Ugly in San Francisco

By Sherman L Smith

In 1910, an unknown woman abandons a severely disfigured infant on the steps of San Francisco's Magdalen Asylum. Named MICHAEL O'DEA, he is hidden away by the Church and grows up isolated at St. Gabriel's monastery. When a mirror finally reveals why strangers recoil from him, innocence turns to anger. Only music offers escape, and his saxophone becomes the voice he cannot find in words.
Released at eighteen, Michael finds refuge at the disreputable Briarpatch on Eddy Street, where he plays from his window while remaining unseen. In 1932, elderly Chinese immigrant SAM WUDUNN becomes his roommate and answers Michael's saxophone with an erhu. Their friendship teaches Michael that society can impose ugliness as cruelly as nature.
During the 1934 musicians' strike, Michael and Sam become a celebrated mystery act at the Silken Moon nightclub, performing behind a silk screen. Michael achieves fame without acceptance. After Sam dies, the act loses its heart, and World War II eventually takes Michael's home and stage.
By the early 1950s, embittered Michael works for union boss FRANK CAMBRIA, who uses his frightening appearance to intimidate others. Sent to spy on the Honeysuckle Rose Hotel, Michael instead discovers a community of wounded musicians who welcome him, including spirited pianist MOLLIE GABRIELSON.
When Michael refuses to betray them, Cambria retaliates. Michael confesses his deception and loses the trust he has only just learned to value. Then Cambria's men attempt to burn the hotel. Though no one believes Michael's warning, he risks his life to stop them, proving where his loyalty lies.
Mollie's faith and the musicians' acceptance finally free Michael from the prison of his own reflection. Seven months later, when Mollie proposes, he answers first through his saxophone, then aloud. The man once known as the Ugliest Man in San Francisco becomes a husband, musician, friend-and the happiest man in the city.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0HNHDRHFB
• ISBN13: 9798161227299
• Release Date: October 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 704 Pages
• Weight: 2.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"