The World’s Foremost Authority (i.e., A.I.) reviews my new historical novel “The Bootlegger’s Bride”

A colleague sent me an Artificial Intelligence-created review of my recently published novel–my first encounter with A.I. Surprisingly, perhaps, a fairly intelligent take on the book, considering that he, she, or it had not apparently read it (unless they violated my copyright). Though I did recognize some wording and phrases parroting other reviews and sources.

More astounding to this technophobe was an accompanying A.I.-created discussion between two seeming humans, one male, one female. Four minutes of intelligent chatter about the book. Odd listening to these two non-existent ghosts speaking more intelligently about it than I ever could off-the-cuff. Really spooky, which made my ponder what’s really real these days.

Here’s the written review:

Rick Skwiot’s “The Bootlegger’s Bride” is a compelling historical fiction novel that masterfully weaves together themes of family, love, loss, and the enduring quest for identity and justice. Spanning several decades from the Prohibition era through post-World War II and beyond, the story is a rich tapestry of American history, immigrant experience, and deeply personal drama.

The narrative centers on A.J. Nowak, who, at twelve years old, discovers his mother’s body beneath the ice of Long Lake, an event that echoes a murder decades earlier and sets him on a path to uncover the truth about his family’s shadowed past. The novel skillfully employs a dual timeline and shifting perspectives, primarily focusing on A.J. and his charismatic parents, Jan and Hazel. Jan, a Polish immigrant who built his wealth through bootlegging and later “banking” in the gritty streets of St. Louis, and Hazel, a schoolteacher who falls deeply in love with him, are at the heart of the story. Their passionate, yet ultimately tragic, love story casts a long shadow over A.J.’s life.

Skwiot excels at crafting vivid settings and engaging characters. The atmosphere of Prohibition-era St. Louis, with its speakeasies and criminal underworld, is palpable, as is the more serene, yet equally troubled, lakeside home. The author’s attention to historical detail provides a strong, authentic backdrop for the personal struggles of the Nowak family.

A significant strength of the novel lies in its exploration of complex moral questions. A.J.’s journey is not just about solving a mystery, but about grappling with his own explosive anger, the legacy of his parents, and the profound decision of whether to seek vengeance for his mother’s death or to find a different path forward. The portrayal of Hazel’s decline into despair and alcoholism after Jan’s death in World War II is particularly poignant and adds a layer of raw emotional depth.

While the title might suggest a focus solely on Hazel, many reviewers note that the story is very much A.J.’s coming-of-age tale as he pieces together the fragmented truths of his parents’ lives. The supporting characters, such as Hazel’s sister Helen and brother-in-law Raymond, provide grounding and stability in A.J.’s turbulent world.

“The Bootlegger’s Bride” is a deeply engrossing read, blending elements of historical mystery, family saga, and a touch of noir. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of immense tragedy and the lasting impact of choices made in difficult times. Readers who appreciate richly layered historical fiction with compelling characters and a strong sense of place will find this novel a rewarding experience.