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THE STARTING GATE
Week of July 9 â July 15, 2021
Gearing Up for Opening Day by Sue Jeffreys | Photos provided ⢠for Saratoga TODAY
I
t is August 1946, the summer after WWII ended. The Saratoga Racetrack had been closed for three years because the war had imposed travel restrictions, which financially ruined the tourist industry. The historical fiction novel Lake Lonely published by Shires Press sits ever present at Northshire Bookstore in Downtown Saratoga Springs. The same town with the same setting within the book. A local author writing about her local town seems cliche but somehow it resonates loudly with heartfelt conviction, especially this year of 2021. With the onset of the pandemic months behind us, one would be remiss not to notice the historical significance of the impact that the parallel storyline has to the countdown of Opening Day at the Saratoga Racetrack this season. Many of us are counting the minutes to be able to walk onto the revered grounds. The novella, Lake Lonely, is a timely gift to our beloved town in Upstate New York which takes place the weekend prior to the track reopening. The tourists and natives are abuzz with ex citement, ready for the countryâs pivotal resurgence. Saratoga Springs finds itself again at the doorway of the opening of our treasured racetrack. We are at a precipice, coming off an abrupt descent from the pandemic months and in hopeful mode on an upswing socially, economically and emotionally. We are a hometown that embodies all the joy feels a vacationland brings. We are drawn to the air of excitement, the tingles, the litany of gathering. We basically worship our beloved track. With that said, what better time to celebrate with a meaningful book experience! This historical fiction novella started out being a love letter to this beloved destination city. But recently with the
pandemic, it has become more significant. We have all gone back to cherishing the simple things. This has stirred up the universal theme of human connection, just like post WWII, the time period of the book. The story within the book is a journey piece. It takes you on an adventure, meandering through the streets and the places of this historical town. The adventure is one of a search for connection resulting from the lonely isolation caused by the war years and significantly relevant to today. A son and his working-class mother. A nephew and his cantankerous uncle are merging from the isolation. Trying to hold on to the familiar and trying to make sense of the disconnect that had endured. It touches on themes of the American immigrant success story and women entering the work force during that time period. The language, music, film and pop culture references are weaved throughout to create an atmospheric, concise story with a hint of humor. Do not miss the existential soliloquy by the main character within the story. The Everyman, Nicky B. The 25-year-old main character is relatable as he navigates his way. While yearning for success, he combines moral idealism and fortitude with his ineptitude of trying to get out of his own way. This results in a hilarious romp as the reader views him escalating his own troubles and the laugh out loud moments ensue. His big hearted, cranky Uncle Sallie and his hard working, keen sensed mother Mae, are the ever-present bookends that keep him standing up. That is, when he half listens to their advice without typically shrugging it off. There are several literary devices used throughout this historical novel. Local book clubs have made this one of their choices for literary discussions. Although the
setting is intended to be Saratoga Springs it contains the universal themes of immigration and the effects of the war which lends itself additionally to read for family history discussions. The book also is the perfect read to take to the Victoria Pool or by one of the local lakes. It is a heartwarming escape that will capture you from the first page. If you are gearing up for âOpening Day,â be sure to grab your copy at Northshire Bookstore on Broadway before they sell out. An added bonus, for those who love design is the beautifully rendered artistic cover that will be a focal point on any coffee table. The pages within also contain photographs from that time period in homage to Saratoga Springs courtesy of the Saratoga Springs History Museum. The need of supporting these historic institutions is especially of utmost importance during this time. Be sure to reach out to all of the cities treasured institutions and support them financially even with small donations. Go to muse- ums. Attend music concerts. Buy a book at independent bookstores. The intention of Lake Lonely was to bring to light some of the stories older generations have told us through the years. It is a small story with a big heart. Preservation in all forms is key. Go find your connection. Go find your joy. And most importantly, be grateful for the moments. Happy Opening Day to all! Sue Jeffreys is a fourth generation Saratoga girl. This is her first novel. Her writing background includes a degree in English Literature and Arts Editor of her college newspaper. An avid reader and writer of all genres. Promoter of the arts. She resides in her historic town with her husband Bill Jeffreys, CPA, CVA. Both are thoroughbred horse owners. Proud mom of two children Drew and Mia. She is owner, collector and seller at Bella Vintage Shoppe.
