Flatiron

Flatiron reports 25 years of the life of the narrator and his relationship with photographer Laura in the second half of the past century and the beggining of adult life. Each chapter summarizes a specific year of the protagonist's life through short sentences, and although it take some time to get used to and may not be everyone's cup of tea, this writing style grants some rhythm to the description of a historical New York City and the comming of age not only of the character, but also of the own Big Apple.

What a lovely remembrance of what NY was and still is in a way. The story passes over a couple of decades and the complex relationships the narrator has with the women and some men in his life. We never learn the name of the protagonist but get to know him through his first person tales of the City, his friends and perhaps his loves.

He meets one of the main characters in 1964 where this story begins and ends in 1989. It follows their friendship, her successes as a photographer, his trials of surviving as a short order cook and cabbie, his friendships (and possible love) with another woman and other friends in his life. Our protagonist tells us his tale is short, simple and less than complex ways but it is so very deep this story.

Its a fascinating history lesson of the city as well. We see the city change, the people in it at their lowest sometimes and I as the reader, really got into it. It's a side of NY in the 70s and 80s we have heard talk of many times but this is from a slight outsider view. There was a lot of empathy for the narrator for me. His life was not easy, his friendships and relationships were not easy... but he was really so very kind to everyone that he engaged with. As a cabbie he waited in a hospital lobby to find out about the birth of a child that started in his cab after being paged for the far, just to have the fare never page him again. It was sad. People used him. That was hard. He is a very kind character in a very hard environment. You have to have some empathy for him. I did.

I enjoyed this story and I appreciate that in the end I was hopeful that he was able to find some payback for how people used him.

It's not a heavy read. It's not a difficult read. But it is a solid read. It did take me a few stops and starts to understand that this is completely first person, told in the way the author anticipated this character to speak. Short and simple sentences like I said for a character that really truly is far more complex than presented. I really appreciated this storytelling style so very much.

Enjoyable. That is my short and simple but complex take.

Thanks to NetGalley, Books Go Social and Michael Heslin for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review.
NYC February 1964. Beatlemania has invaded American shores and on the sidewalks outside of Carnegie Hall two teenagers meet. Laura is a photographer and he (our unnamed narrator) her muse. Spanning over twenty five years, she experience success, controversy and notoriety. He will face failures with friendships and relationships, work as a cook and cabbie and struggle with his personal limitations. There is a kindness in our narrator that I was drawn to and I could not help but feel for him and in many instances how that kindness was taken advantage of.
This is a coming of age story. Of youth, of a declining New York City in the 1970’s and 80’s and the complexities of life as we grow older.
Michael Heslin gives us a wonderful glimpse of life in the Big Apple, its people and places. Well worth a read!

I was drawn in straight away to this text as I have always had an avid interest in anything related to NYC. For me, it showed the side to NYC that is almost forgotten about because it is often romanticized as being the place to be to "make it" so it was refreshing to be taken down a different perspective entirely.

Deprivation and decline appear to be the main themes that are tackled in this book with references made to a mum and sons financial struggle, fears of another world war and our protagonist attempting to make it in NY by scraping through the various jobs.

What I enjoyed most about the text is its references made to other parts of the world, such as England, France and Spain. Ironically, the text romanticized these places, places which some would argue are nothing to gloat about at all; in turn, the same can be said about New York.

The reason why I gave 4 stars is I often had to re-read whole paragraphs in order to understand, which interrupted my reading flow. The narrators stream of consciousness at times made it more jumbled for me. But perhaps this is the real fruit of the whole text, as it has the ability to make you feel as though you are part of this story and you have to figure it out for yourself.

Although I found it difficult to read at times, this was only because the writing style was different; if reading has taught me anything, it's to always perservere as you never know the fruits you will find! Definitely worth the read!

Flatiron spans the 25 year friendship between Laura, the middle class girl who becomes an edgy, infamous photographer, and the loner she meets in a cafe who becomes her protector and muse. They are both outsiders with personal demons and NYC is the stage their lives play out on.
The book hurtles through 25 years of pop culture; the art, the music, the celebrities. It’s a fast paced journey emphasised by the writing style, the short, sharp sentences mimicking the beating heart of the city.

Beyond the fame, the names and the events we get glimpses of the vulnerabilities. These two people are looking to find their place in the world, and to be lived, but it’s always just out of reach.

The iconic flatiron building becomes an anchor for our characters - an unchanged landmark in a city coming into its own. A place to return to and know you are home.

Like NYC the novel is vibrant, at times too fast, but ultimately satisfying. You get to know these characters and appreciate the role the city itself has played in their lives.

This is an exhilarating read with depth and feeling.

Told by an unnamed narrator in the first person, this coming of age story is profound. The writing is sparse, pared down, every word counts. But what a story is told. The beautiful heart of this book will give you plenty to think about.

The young man who tells the story begins it in 1964 when he meets another young girl outside the Beatles concert. Their story is told year by year, until 1989, and what a long and winding road the main characters have.

