Coming on the heels of PATHWAYS: novellas and stories of new york, Jeff Lawenda’s novel – WHITE HAT, BLACK HAT – is now available.
Normalcy is shattered when a family living a nearly idyllic existence undergoes a sudden, devastating event. How the impact of that tragedy evolves and alters the life of each family member is the novel’s path.
The family that readers will come to know and deeply care for consists of Jake Landau, a decorated NYPD narcotics detective, his wife Norma, a high school English teacher, and Sandy and Jimmy - their two sons. Jake lives two lives: one with his loving family and the other on the mean streets, confronting drug lords and dealers.
A literary detective and family drama, WHITE HAT, BLACK HAT will affect readers with its passages of warmth, love, tragedy, sorrow, tension, and action . . . and with its exploration of good and evil. Are some of us white hats and others black hats? Or are we gray hats? Can an inherently good person commit an evil act? If so, what does the journey to that end look like – externally and internally?
With New York City as backdrop and character, the novel spans fifty-eight years, from the innocent mid-fifties to 2013. Much of the storyline occurs during the crime-ridden mid-seventies when the city was financially broke, the Son of Sam serial killer was instilling dread into its inhabitants, and the infamous Blackout of ’77 destroyed total neighborhoods. During those years, we witness gritty and sometimes violent police work, family dynamics, and the fall of the big city now considered one of the world’s finest.
Normalcy is shattered when a family living a nearly idyllic existence undergoes a sudden, devastating event. How the impact of that tragedy evolves and alters the life of each family member is the novel’s path.
The family that readers will come to know and deeply care for consists of Jake Landau, a decorated NYPD narcotics detective, his wife Norma, a high school English teacher, and Sandy and Jimmy - their two sons. Jake lives two lives: one with his loving family and the other on the mean streets, confronting drug lords and dealers.
A literary detective and family drama, WHITE HAT, BLACK HAT will affect readers with its passages of warmth, love, tragedy, sorrow, tension, and action . . . and with its exploration of good and evil. Are some of us white hats and others black hats? Or are we gray hats? Can an inherently good person commit an evil act? If so, what does the journey to that end look like – externally and internally?
With New York City as backdrop and character, the novel spans fifty-eight years, from the innocent mid-fifties to 2013. Much of the storyline occurs during the crime-ridden mid-seventies when the city was financially broke, the Son of Sam serial killer was instilling dread into its inhabitants, and the infamous Blackout of ’77 destroyed total neighborhoods. During those years, we witness gritty and sometimes violent police work, family dynamics, and the fall of the big city now considered one of the world’s finest.
READER REVIEW EXCERPTS
“Brilliant unforgettable novel . . . This wonderful new novel is about the break up of a family as a result of a devastating loss . . . This heart-wrenching story takes place during a period when New York City was dealing with a major blackout and subsequent looting, police corruption scandals and Son of Sam Terror . . . As good as the story is, it is the writing that sets it apart . . . truly a page turner that you won’t be able to put down . . . filled with incredibly vivid descriptions of New York City, the poetry of the streets, the workings of the police department and the basic instincts and emotions that we all share and can relate to on a visceral level . . . I highly recommend this book.”
“A mesmerizing, emotional read. There are certain books that have touched my life that I keep, and I will definitely be adding this to my shelf. The characters are real, complex, and relatable. The beautiful language compelled me to slow down and savor each word. Concise and beautiful, there is no wasted space. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one day. The emotional intensity and character development are done masterfully. It's an exquisitely painful story that made me feel truly invested and present. I highly recommend this novel.”
"A poignant story . . . The author's prose is beautiful -- poetic at times -- and vivid; the dialogue is crisp and real. The author's poignant portrayal of the emotional lives of Jake and his family touched deep inside my being. The title, White Hat, Black Hat, is an intriguing (and somewhat ironic) choice as reality is not always as delineated as it appears -- especially as depicted in the damaged and conflicted Jake . . . I highly recommend this novel and look forward to future writings by this gifted author."
"Really compelling read. Beautifully written with heartfelt emotion, without being melodramatic. The characters live and breathe as the story unfolds. Highly recommend."
