Imagined Glories

Public order in rural, politically divided Port Townsend, Washington, has been shattered by a series of bombings made to appear as though Native American activists are responsible. Henry Ivers, an aging county sheriff already struggling with family and professional challenges, soon finds himself thrust into escalating ethnic and retaliatory violence. Although he suspects student activists may have staged the original destruction, Ivers' investigation is diverted by the sudden appearance of an antigovernment militia hoping to capitalize on the situation. Ivers' personal vulnerabilities complicate his preparedness to contend with the crisis-particularly when his confidence is shaken by broken beliefs, mistrust, and the discovery of his daughter's possible involvement in the bombings. Sheriff Ivers must choose between competing personal and professional loyalties and find a way to achieve redemption and acceptance in the midst of the violence and chaos engulfing the once-peaceful Northwestern region. Imagined Glories realistically demonstrates the power of an ordinary man's triumphant spirit through hope and perseverance as he overcomes anguish and loss. Imagined Glories reveals the fragility of our social fabric and makes us look inside and see things we'd rather not. -Margaret Zelkin An extraordinary read. Nagy's story is gripping and his prismatic language is stark and original.Oscar Simone