Aram Saroyan Books

Growing up as the son of a renowned writer, the narrator navigates the complexities of living in his father's shadow while grappling with a mix of confidence and self-doubt. His astrological influences instill a sense of boldness, contrasting with moments of paralysis due to his perceived inadequacies. The backdrop of the transformative sixties shapes his experiences, providing a rich context for his personal journey and the generational challenges he faces.

'Kerouac's grittiest novel ... sensual and uninhibited' The New York Times Driven mad by three years of endless telegrams, phonecalls, mail, reporters and snoopers in the wake of his hugely successful novel On the Road, Jack Kerouac, 'King of the Beats', needs peace, quiet and sobriety: surrounded and outnumbered he has to 'get away to solitude again or die'. Amidst the wild beauty of the Californian landscape, Kerouac struggles to come to terms with his own myth and its malign impact upon his life. The result is a moving account of a man struggling with inner demons: blessed by great talent and cursed with an urge towards self-destruction - a path lined with double bourbons, Manhattans and scotch ...

Set against the backdrop of Hollywood, the narrative follows detective Michael Shepard as he investigates a murder linked to a long-buried tragedy. Balancing his personal struggles as a divorced father with the complexities of the case, Shepard navigates the glamorous yet perilous world of the city. Aram Saroyan blends classic hardboiled detective styles with modern themes, while enhancing the story with cell phone photos that capture the setting, creating a vivid exploration of contemporary intrigue and human connection.

Set against the backdrop of 1960s New York City, this autobiographical novel explores the author's coming-of-age during a time marked by social upheaval, including the Vietnam War and the psychedelic revolution. It captures the author's experiences with near-fame in Hollywood, connections to notable figures like Mike Nichols and Walter Matthau, and interactions with a diverse array of characters, from celebrities to counterculture drop-outs. The narrative blends humor and poignancy, painting a vivid picture of a transformative era.