"Loved it. Loved it!!! When I saw that White Hat, Black Hat was based on the author's short story, "Honor Thy Father," which I read in Pathways, the author's short story anthology. I knew I had to read it . . . I could not put it down. I read it in 2 sessions. Loved the character development. And the author has a way of writing so you can visualize the people in the book as if they were sitting next to you. The characters came alive for me and the story was enthralling from beginning to end. I loved the book and am looking forward to reading the author's next one."
“A quick and great read . . . could not put it down . . . I loved this book. The author’s description of the characters, locations, events were amazing and, as someone who grew up in Queens during that time period, I can say they were spot on. I feel that I got to know the characters really well . . . I can just picture the settings as if I was there - actually sitting in that living room or walking the streets in the blackout. The story line was very good. I didn’t want the book to end . . . I felt the same way about Mr. Lawenda’s previous book of short stories, “Pathways.” Hopefully there will be more from this author!”
“Thought provoking, compelling story. I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I felt like I was living during the period and could really relate to the characters and empathize with them. It is beautifully written . . . "
“it's rare to close your eyes and imagine you're actually in the time period of which you are reading! This book urges you to pause . . . think about what is happening in the then - and return to the now - to continue . . . Enthralled would be a proper word. The author is very talented as a storyteller.”
“Great read! Relatable family dynamics and some of the best character development I've seen so early on in a book . . ."
"An excellent read! Jeff Lawenda's characters come to life, with heart, in this epic tale of justice set in New York City. Lawenda's knowledge of, and love for the city, is apparent, as is his attention to detail. I was swept along with the family. Lawenda writes with poignant restraint, and the outcome is a book that is beautiful and haunting in equal measure. Highly recommend.”
"Captivating, real and well-written. Couldn’t put this book down! An in-depth story about a family in crisis attempting to reconcile conflicting ambitions and disparate points of view."
"A must read . . . I couldn't put it down! As a visual reader, I appreciated the author's realistic depiction of the New York City of the 1950s to the mean streets of the 1970s. He has captured the soul of the Landau family. The character development of Jake is central to the theme of the novel, but I particularly felt connected to Norma as she dealt with the tragedy and isolation of her life. I highly recommend this beautifully written novel.”
“This is the kind of book that you want to read in one sitting! It. Delves deeply into the psychology and emotions of the characters which stay with you long after finishing the last paragraph. The historical events of the 70’s are written so descriptively and are so gripping that I felt I was reliving history all over again. The novel is riveting from the beginning and holds your attention to the very end.”
"A great read. Outstanding plot and character development. An extraordinary examination of an imperfect main character who demonstrates that most all moral choices are nuanced. Lawenda shows superb talent in crafting a complex story."
"Terrific book and easy read . . . a wonderful novel of a N. Y. family and the pain and suffering that they have to deal with . . . Jeff Lawenda captures all parts of the 5 boroughs perfectly. You will not be able to put it down . . . a good read with real characters. I can’t remember the last time a book had such a wonderful ending. You do not need to be a New Yorker to appreciate the feelings that flow thru the entire story. This is so well done i can’t wait until his next book.”
"An example of captivating story telling . . . The story grapples with the tragedies in life and the moral dilemmas faced when confronted with the worst or maybe best of ourselves. The novel is full of vivid description of scenes and dialogue and brings to life so much of NY’s history during the time period. The characters are real and relatable.”
“Great book! My favorite read of the summer! White Hat, Black Hat is engaging from the first page. Jeff Lawenda introduces relatable, rich characters from the onset. The storyline is based in real settings and the dilemma faced by the main character and his family is one that will leave you wondering how you would handle this situation. The author weaves a story with clear writing and deep character development. I could not wait to read each page. Looking forward to more from this author!”
"A gripping book. It was with great anticipation I sat down with Jeff Lawenda's WHITE HAT, BLACK HAT after receiving it in the mail. I wasn't disappointed. In his first book, PATHWAYS, the author painted with his words visual pictures of the city he knows and loves so even those who had never been there could 'see' the areas where Lawenda took them. In his new book, he did the same thing with his characters. His introspection brought their images, thoughts, concerns, conflicts, and resolutions into such detail this reader felt I knew them and equally as important, cared about them. Everyone has had conversations unfinished or never started with parents, siblings, lovers, and significant people in their lives. Lawenda has such a fine understanding of that human condition he brings it to the reader intertwined in the context of the story. You won't want to put this book down. I couldn't until I finished it late in the day I started it."