SOMETHING GORGEOUS, A WORK OF SPECULATIVE FICTION
BY JUNIOR BURKE

Something Gorgeous is the first novel by Junior Burke, Chair of Writing & Poetics at Naropa University's Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics in Boulder, Colorado.

As a novelist draws on real persons and events to weave a fictional world, the premise of Something Gorgeous is to look at an iconic work of fiction, then turn it back, imagining a world from which it might have come.  Something Gorgeous is a work of fiction that incorporates historical elements; an alternative look at the era that spawned The Great Gatsby.

The main action in Something Gorgeous takes place between 1917 and 1922 in various international locations. Major historical figures include Walter Rathenau, who took on the impossible task of trying to integrate Germany back into the world community in the wake of World War I; Dietrich Eckhart, who ‘discovered’ Adolph Hitler on the war-ravaged streets of Munich (and to whom Mein Kampf was dedicated); and George Remus, the Cincinnati bootlegger whose extravagant parties exceeded those portrayed in The Great Gatsby.

"A Gorgeous Work of Historial Fiction"

Something Gorgeous: A Novel by Songwriter Junior Burke
By Matthew Lubin

This is the first novel from playwright/songwriter Junior Burke - published through a small press in Boulder, CO. Burke takes his title from The Great Gatsby, which he also uses as a reference point in many portions. For readers unfamiliar with F. Scott Fitzgerald's work, some allusions won't appear as important as they should. However, there is no need to reread Gatsby as it will not reveal much hidden meaning in the story.

Burke's version takes place in the 1920s with settings as far spread as Germany, Kentucky, Chicago, and of course Great Neck, NY. The central figure of the novel is Ritz - a pseudo-nymed womanizer who lies his way into business and personal deals. He is accompanied by his love interest Faye - a high-class Kentucky girl. There are also a few historical figures to go along with the fictionalized - there is Harold Meyerstein bootlegging liquor during prohibition and post-WWI German nationalist Eckhart, with whom Ritz makes bootlegging deals to amass his fortune.

Keeping with the Gatsby theme, Burke's characters are mostly unlikable sorts and only serve the purpose of being interesting. The most likeable of all is Judith, a young professional golfer, who helps Meyerstein with some "errands" on her rounds through tournaments. Even though they are an unlikable bunch, they occasionally have redeeming qualities in their frail emotional states. Burke manages to develop the characters so that their personalities fit - even if you wouldn't want to befriend any of them.

The novel contains a few songs, originally written lyrics from Burke that fit with the time period. Much of the language makes it clear that he is a songwriter with a musical style in his prose. His descriptions of places and events are vivid - attributed to a long list of resource materials and travels.

Through it all, Burke keeps a consistent tone that fits the time period and class of the characters. He provides the seedy moments of high-class life of the Jazz Age that many writers of that time were reluctant to portray. It just goes to show that after 80 years more details of life can be made public in literature to create a gorgeous work of historical fiction.

Something Gorgeous from Farfalla Press/McMillan & Parrish 2005. 389pp. ISBN 0971466890.

A Brilliant Revisitation of the Jazz Age
Reviewer:
J. Cardier (Akron, OH)   

Burke weaves an incredible tale of love, social conflict and the thirst for realizing our dreams. His voice is masterful and his characters beautifully developed in a way that will make the Jazz Age with all its loud glory and hidden melancholy come to life for the reader. The most striking aspect of the book, however, is its ability to solve the mysteries of a different Jazz Age novel in a way that will change the classic in the reader's mind forever. Burke explores the many levels of Fitzgerald's masterpiece and deepens them by exploring all the directions in which the book could turn, opening every mystery and digging deep into its essence.

Something Gorgeous is a delight to read but it will also take the reader on a journey through the history of the US and Europe in the 20's as well as the secrets and nuances of one of America's greatest literary classics.

Great American Novel
Reviewer:
Anna (Colorado)

This novel is unique in its style and handling of subject. The author captures a time in America where want and desires tended to get the best of people. Through intricate back-story Burke weaves a tale of underlying caution. Often using love, lust and greed as the guide. Something Gorgeous is part romantic love story, often hedonistic. And part a glimpse into a history worth revisiting. It is a fine example of an author doing his homework, as his knowledge is infinite and thorough.
The characters are multidimensional, written so finely as though describing the fantasy version of oneself (both good and bad). At times disturbing, but thoroughly poignant the reader is left with a desire not to fall prey to the perils so well described in the novel. This is a moral tale, however, Burke did an excellent job of never shoving that into the readers face. Rather he let the reader find for herself the values that lie in all of us.

If you are looking for a story to get swept away in, you'll find it in this book. If you're looking for a tale of love lost and the lengths to which one will go to regain love, this novel is it. If you're looking to learn more of a time so drenched in World history, this book is it. Burke created a tale for all the masses to enjoy, while subtly mixing in the importance of being who you are and accepting that with out fear.