Lately, Rebecca has felt in need of some sort of release. A sophomore at Decatur High School (Class of 1999!), she’s the oldest sibling in her family, which consists of her, brother Steven, and mother Sharon. For the past six months, her aunt, Rachel Lawson, has been living with them, having come to look after Sharon, after she was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. It was Sharon who suggested Rebecca have a night out, correctly sensing her daughter could use a break.
Excerpt from House Band
Atlanta Stories: Reconstruction features nine interconnected stories about a diverse group of people living in Atlanta, Georgia in the early part of the 21st century. These individuals are dealing with changes in their lives which cause them to come to terms with their past actions and confront the obstacles before them to rise from the ashes and move forward. The themes of family and reconciliation predominate. Reconstruction features many types of families, those to whom one is born and those one forges in life as circumstances dictate.
Each year, close to her birthday on May 11, Claire Belmonte takes a trip to a little church yard in Houston County, Georgia, just outside Perry to visit the grave of Christine Messner, whose life dates are 11 May 1973 to 4 September 1989. Christine “died” on the same day she was declared an emancipated minor in juvenile court in Houston County, and the headstone was placed there by Zachariah and Selma Messner early the following year. No death certificate has ever been filed on her, owing to the fact that she is, still, very much alive in Atlanta.
Excerpt from Ashes
Reconstruction is for anyone who enjoys stories featuring strong characters making bold choices and learning to live with the consequences. The characters are drawn from several previous works by G. M. Lupo: a story collection, Fables of the New South; a novel, Rebecca, Too; and an award-winning full-length play, Another Mother. Fables of the New South and Reconstruction constitute two volumes in a planned three-volume set of Atlanta Stories. The third will be entitled Terminus. The genre is Southern Neorealism — complex stories told in simple, straight-forward language, with well-defined characters undergoing personal transformation. Reconstruction will appeal to readers who love family narratives with a strong sense of community.
…a few months after the funeral, Alfred approaches Annabelle about taking their mother off life support. The doctors have assured him that Maxine will never recover, which [their father] Aaron knew but could never bring himself to give the instructions. Annabelle agrees with Alfred that their mother should be at peace, but both know Avis will not support the decision.
Excerpt from Shattered
In Reconstruction, there are no “heroes” or “villains” just complex individuals with many motivations behind their actions. The reader may not always agree with the choices a character makes, but it is hoped that, at least, the circumstances that underlie a character’s decisions will provide a better understanding of what led the character in the course followed.
Aileen Delahunt and her husband, Roscoe have never discussed having kids of their own, primarily because neither wants kids and they both know it. There’s no medical reason; Aileen has some trouble maintaining her weight, owing to a higher than average metabolism, but the doctors have told her that in every other respect she’s perfectly healthy and fully capable of carrying a child to term. Neither of them has a problem with kids; they just don’t have much experience with them and never thought they had room in their lives for them.
Excerpt from Just Kidding
Links to purchase Reconstruction
- Purchase an autographed hardcover from the author
- Amazon (Paperback & Kindle)
- Barnes and Noble (Paperback & Nook)
- Books2Read (eTexts)
Reviews for Reconstruction
Atlanta Stories: Reconstruction is a multi-layered, intertwined narrative with rich characters. G.M. Lupo effectively employs everyday situations in recent history in an all-American city to create fascinating character studies. Readers who enjoy stories with family themes will benefit from reading Atlanta Stories: Reconstruction.
Book Review Directory
“Deeply satisfying stories of compelling, quirky characters, which weave together as the separate story threads intersect in surprising synchronicity…”
Sigrid Economou
“Reconstruction weaves a rich tapestry of diverse characters.”
Lee Raines
“…a mirror into our own lives and family struggles and the effect that our choices have on the lives of those around us.”
Marietta Rogers
“It gave me hope for many of the families I see today.”
Naomi Raven
