Demise: A Novel of Race, Culture Wars, and Falling Darkness

This is the story of two young men, one white, one black, who grew up in the 1960s, who were best friends-their high school's Salt 'n' Pepper running backs. One went to Vietnam, the other avoided the draft. Their worlds begin to disintegrate when a freak accident disrupts the peaceful Connecticut town where they have settled. As 50-year-old corporate executives, one loathes his job and finds himself increasingly estranged from his family and community. Events force them closer together, yet careers, families, and tragedies which revolve about decisions made three decades earlier tear them apart. Del Vecchio has created a beautiful, penetrating novel of men struggling with their demons, a town struggling with tragedy, and families struggling to stay together.