SPILLAGE

A surreal literary novel set in 1970s New York from debut author Gross.

It’s 1976, and “unfinished buildings marring the skyline” plague New York City, along with overflowing garbage, boarded-up storefronts, and constant crime. The good news? After years of poor performance, the Yankees have a good shot at winning the World Series. Hope rides on young star pitcher Nick “The Swan” Spillage, who is a sensation with fans not just for his prowess on the mound, but also for his killer looks. In fact, Manhattanite Joan TK finds herself infatuated with him, despite the fact she lives with her geeky boyfriend, Eliot. Eliot would like the two to get married, but Joan’s not interested. She has lived through the horror of her parents’ marriage and wants no part of the institution. If Joan can’t have Spillage, she’ll settle for a tryst with a Shakespearean actor who calls himself Choice. Elsewhere in Gotham, a radical group known as the Satanic Vanguard plans to assassinate New York City’s mayor. Along from graffiti and social disorder, the city is also awash with sinister, magical figures; one baddie was gunned down by the police only to reappear and work for Satan. This mixture of a rough city, demonic elements, 1970s politics, and, of course, baseball is certainly unique. This is a world where, as one character put it, “You can’t end God’s oppressive rule by being cute. Half measures won’t do.” Such passions fuel the entire cast, whether they are striking out batters or entering strange worlds. At times, however, the reader gets more background than is needed. For instance, a lengthy portion concerning Joan’s upbringing, with things like how phony her parents were, proves to be unnecessary. But Gross provides such a juicy, unusual plot that readers will be riveted despite the tangents.

A wildly creative, fictionalized look at city life sometimes marred by boggy backstories.