Four Short Novels

About the Book

THE NAVIGATORS is about the hardships and disappointments the Del Vecchio family encounter when they immigrate from Italy to New York City at the beginning of the 20th century. They encounter harsh conditions which they are not ready for. In PULLING A GAUGUIN, Caril Bridgewater abandons her husband and family to pursue her dream of becoming a painter. With Paul Gauguin as her model, she slips away, leaving no information about her destination. When her husband Ben goes in pursuit of her, many confl icts and complications ensue. Caril accomplishes her goal, but pays a heavy price. BIRDS OF A FEATHER is about a violent student revolt in an isolated high school during a severe blizzard. This turbulent event cuts off students and teachers from their normal lives and routines. Smoldering confl icts then erupt between students and teachers which lead to the student revolt. CONDOMANIA, about snow birds on vacation in Florida, begins in a comic mode. But that atmosphere slowly deteriorates when pettiness, superfi ciality, and vicious infi ghting emerge. These events are mild compared to sweet, 93-year-old Dolly Flynn’s slide into vengeance and retribution.

About the Author

August Franza is the author of twelve novels (one a trilogy) and a book of short stories.