The Piers of Yesteryear: A Novel
Originally titled: "The Pier: A Novel about the U.S.S. Indianapolis" - first published, August 2013
Welcome to the Laurie, an eight-hundred foot reach of majestic planking dominated by blue-green waters and salt-sweet air, a landmark nestled infinitely along the coastal hamlet of Ormond by the Sea. Here, the day's are long and bountiful, a fisherman's paradise – and a child's playground for the imagination. Here, one can escape...
After surviving the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, injured Master Diver Johnny Fitz returns to his Florida home on the water and accepts a job as caretaker of the town’s ocean pier – where, despite his trauma and rage, the Navy man will come to terms with his ordeal, never blaming the Pacific or the predators that tormented him and his shipmate five long days of desertion. Once healed, Johnny will make a life for his family and find passion again for the sea.
Having courted the love of his life aboard the hospital ship Tranquility, nurse Lorita May, who despite being deathly frightened of water, will give her heart to him and welcome the unexpected triumph of motherhood - a son, who's love for the ocean soon mimics that of his old man. Driven by the sheer fortitude of a near-crippled father, young Jackie will grow to honor his dad's sacrifices, and one day make his namesake legendary.
Set forth by the compelling story of World War II’s most epic tragedy at sea, we’ll follow the Fitzgerald’s through three decades - spanning the close of WWII, to the country’s bicentennial year - and embrace Johnny's ultimate reconciliation upon the waters, once again at the mercy of the predators of the deep.
Make a point to stop by and meet the town's favorite plankman. Rent a pole, take in the sights, and cast a line – the fish are always biting. You may even reel in the catch of the day, or form a likely friendship for the ages. Here, on the Laurie....