JoeAnn Hart is the author of the true crime memoir Stamford ’76, which delves into murder, corruption, race, and feminism in the 1970s. Her work often explores complex societal issues through compelling narratives. Hart has also contributed short fiction, essays, and articles to a variety of publications, broadening her literary reach.
In July 1976, a 24 year-old white woman, Margo Olson, was found in a grave in Stamford, Connecticut, with an arrow piercing through her heart. A few weeks later, Howie Carter, her black boyfriend, was killed by the police. Looking back at what might have happened, the author discovers a Bicentennial year steeped in recession, racism, and violence.
Set against a backdrop of turmoil, the narrative explores the lengths to which individuals will go to survive when faced with overwhelming challenges. It delves into themes of desperation and resilience, showcasing characters who must confront their fears and make difficult choices to navigate their precarious circumstances. The story highlights the struggle for hope and the human spirit's capacity to endure, even when the world seems to be crumbling around them.
Set in the prestigious Eden Rock Country Club, the story unfolds against a backdrop of leisure and hidden intrigues. The tranquility of the club is disrupted when a flock of geese arrives on Independence Day, prompting discontent among the members who are unaccustomed to outsiders. This unexpected intrusion serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of exclusivity, community dynamics, and the unspoken tensions that simmer beneath the surface of refined social settings.