White's Tavern

In White's Tavern, Jim Altfeld delivers a compelling narrative set in the Chicago suburbs during the early 1970s, skillfully intertwining loyalty, betrayal, and crime. The story unfolds non-linearly, centering on Bill Ott, the larger-than-life self-proclaimed “King of White's Tavern.” Bill's charisma and charm are juxtaposed against his reckless behavior, creating a protagonist that is as magnetic as he is flawed. The novel begins with a glimpse of Bill’s tumultuous life before flashing back to his childhood on Leavitt Street, where he grew up in a rough neighborhood alongside his brother Jimmy, who becomes entangled with the mob. This backstory provides depth and context to Bill's character, enhancing the reader's understanding of his tumultuous present. As Bill and his girlfriend Elaine navigate their marriage, their plans are thrown into chaos when the authorities intercept their cocaine shipment. Meanwhile, the village of River Grove finds itself in turmoil over a controversial zoning change, with Mayor Tom Tarpey at the helm of the chaotic debate. Tarpey's flamboyant personality and unwavering determination to protect the village are one of the strongest elements of the plot.

Jim Altfeld’s storytelling is superb, balancing humor and drama in a setting rife with violence and corruption. It is the gritty, mob-run Chicago suburb in 1963, where a small bar pulsates with life, where the air crackles with the intensity of daily brawls, philosophical debates, and the relentless pursuit of oblivion through hard-core drinking and drugs. Here, camaraderie and despair intertwine as patrons navigate a dangerous dance with politics and mortality. The author uses this setting to craft a jaw-dropping tale of survival and brotherhood. The characters are sophisticated, and the author writes strong motivation in each. John Bree, a character struggling with his demons, is sculpted with unique complexity, evidenced in his interactions with Georgie Crider. White's Tavern presents a meticulously drawn setting in River Grove —rich detail, fully immersing the reader in the era. This novel will appeal to fans of literary fiction with strong historical settings, unforgettable characters, and superior storytelling. It pulsates with tension, relentless drama, and heightening stakes.