Those People Behind Us: A Novel

In the summer of 2017, in Wellington Beach, California, a suburban coastal town divided by politics, protests, and escalating housing prices, five neighbors' lives are changed. Lisa Kensington, Ray Gorman, Keith Nelson, Josh Kowalski, and Jeannette Larsen are all dealing with personal struggles and challenges. Despite their differences, they are more connected than they could have imagined.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2023
Publisher: She Writes Press

In the summer of 2017, Wellington Beach, a suburban coastal town in California, found itself increasingly divided by politics, protests, and soaring housing prices. These divisions not only shaped the lives of its residents but also brought them together in unexpected ways.

Lisa Kensington, a long-time resident and real estate agent, juggled her demanding job, her shopaholic husband, her mother-in-law's penchant for pushing her buttons, and her teenage children with their own aspirations. Amidst this chaotic life, she clung to her own dreams, desperately trying to maintain a sense of stability.

Across the street, Ray Gorman, a haunted Vietnam veteran, cared for his aging mother while grappling with his own demons. His quiet presence was a contrast to the tumultuous lives of his neighbors. Keith Nelson, an ex-con, lived in his car, parked nearby, near his parents' house. Despite his troubled past, Keith had a job, a loving grandmother, and a disciplined gym routine that helped him manage his violent tendencies.

Down the street, sixteen-year-old Josh Kowalski found solace in his drum set after experiencing the shock of his father's abandonment. He channeled his emotions through music, immersing himself in the world of Led Zeppelin and indulging in his passion for setting things on fire. His fascination with his friends sister added an intriguing layer to his character.

New neighbor Jeannette Larsen, an aerobics teacher numbed by a horrific tragedy, turned away from her husband and sought solace in the arms of strangers. Her journey of self-discovery and exploration brought her closer to the other characters, revealing unexpected connections and shared experiences.

As the summer unfolded, these characters discovered that despite their differences, they were more connected than any of them could have imagined. Their lives intertwined in ways that defied expectations, forming a tapestry of resilience, love, and hope. Through their struggles and triumphs, they learned that unity and understanding could arise even in the most divided of times.

In the end, Wellington Beach became a testament to the power of human connection and the ability to overcome adversity. The summer of 2017 may have been marked by division, but it also brought forth a sense of community and understanding that would endure long after the sun set on that coastal town.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647425654