Denial

By John W. Kelsey

Adultery is neither a modern transgression nor is spousal betrayal conducted alone. When a community disregards the critical character flaws of powerful and celebrated leaders, denial stains the well-being of all. In bucolic Carlyle County multiple perspectives shape the sweeping narrative of serial adultery while the tacit consent of the community informs the motives in Denial. Since colonial times the landscape of Carlyle County with its defining Jordan River valley has evoked the best in American beauty and refuge but a fabricated Civil War legend of forgiveness and redemption delineates the region's twenty-first century existence. With an annual autumn pageant the community embraces Heritage Days as an illusion to cultured manners and misplaced Southern birthright. Tourists flock to the grand military reenactment and poignant theatrical production that forgives Captain Gordon Macalister and his devoted wife, Constance, for having embraced the losing Confederate cause. But, there are other ghosts and sensibilities guarding Carlyle's secrets.From humble beginnings Judge Alexander Bauer functions as modern Carlyle's example of accomplishment. Personality, drive, leadership, and a sustained marriage inform most who applaud Bauer's success. By actual legal skill he has attracted attention from powerful political forces at the state capital that believe he may be useful in winning upcoming elections. Ironically, through an impulsive act of courage and chivalry Bauer becomes an acclaimed champion of abused women. Some in Carlyle know Judge Bauer has conducted a lengthy affair with county employee, Justine Conoy, but community leaders still chose him to reinvigorate this year's pivotal role of Captain Macalister in the Heritage Days pageant. Moral choice seems neither simple nor reassuring in Carlyle.Denial is a modern story exploring diverse paths toward love, meaning, and the exercise of power. Hubris, entitlement, and the reasons for adultery become hedonistic options as old as self-delusion. Denial is intended as both an account of evolving passions and an allegory on our times. And, always in the background are the incongruities and justifications of the myths of Carlyle County.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1521375097
• ISBN13: 9781521375099
• Release Date: May 2017
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 583 Pages
• Weight: 2.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.5" x 6.0"