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Prologue
You cannot qualify war in harsher terms than I will.
William Tecumseh Sherman to James M. Calhoun, mayor of Atlanta, 12 September 1864
I want to say to General Sherman — who is considered an able man in our hearts, though some think he is a kind of careless man about fire — that from the ashes he left us in 1864 we have raised a brave and beautiful city; that somehow or other we have caught the sunshine in the bricks and mortar of our homes; and have builded therein not one ignoble prejudice or memory.
Henry W. Grady, “The New South”; Delivered 22 December 1886
With these quotes, given twenty-two years apart, two distinct periods of transformation for Atlanta are highlighted. Sherman’s quote, issued during the occupation of Atlanta by Union troops preceding his March to the Sea, provide a view of a city defeated and soon to be set ablaze as Union forces departed. Grady’s remarks, issued before the New England Society in New York in 1886, with General Sherman on the dais, spotlighted the “rebirth” of Atlanta during the period of Reconstruction. This same spirit of transformation underlies the stories in G. M. Lupo’s Atlanta Stories: Reconstruction, set in Atlanta more than a century following Grady’s remarks. Each character is undergoing their own transformation, sometimes positive, sometimes not, but always life-altering.
Storyline
Lately, Rebecca has felt in need of some sort of release. A sophomore at Decatur High School (Class of 1999!), she’s the oldest in her family, which consists of her, brother Steven, and mother Sharon. For the past six months, her aunt, Rachel Lawson, has been living with them, having come to look after Sharon, after she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. It was Sharon who suggested Rebecca have a night out, correctly sensing her daughter could use a break.
Excerpt from “House Band”
Atlanta Stories: Reconstruction features nine interconnected narratives about a diverse group of people living in Atlanta, Georgia in the early part of the 21st century. These individuals are dealing with changes in their lives which cause them to come to terms with their past actions and confront the obstacles before them to rise from the ashes and move forward. The themes of family and reconciliation predominate. Reconstruction features many types of families, those to whom one is born and those one forges in life as circumstances dictate.
Each year, close to her birthday on May 11, Claire Belmonte takes a trip to a little church yard in Houston County, Georgia, just outside Perry to visit the grave of Christine Mesner, whose life dates are 11 May 1973 to 4 September 1989. Christine “died” on the same day she was declared an emancipated minor in juvenile court in Houston County, and the headstone was placed there by Zachariah and Selma Mesner early the following year. No death certificate has ever been filed on her, owing to the fact that she is, still, very much alive in Atlanta.
Excerpt from “Ashes”
Reconstruction is for anyone who enjoys stories featuring strong characters making bold choices and learning to live with the consequences. The characters are drawn from several previous works by G. M. Lupo: the companion story collection Fables of the New South; a novel, Rebecca Too; and the award-winning play, Another Mother. Fables of the New South and Reconstruction constitute two volumes in a planned three-volume set of stories; the third, in development, is entitled Terminus. The genre is Southern Neorealism — complex stories told in simple, straight-forward language, with well-defined characters undergoing personal transformation. Reconstruction will appeal to readers who love family narratives with a strong sense of community.
…a few months after the funeral, Alfred approaches Annabelle about taking their mother off life support. The doctors have assured him that Maxine will never recover, which [their father] Aaron knew but could never bring himself to give the instructions. Annabelle agrees with Alfred that their mother should be at peace, but both know Avis will not support the decision.
Excerpt from “Shattered”
In Reconstruction, there are no “heroes” or “villains”, just complex individuals with many motivations behind their actions. The reader may not always agree with the choices a character makes, but it is hoped that, at least, the circumstances that underlie a character’s decisions will provide a better understanding of what led the character in the course followed.
Aileen Delahunt and her husband Roscoe have never discussed having kids of their own, primarily because neither wants kids and they both know it. There’s no medical reason; Aileen has some trouble maintaining her weight, owing to a higher than average metabolism, but the doctors have told her that in every other respect, she’s perfectly healthy and fully capable of carrying a child to term. Neither of them has a problem with kids; they just don’t have much experience with them and never thought they had room in their lives for them.
Excerpt from “Just Kidding”
Reviews for Reconstruction
“Atlanta Stories: Reconstruction is a multi-layered, intertwined narrative with rich characters. G. M. Lupo effectively employs everyday situations in recent history in an all-American city to creating fascinating character studies. Readers who enjoy stories with family themes will benefit from reading Atlanta Stories: Reconstruction.”
Book Review Directory
“Each of these stories has strong dialogue and a relaxed narrative voice that makes them interesting and easy reads… I strongly encourage those who appreciate good storytelling to discover G. M. Lupo…”
Mr. Geez Stephen
“Deeply satisfying stories of compelling, quirky characters, which weave together as the separate story threads intersect in surprising synchronicity…”
Sigrid Economou (Amazon review)
“Reconstruction weaves a rich tapestry of diverse characters.”
Lee Raines (Amazon review)
“…a mirror into our own lives and family struggles and the effect that our choices have on the lives of those around us.”
Marietta Rodgers (Amazon review)
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