Alfred Mondello

Baton Rouge Chronicle Alfred Mondello

Baton Rouge Chronicle takes place in Louisiana during the l920?s. A homesteading family down on their luck finds work on a plantation and the family rises to social acceptance. Joseph De Angelo, the chronicler, describes the complexity of his family structure through his relationship with his siblings. Paulo is handsome, immoral and arrogant, while Gino, the oldest is shy and obedient. Joseph?s sisters, Julia, Cecile, Maria, and Annie are embroiled in an insufferable relationship with their father. Joseph?s portrayals of events are rich with storytelling folklore as he explores a battlefield of complex emotions and passionate relationships. Tom T. Patterson, a standoffish intellectual helps Joseph discover the value of vocabulary and writing. The novel finds its distinctive voice in their secret climbing-tree during a game Tom initiates called, ?What if?? where the boys question a myriad of subjects as they search for answers to sexuality, morality, and faith. Sara Parker, the sassy daughter of the local banker, is Joseph?s first love, however, in the end it?s with his brother?s abandoned girlfriend that Joseph finds true love. When tragedy strikes, Joseph finds courage in his moral fiber, picks up the tattered pieces of his life and marches, one step at a time, into his future. Joseph?s ability to overcome defeat with compassion and love are lessons for all who come to know his story. Author contact at alfredacm@aol.com