I have a rather tattered proof of Dreamland which I’m pretty sure was given to me by a rep in my last bookselling year. I remember being enthralled by it right from the start, despite being wary of its chunkster proportions.
Largely set in the eponymous Coney Island amusement park, Kevin Baker’s novel takes its readers into New York’s underworld at the turn of the nineteenth century with observations from bemused onlookers, Freud and Jung, occasionally thrown in which really shouldn’t work but it does. Russian stowaway turned gangster Kid Twist makes a big mistake when he takes a shovel to Gyp Blood’s head. Gyp is driven by hatred, ruthless and well-connected. When Kid falls for Esther, a fire brand trade unionist, he unknowingly compounds his error: Esther is Gyp’s sister, up there on a pedestal as far as her brother’s concerned. Kid and Esther’s story is set against a background of corruption so deep that no one can make a move without catching the eye of gangster politician Big Tim Sullivan, controller of every brothel and racket in the Bowery.
Baker deftly keeps control of the many threads which run through this ambitious, sprawling excellent novel many of whose characters are drawn from New York’s history. I don’t think I’ve ever come across another book by him since this one, despite being on the lookout for years. Sadly, it looks like Dreamland’s out of print in the UK but if I’ve whetted your appetite, I’m sure you can pick one up online.
What about you, any blasts from the past you’d like to share?
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Oh my! I have a copy of this in the 746 and had completely forgotten about it. Why have I not read it already? It sounds so good!
And it qualifies as a doorstopper so would be a twofa for you!
I’ve clearly had it so long (probably since around 2000) that I’d forgotten all about it. No surprise there really!
Whoopee..just found a copy on my favourite online second hand bookshop..straight into my “cart”.
Hurrah! Hope you enjoy it.
I would like to share some of my Blasts from the Past, too. I like this idea. This is a book I have not read.
Oh, you should! It’s a great way to remember much loved books and share them with other readers.
Hi there Susan. Greetings from Canada. I am so glad I discovered your blog! It is wonderful to connect with people who love books and reading. I have already picked up some great book ideas from you. On the Blast From the Past theme I would suggest Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky, a book I read about twenty years ago which made a great impression on me. It has a fascinating history to it as well as being a great read. I remember telling everyone I knew (those that like to read) about it and suggesting they get a copy and read it. I think it is time for a reread very soon.
Dreamland sounds excellent and I will see about getting a copy soon. Thank you again!
Lovely to hear that, Randall, and thanks for your Blast from the past. I remember the Némirovsky very well. One of those instances when the book more than lived up to the publisher’s hype. Hope you’re keeping warm in Canada!
Nope, I haven’t read this. I’ve made a note as it appeals, but as it’s a chunkster, It’s dodging the TBR for a while because … well … the TBR is toppling.
Wouldn’t want you to be crushed beneath a toppling TBR!
It WILL happen, one day!
Nooooo…
I think I have a copy of this (from TSP days?) too.
Well worth digging out if you’re in the mood for a doorstopper.
This sounds epic! I’ll see if I can get a copy…
Fingers crossed!
That Coney Island setting must (have) be(en) quite marvellous. Bits and pieces of your review bring to mind my experience reading Mark Helprin’s A Winter’s Tale (ohhhh, now THERE would be a great winter’s tale…there is a LOT of snow…most satisfying) with it bringing out a different side of New York City (to non-American readers, too). Not that it was a review copy for me; I don’t think I have any of my early print ARCs from bookselling anymore, but I often think of them and wish I did.
I like the sound of the Helprin. I’ll have a trawl around and see if I can come up with a copy. Thanks!