Berkeley, California (PRWEB) May 29, 2017
A new psychological novel intertwines the fates of a child and mother in a unique narrative of coming of age. Leslie Lawrence (nicknamed Lee), is taken from his mother, Veronica, to live for years with a violent kidnapper. Leslie finally escapes and hitchhikes to San Francisco to the derelict Tenderloin District to perform in a strip club dressed as an angel. Discovered by the cop who originally handled the case, Leslie is identified as the boy, Lee, and returns to his mother as a transgender teen.
“A beautiful and hopeful book… [the] fast-paced narrative pulls one inward to self, to considering good and evil and the formation of identify. Highly recommended.” Rosalie Reigle, Bad Reviews
“Newbrough is clearly a stunning writer speaking emotionally to universal themes." Batya Weinbaum, Author of Feminist Voices
Powerful and insightful, …delivers an unflinching examination of the best and worst aspects of the human condition. Nathan Beauchamp, Co-author, Universe Extended, Award winning science fiction series
An enjoyable and compelling read. It asks many questions and sometimes answers questions with more questions. Read it, and then look around you. How many angels do you see? Stephanie Ann Blythe, transgender activist
Readers of this heartrending and gripping affirmation of transgender identity will [respond with] a resounding “YES, BRAVA!” Marjorie Larney, Author, LGBT Youth Human Rights
The prose is intense and dramatic, leading the reader into complete submersion in this dark yet inspiring tale." Andrea Wesley, Nightwood Journal
PASSAGES FROM THE ANGEL OF POLK STREET
Veronica received a call from Saul Bishop. “We found Lee.”
“What?”
“We found him.”
“Oh my god! Thank God. Where is he?”
“He’s in state custody. I’m sure he’ll be returned to you as soon as possible. There’s something you need to know. Lee calls himself “Leslie Lake” and he identifies as female. The psychologist says your boy is a transgender.”
…
When they entered the living room and saw their son, both froze. “I am prepared, I am prepared,” Veronica stuttered to herself. But she was shocked beyond belief and paralyzed. Leslie Lake extricated herself from her seat next to Ollie Bennett, stood and walked unsteadily a few feet forward. Nate stepped backward. Veronica stared, immobile. Leslie raised up her arms like a bird arduously preparing for flight then folded them tightly around her body. Crouching, she yelled “Mom!” Standing in the middle of the room, she sobbed, wretched and alone,
CELESTE NEWBROUGH is the author of seven books. Her shorter works are widely published in literary, feminist, and gay journals. Her collection of short stories, Unspent Motion (2013), and of poetry, The Archetype Strikes Back (2010), received raves from critics and reviewers, including Human Right Quarterly and Kirkus Reviews.