The story is almost stream of consciousness. For the young man, New York is his education, his life, his soul. He is just there to be part of it all. New York wasn’t the Big Apple then, much of it was grim with despair. But the experiences that this young man sees and feels will make you long for his life. . Photography is featured in this story and that gives us a different lens to look through.



In addition to the young girl, Laura that he meets and grows up with, we are shown a variety of souls, people that would not be noticed, if it weren’t for the young man. The young man doesn’t judge or try to change people. He observes, cares, and does what is needed. By 1989, the last story, New York is beginning to look up. Time Square is revitalized. What will happen to him?

This is a special book. I received an advance digital review copy from Netgalley and BooksGoSocial. This is my honest review.

I LOVE BOOKS ABOUT NEW YORK AND LIFE IN NEW YORK AND THE FLATIRON BUILDING AND I MISS GOING OUTSIDE, ETC ETC.

*Sigh. I loved this book.

While I found the writing style sometimes difficult, I think the book is an amazing snapshot of NYC during an era of significant and important change.

Flatiron, by Michael Heslin, is a historical fiction novel. Even though the writing style (short choppy sentences) took a bit to get used to, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. If you love all things NYC, you will most likely love this book! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ebook ARC version of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Pretty good book about a relationship that stands the tests of time with its ups and downs. The backdrop being New York City (which is my hometown and where I still live). So I love reading about NYC in its past. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Flatiron is a magnificent coming of age novel set in the heart of Manhattan spanning 25 years of change in the history of the city. Having an affinity for the Big Apple as well as The Beatles, I was excited to read this novel and follow the protagonist as he moves from young adult into manhood.

The first thing the reader will notice is the author’s stylized choice to showcase the unnamed narrator’s voice in short, simple sentences. It reads almost as stream of consciousness as the internal dialogue gives us a glimpse into the mind of an honest yet reliable narrator. It effectively mirrors the narrator's lack of education and struggle to earn a living and grapple with the outside forces around him.

Heslin presents us with a protagonist who takes us along in every second of his life, every thought, every action. He shares with us the sometimes complex relationships he has with many women along the way. His mother, Laura, Peggy and others have a profound impact on how he views the world.

Laura, his seemingly true love, speaks her mind. She is honest with the narrator to the point of cruelty. She is wild and experienced which compliments the simplicity in which the narrator responds to his surroundings. Always on his mind, he thinks back to her when she’s not around wondering how she would react or how she is faring.

There is a clear intent on the part of the author to frame the story around their common affection for The Beatles. Their albums, songs and even unique look is entwined throughout the story at dances, funerals, reunions, holidays, as well as in passing thought. The band acts as the cornerstone for their relationship and a constant reminder of how they met. But not just The Beatles; Bazooka gum, a Pan Am bag, and, of course, The Flatiron Building are all anchors for this unlikely yet celebrated relationship.

Flatiron is a novel that shows the reader true life. It is a snapshot of a time in NYC that is rarely seen in novels. It doesn’t show the idealized but instead the real struggles of what it was like to survive in the city during the 60s through the late 80s.

Unique in its presentation, I just don’t think there is anything out there that can compare. I truly believe this novel will withstand the test of time and be studied by scholars for years to come.

this book really drew me in to where I felt like I was there in this plot. The characters were great and I really enjoyed reading this book. I look forward to more from the author.

Author # Michael Heslin is quite the storyteller. His novel #'Flatiron' starts off in 1964. And two teenagers meet. She is a photographer, he becomes her muse. This was a comfort read. Exactly what many need.🌟🐾🐾

I saw this book pop up inside NetGalley, and it usually is something I wouldn't pick. However, I'm so glad I gave it a chance. It's a quick read and I loved the time warp. Sometimes I think I was meant to live in another decade, and this transported me there!

it wasn't what I expected it to be, but surprisingly, I sort of enjoyed it. It covers the time period of NYC I would most wanted to have lived there (I was way too young in the 60's). There was so much going on in that town back then! Music (where to even start!), Broadway, so many amazing people.... My favorite time period to read about. The story was as gritty as the city was back in the day. Not sure what happened to NYC, but by the time I finally got there, it looked so generic and sanitized. Touristy. This story showed the grit. I t wasn't too bad a read and it is short. So think summer read of a NYC long gone.

An interesting read that I'm glad to have discovered. I'll definitely be seeking out more by this author.

Pop culture, romance , easter egg style references and a unique writing style.
This was an engaging, interesting book, which I really enjoyed.

Sadly, I did not have time to read this book before it was archived, however, I still believe it is a worthwhile read!

Thank you #netgalley and @booksgosocial for this e-ARC in return for my honest review.

What a wonderful attestment to living in Manhattan in the 60’s and 70’s, when it was artistically cool to be there. Andy Warhol was holding court with his minions at Max’s Kansas City, A Chorus Line was Opening at the Schubert, and Horn and Hardarts Restaurant was still in Times Square. I loved this book. It brought back a ton of memories, especially of the Chelsea Hotel. Thank you to NetGalley and Bublish Publisher for the egalley.