City of Dreams: A Peter Fallon Novel

Full disclosure right off the top: I'm biased because I think William Martin is the best historical fiction writer on the planet. I've read all his books and he hasn't once disappointed. Additionally, about 18 months ago I reached out to him to say my wife and I would be traveling from Texas to Boston - and asked if he would be willing to meet us. To my surprise, he answered yes, and we spent nearly two hours together discussing his books and career. (Then he pointed us toward the Boston Public Library and told us about a `hidden secret.' Seems his fondness for mystery occurs outside the pages of his books.) We stayed in touch by e-mail, and he sent a few updates that his latest novel was "really coming together nicely." Well, I finished reading "City of Dreams" last night, and one recurring thought kept popping into my head: "How on earth does he do this?" Somehow, Mr. Martin is able to take a sliver of historical fact and create incredibly spellbinding fiction. Even though he personally shared with me his approach to writing, I can't get my arms around how he brings it all together in an `I'm going to stay up late and keep reading because I have to know what happens next" story. An immediate difference you'll notice in "City of Dreams" compared to his previous novels is it's not so much a family history that Peter Fallon and Evangeline Carrington are uncovering as it is a series of unrelated characters who continue to hold and pursue the valuable bonds over 200+ years. The actions and coincidences that bring them together are quite intriguing. One thing that remains consistent is the incredible depth of his characters. You'll find yourself feeling deep emotions - and you'll become friends with the good guys and have a strong disliking for the bad ones. Plus, his vivid description of the events of 9/11 will put a lump in your stomach. While other historical events seem so long ago, that one hits close to home... and you'll feel it. A recurring theme in Mr. Martin's writing is a catchphrase that repeats itself throughout the generations. You'll discover one here too. However, my favorite line comes late in "City of Dreams" and seems a great reminder given the challenges of the past few years: "We still got the best chance in the world to make somethin' out of nothin', right here in the big city.'" My next step is to reach out to William Martin again and ask him when the next Peter Fallon novel will be released. Given the complexity of his storylines, it takes a few years to research and write these delightful tomes. Until then, I may go back and reread "Back Bay," "The Lost Constitution" and his earlier works. They are indeed my favorite history lessons.

Like all of William Martin's books, City of Dreams provides an interesting twist on history. Martin provides food for thought, switching from past to present with each chapter. The premise is interesting, but the history lacks veracity in some respects. Despite this, it was an enjoyable read.

I don't think I can embellish on other reviews of the plot, or what a great writer of historical fiction William Martin is. I can tell you, any book that can help me to understand the economy, how it ticks and why it tanks is a valuable resource to me! The fact that it's ridiculously entertaining, instead of dry and boring, while I learn... makes William Martin my hero! There are some departures in this book from previous Peter and Evangeline adventures....it doesn't go back quite as far historically as others, it isn't following one family and it's decendants...but, that is neither here nor there. The characters are full, fleshed out and alive in your mind. I could hang with Peter and Evangeline till the cows come home! Anyone familiar with the Boston area, would know that people from Peter's neck of the woods don't go to Harvard and don't become antiquarian book dealers on Newbury St., it's most certainly the exception to the rule. Give me a character with street smarts and intellectual intelligence all rolled into one and I'm yours! Evangeline could be a puffed up dilletante but she's not. She has balls and brains, is equal to Peter and gives him balance. I read City of Dreams in the midst of a family crisis. My younger sister was on deaths door waiting for a new liver. I read City of Dreams on the T going back and forth to the hospital. I was afraid that perhaps reading something with characters I enjoy as much as Peter and Evangeline during a scary, uncertain and unsettling time might mar any future enjoyment, or just leave a bad taste in my mouth. In fact, it was such a comfort to be able to spend my time with them to take my mind off my worries....if the book is that scintillating, that for that hour and half train ride back and forth to the hospital, as to be able to set aside my fears and get deep into it...I don't know a better reason to recommend William Martin's books. Remarkably, as I finished City Of Dreams...my sister was given a new liver, which amounted to an 11th hour stay of execution....and I had to wonder....were Peter and Evangeline on the case?!!! Because they always come through in the end! Should you pick up say, The Lost Constitution, first, then you have to go back to the beginning and Back Bay, to the start of Peter and Evangeline, you won't regret it!