The Brigade

The poet William Butler Yeats wrote Things fall apart; the center cannot hold. America in the early decades of the 21st century has become a living hell. There is massive unemployment, uncontrolled immigration, along with overseas war and occupation without end of any land with crude petroleum. Total corruption in a politically correct police state, the legalized murder of the elderly, and the loss of the social safety net have created intolerable desolation and made life for everyday people a nightmare. Finally, Americans can take no more, and in the Pacific Northwest they revolt. Led by embittered Iraq veterans, ex-convicts, teenagers, and blue-collar family men and women driven to desperation, in Portland and along Oregons northern coast, they join The Brigade. "St. Elmo's Fire is a maritime phenomenon where natural electrical discharge, primarily from lightning, causes a ship's mast to glow. Its aura can be seen for miles and it has been believed to be either an evil omen or a sign of protection and good luck at sea. Beginning in the Port of New York in fall, 1834, "St. Elmo's Fire" is a fast-paced story of adventure and misadventure. Twenty year-old Donecha Van Fossen, bookish son of Irish-Dutch immigrants, manages to escape their dreary life and follow his dream of becoming a seaman. He is taken aboard the sailing ship "Il Paradiso" as tutor to the captain's eleven year-old son, who has been held captive at sea for most of his young life. Finding out why and by whom is the central mystery. The rescue effort involves intrigues, pursuits, betrayals, as well as merriment and a touch of romance, In he end 'Il Paradiso succeeds where "Il Purgatorio" and " Il Inferno" have failed. Numerous character and plot shifts draw the reader to a surprising conclusion"--Page 4 of cover