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Description
After serving his Brooklyn district for years, Congressman Sullivan discovers that his once comfortable Irish-American majority has given way to a diverse district of blacks and Hispanics.
Challenged by a more liberal opponent, he tries everything possible to maintain his seat only to painfully learn that he and his views are outdated and irrelevant to today's world. But he doesn't bow out of the race gracefully, and the fierce ensuing campaign brings new insights to the meaning of democracy and the terrors of a swiftly changing world.
If, as it is said, all politics are local, this compelling story transcends politics and puts a human face on how the American democratic system really operates.
Unforgettable characters and a powerful plot offer a remarkable and tense story of how tragic endings affect new beginnings.
After serving his Brooklyn district for years, Congressman Sullivan discovers that his once comfortable Irish-American majority has given way to a diverse district of blacks and Hispanics.
After serving his Brooklyn district for years, Congressman Sullivan discovers that his once comfortable Irish-American majority has given way to a diverse district of blacks and Hispanics.
Challenged by a more liberal opponent, he tries everything possible to maintain his seat only to painfully learn that he and his views are outdated and irrelevant to today's world. But he doesn't bow out of the race gracefully, and the fierce ensuing campaign brings new insights to the meaning of democracy and the terrors of a swiftly changing world.
If, as it is said, all politics are local, this compelling story transcends politics and puts a human face on how the American democratic system really operates.
Unforgettable characters and a powerful plot offer a remarkable and tense story of how tragic endings affect new beginnings.
Advance Praise
"This darkly eye-opening and riveting tale of the underbelly of American politics is an example of expert story-telling, mastery of language and living, breathing multi-dimensional characters." - Amazon Reviewer
"The novel really captures the nuances and complexities of gentrification and the hardships it creates not just for those living in neighborhoods directly effected by it but also for those politicians that must contend with responding to the anger and frustration of these types of communities. Politicians are supposed to be representing the interests of the people they serve but this novel clearly exposes what happens when there exits a huge disconnect between politicians and the communities they represent. Definitely a novel that speaks to our times and which explores the psychology of a politician. Highly recommend!" - Amazon Reviewer
"This darkly eye-opening and riveting tale of the underbelly of American politics is an example of expert story-telling, mastery of language and living, breathing multi-dimensional characters." -...
"This darkly eye-opening and riveting tale of the underbelly of American politics is an example of expert story-telling, mastery of language and living, breathing multi-dimensional characters." - Amazon Reviewer
"The novel really captures the nuances and complexities of gentrification and the hardships it creates not just for those living in neighborhoods directly effected by it but also for those politicians that must contend with responding to the anger and frustration of these types of communities. Politicians are supposed to be representing the interests of the people they serve but this novel clearly exposes what happens when there exits a huge disconnect between politicians and the communities they represent. Definitely a novel that speaks to our times and which explores the psychology of a politician. Highly recommend!" - Amazon Reviewer
Banquet before dawn may have been written a few years ago and portrayed the sixties, however, it could not be any less up to date, as in politics not much has changed. Maybe politicians are not so ruthless anymore, but tactics continue the same, quite frequently the need of the communities they represent are not properly addressed (most of them do not really know their constituents' needs), competition among candidates quite often explores damaging sides of each other not what they intend to do for the people, the campaign funding given by companies is later on reverted in benefits for said companies, and so on. Rallies might not feed people nowadays, but bands, singers, and entertainers are disputed and very much present in the campaigns (most of them paid for). This is not only a picture of the US political scene, it's politics worldwide.
Great plot, great writing!!!
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Louise G, Reviewer
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Class is the surprisingly meaningful subtext in this fascinating political drama. The characters are really well developed and I enjoyed reading the interplay between them. This is the second book I have read by this author and it is very different, showing breadth of talent. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
Featured Reviews
Claudete T, Reviewer
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Banquet before dawn may have been written a few years ago and portrayed the sixties, however, it could not be any less up to date, as in politics not much has changed. Maybe politicians are not so ruthless anymore, but tactics continue the same, quite frequently the need of the communities they represent are not properly addressed (most of them do not really know their constituents' needs), competition among candidates quite often explores damaging sides of each other not what they intend to do for the people, the campaign funding given by companies is later on reverted in benefits for said companies, and so on. Rallies might not feed people nowadays, but bands, singers, and entertainers are disputed and very much present in the campaigns (most of them paid for). This is not only a picture of the US political scene, it's politics worldwide.
Great plot, great writing!!!
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Louise G, Reviewer
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Class is the surprisingly meaningful subtext in this fascinating political drama. The characters are really well developed and I enjoyed reading the interplay between them. This is the second book I have read by this author and it is very different, showing breadth of talent. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
Totally Fine
Nick Spalding
General Fiction (Adult), Women's Fiction
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