Author Description

Roland Heinz has lived a life of anonymity in his hometown of Pipe, Wisconsin, but in the literary circles of the wider world he is a god. Twice winner of the Pulitzer Prize for literature, the recluse author in declining health, decides to grant a rare interview to a magazine edited by his long-time friend, Harry Stompe; but with a clause. Heinz has handpicked his interviewer, Molly Costello to come to Wisconsin from Boston and record what may be his last testament. Travelling with Molly is famous photographer-to-the- stars, Mike Gabler. What follows is a special week that none of them could have envisioned. Molly is urged by Roland to send for her two young daughters, which seems an odd request, but it is all part of a story line that Roland is mysteriously creating for these real life characters. What is not planned is Mike's lightning romance with local bartender, Carrie Stirling. As the interview begins to unspool, Roland's health is deteriorating rapidly. He tells his tale with flashbacks to his previous marriage and the havoc he wrought upon his long-gone wife, Karin and her sister, Meg Bollander, who still lives in the farm house above Roland's on The Ledge. Meg's twisted feelings for Roland are a toxic mixture of her eternal loathing for the younger man who chose her sister over herself and the older man who writes like an angel. Roland Heinz's last interview reveals how he has emerged from the depths of alcoholism and self-loathing into the light of acclaimed writing. We learn along the way how books can change the lives of people who take the time to read them. In a surprise ending, Molly, her children, Mike, Carrie, and Meg all have their futures wrapped around the last days and legacy of Roland Heinz. The Ledge is also an endearing look into the culture and mores of South Central Wisconsin, particularly, the Holyland between Lakes Winnebago and Michigan, where Friday fish fries and Old Fashions are the staples of life. Richard Curtis Hau