Review: A Place To Hide by David Salner

 Synopsis

Wow! what a story! 1920s New York was not familiar to me and as a result, this story has led me rather astray as I delve into the many events mentioned throughout (see further reading below).

This is truly an evocative narrative about a parolee on the run, who finds acceptance within a community that is completely alien to him, whilst reminding us that in the great scheme of things, all men are equal.  For under the river, in the close confines of the tunnel they are excavating, these "sandhogs" find a comradeship known only to those who work in similarly dangerous occupation - it is one that surpasses the issue of race and religion - for theirs is a world defined by trust, reliance and mateship.

Bill takes us back to events that have led him to New York City in the 1920s - a city that "teemed with secrets" and where a man might seek sanctuary and find for himself a new life.  There were quite a few "on the edge of my seat" moments when you truly do hope that Bill finds the answers he seeks and hope that the price he pays will not be too high.  

The very real issues - dealing with employment, race & social conditions - are touched upon in a way that put me in mind of the only other author I had read that had sufficiently made "the reader participate in the actuality" of the story as it unfolded (if I might quote Steinbeck himself).  This Salner accomplishes with a truly engaging commentary of early twentieth century America society.

Further reading:

• Speculator Mine Disaster
• Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
• Holland Tunnel
• Sandhogs
• Major Disasters at Metal & Non-metal Mines
• Port Authority - Sandhogs