David Dreepel

“WHO ARE YOU?” ASKED the ancient man dressed in a stylish white tunic that tenderly, brushed the fine beige sand. He carried a serene tone of voice and appeared extremely calm. His hair, in catches, covered his shoulders as it moved gentle with the breeze which blew through the land at the moment. His mysterious blue eyes openly, delivered a peaceful look. On his right hand he held a lovely wood cane, wore sandals on his feet and seemed familiar with the environment around him.

A memorable Southern Gothic trilogy in which a sensitive and innocent young man is continually victimized by the arbitrary cruelness and violence of brutal men. Mayport is a struggling community of hard living folks who condone the reprehensible behavior of cowards. The town folk mistake aggressiveness for strength -- and sensitivity as a sign of weakness. There is a palpable air of foreboding in these moving tales, which envelope the reader like oppressive Florida humidity. G. W. Reynolds has a fine ear for natural dialogue and has created an authentic setting and atmosphere for this harrowing coming-of-age story.

The return of young hero, Jason, to Mayport after an odyssey of discovery, the birth of his son, and the loss of Jessie. Jason is followed to Mayport by a troupe of retired circus sideshow personalities who befriended him on his journey. Their stay in Mayport provides a colorful and whimsical counterpoint to the recurring struggles that beset Jason's family and Mayport's townspeople.