. It's really about finding a path to joy, happiness, and freedom, whatever that might look like for a gay man at the turn of the last century to post-WWII to the present day. All of this is set against the fascinating story of the Rust Belt's relationship with coal and railroads, the shift away from agrarian communities and the push toward modernization, as well as the class and racial dynamics seething under the surface and sometimes erupting in devastating ways. We learn about Coop's life before Darcy does, and it's interesting to watch how that unfolds as Darcy gradually uncovers layers of family secrets. What he learns from Coop's story becomes significant to his own life. The way the two stories converge is very satisfying. I also found the romances very compelling and real. While this isn't necessarily a romance novel, the romantic elements are significant to the plot and the decisions, motivations, and journeys of Darcy and Coop.
There were a few stylistic choices that took me a chapter or two to get used to, and I also would've liked a bit more of Darcy's story, but overall those are minor nits. I highly recommend this book, and thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews