Alexandria, VA – Atonement is defined as the concept of a person taking action to correct previous wrongdoing on their part, either through direct action to undo the consequences of that act, or an equivalent action to do good for others, or other expressions of remorse. Atonement is closely associated with forgiveness, reconciliation, remorse, repentance, reparation, and guilt. Often seen as a necessary step on a path to redemption.
The Hartford Atonement is a well written, hard-hitting story that pulls readers into the lives of victims and those around from the start. Including those who directly benefitted from the vigorous pursuit of wealth despite the call for public safety. When one victim is family, the pang of guilt creates a moral dilemma. One that is not easily resolved. Barbara’s fiction closely mirrors the reality of true-life tragedies, giving readers pause for serious thought, self-reflection, and provocative questioning.
In the United States, 1,375 school shootings have occurred since 2000. At least 2,000 Americans were fatal victims of gunfire in mass shootings alone. This makes The Hartford Atonement a timely and compelling story that will generate lively kitchen table discussions.
I asked Philip Barbara why he tackled such a project. “All during my 40-year career in print journalism, I was confident I’d eventually someday try my hand at fiction. Within five years of retiring in 2014, I published six short stories. An editor said, ‘OK, now write longer, and write something that adds to the cultural conversation.’ I decided right away I’d write about guns. Earlier, as a member of Reuters national news desk in Washington, I helped cover mass shootings. When editing, you can’t help but visualize killing sprees such as Sandy Hook and Virginia Tech. I knew I could tap into that experience. I visited Newtown, talked to people, and read about the traumatized town, the coldness of NRA spokesman Wayne LaPierre, and the people’s trip to Washington, only to witness gun legislation being defeated in Congress.”
But it was more than LaPierre’s lack of empathy that motivated the Author. Philip continued, “I spoke with a salesman who placed an assault weapon in my hands and asked, ‘Do you want us to make you a custom model?’ After a year of research, I had the frame of a story: With Congress unhelpful, what power could be applied to the nation’s need for gun control? It’s Wall Street and the nation’s insurance industry. This, I believe, is realistic. I then created the billionaire hero, Emil Scordato.”
Emil Scordato, a 70-year-old man, is the central character. He is a person with all the money, wealth and privilege imaginable, but learns how helpless he is and that even his family is vulnerable after a school shooting. The attack came to be known as the “wrestling match massacre.”
Forty successful years on Wall Street investing heavily in gun manufacturers sped up the amassing of his fortune. After the tragedy, he employs this wealth, attempting to get Congress to change firearm industry regulations. In the end, he is unsuccessful, but the symbolism in the story roars through. Scordato’s grandson awakens from his coma, much like a needed awakening, to create pragmatic and effective gun reform.
In The Hartford Atonement, the author treats readers to spirited interactions and the captivating family history of a pair of political rivals. Democrat congressman Sam Bixby from Connecticut and Republican congressman Clayton Jeffries of Virginia. Bixby’s family were originally farmers, but worked hard and elevated their status over time to judges and lawmakers. Jeffries’ grandfather was a depression era behind-the-scenes force in the Republican party, using the family’s tobacco wealth to strengthen his party. Jeffries and Bixby spar intellectually throughout the story. Their serious political discussions, over top-shelf bourbon, remind readers how politics worked in the by-gone years.
Philip Barbara and his wife Deb have lived in Alexandria for 30 years. They raised two children: Zach, an ICU pediatrician in Atlanta, and Grace, the head coach of a community rowing club. In addition to his years as a journalist, Philip is proud of driving a New York City cab while in college and starting as a soccer goalkeeper at the high school, college, and semi-pro levels. He has just completed his seventh short story and is jotting down ideas for another. The collection of his short stories will serve as a novella for his next book, which is most likely three years out.
As for a sequel to The Hartford Atonement, the hero lost money but still has $800 million to play with. Scordato’s next plan is to reduce guns in circulation. That’s a tall task.
Philip’s must-read work proves thought provoking. So let me wrap things up with an even wider moral conundrum. What happens if gun rights regulation ostensibly neutralizes the second amendment and creates an overarching government not deterred by the possibility of the people rising against it? Giving latitude for an even more evil government to emerge. Possibly resulting in the elimination of political opposition or even genocide. Which crisis or tragedies are worse? Isn’t this then a larger conundrum? The Hartford Atonement is a smartly written, believable work with a convincing story. There are many moving parts and sides for discussions involving gun rights and regulation. Kudos to Philip for this conversation catalyst on a very emotional topic. Zebra rating: 5 Stripes.
ICYMI: Come Out for Alexandria’s Holiday Parades Dec. 7
