The insulated splendor of Morrocroft Estates had a certain artificial exclusiveness, but was no less compelling for that fact. In the absence of any natural distinction, Morrocroft was, much like the city of Charlotte itself, entirely dependent upon the creation of a fabricated one.
-- opening lines of "Uptown" (Main Street Rag; $14.95), by Jack Gardner
Though he lives in Virginia, Jack Gardner chose Charlotte as the setting of his first novel. The book's protagonist is Stephen Rayfield, a young history professor at UNC Charlotte, but the city itself also plays a major role in this story of pretense, betrayal and the New South.
Gardner, who graduated from Monroe High School, will give a reading at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Author sets debut novel, 'Uptown,' in Charlotte
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
9 comments:
"In the absence of any natural distinction, Morrocroft was, much like the city of Charlotte itself, entirely dependent upon the creation of a fabricated one."
That isnt really a compliment. But a statement that hits the nail right on the head though.
"Pretense" and "betrayal".
Yep, that's Charlotte. Especially the "pretense" part.
"new South" - isn't that a phrase that was originated in/by Atlantans?
the three above me obviously are from the North...go home.
Many cities are the result of synthetic pretensions:
-Atlanta (Terminus, anyone?)
-Raleigh, a set-aside of state government to build a capital
-Los Angeles and the Owens Valley and Colorado River
I've lived in all those places and I like and admire them all.
At least Charlotte built itself on Indian trading paths and didn't have to steal water.
"the three above me obviously are from the North...go home."
You're mistaken. I'm not from up north, but I've watched Charlotte go from a neat place to live to a place that isn't so neat any more. Charlotte's no Southern Utopia, not by a long shot.
The basics of this book can be set in anywhere city in the South. I'm from Winter Park and if you change certain outlying subdivisions names, the story could be placed here.
Neuveau riche vs old money, pretense and politics, as well a sweet tea are all part of Southern mystique and it dates back to pre "Gone With The Wind" days. Either way, the book sets up a look-in-the-mirror image of today's South.
I like the quote that refers to charlotte as a "rock hard vessel speeding towards a slit in the carolinas." I feel we are kinda the "man" of the house. The rest of the state follows us!
Hi, Pam. This is Jack Gardner, the author of 'Uptown'. I just wanted to thank you for your kind mention of my book. Very best regards, Jack
Post a Comment