Backward-Facing Man

by Don Silver

Chuck Puckman, Lorraine Nadia, and Frederick Keane came of age in the late 1960s. Like that era, their lives were mysterious, idealistic, passionate, even romantic—but ultimately confused and often ineffectual. More than thirty years later, their youthful adventures continue to have ramifications: Chuck faces prosecution after an industrial accident at his family business, Lorraine's daughter is searching for the father she never knew, and Frederick has gone underground after his radical life spiraled out of control.

Epic in scope and touching on such provocative issues as Patty Hearst and the SLA, crime and the possibility of redemption, and the search for self and the meaning of life, Backward-Facing Man is a novel about choices and their lasting effects on people's lives, their families, and American society.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Don Silver has been a musician, talent scout for a record company, record producer, business person, and consultant to CEOs. He has an MFA from Bennington College. His first novel, “Backward-Facing Man,” published by Ecco/HarperCollins, was hailed as “memorably offbeat” (New York Times) and “illuminating and entertaining” (Pittsburgh Tribune). His second novel, “Scorched,” will be released in May 2024. Originally from Philadelphia, Don lives in Asheville, NC. Learn more at www.donsilver.net.

Reviews

[Robert Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because Silver lives in the same quirky town as I do. For a first novel, I think the fellow did a stellar job and I'm surprised and perplexed he's only now, in 2024, coming out with his second novel. Most readers will enjoy this, I think. If nothing else, you'll gain insights into the ideological misfits that were the Symbionese Liberation Army and the times they romped and robbed in.

[Tiffany Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confusing to keep all the characters separate at first, having to go back and reread a lot, but in second half, so much historical information. If u want to know about how it worked in the 60’s and 70’s and how that segment of society made it into the 90’s, this is a great book. I was forever looking up names to see if they were “real” or not. Would love a sequel

[Gary George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing piece of writing. I was so impressed by the depth of this writer's knowledge. It is rare to find a book about a complicated period like the 60s that is at once a summation of some aspect of that period coupled with some stylistically sophisticated, and for that matter flawless, writing.

[Melanie]

I read this at the same time as I saw, "Lions for Lambs". It's all a conspiracy, man!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just picked this one up one day at the dollar store because of the quirky title. Turned out to be a pretty good read about the Patty Hearst scandal.