Challenging genre boundaries and questions of truth, lies, and hatred in contemporary American life, this thought-provoking novel blends fiction, theatrical drama, and pointed moral inquiry to explore a fractured nation through the lens of a poignant play. Acknowledging that fear “is spreading across the country that democracy itself is on the verge of collapse,” this searching, enigmatic narrative follows the point of view of the playwright, the actors, and the characters of a play entitled Dave's Place, set in an Ohio bar, the day after the events of January 6th, "the insurrection—attempted coup.” The play centers around Dave, the bar owner, several patrons, and a surprising confrontation with bullying Bill Hagerty, a customer who feels “the deck is stacked” against himself and other white men.

Luce deftly weaves a layered story of friendship, aspirations, and the ingrained biases that cast a dark shadow over American culture. The play confronts schisms on human rights, equality, and homophobia while highlighting, in tense exchanges, the violence that rises from baseless hatred of other groups’ lifestyles and beliefs. The American Dream and the cost of fame is also explored through the gaze of the play’s actors, particularly Matt Connor, who portrays the bully. Connor is beloved by his cast mates, but his struggles with alcohol may push him out of a job—and cost him everything he holds dear.

The result is innovative, perceptive, and upsetting, as Luce never downplays the terrible things men feel moved to call each other. In both novel and play, all of these men stand at a crossroads, with Luce making their choices—and the potential fallout—not just suspenseful but resonant, rooted in deep national pathologies. Bill especially faces hard questions about his embittered convictions, including “Do you like yourself? I mean deep down, do you like who you are?” Star Late Rising explores, with empathy and electric invention, the dark side of American masculinity.

Takeaway: Boldy unconventional story exploring American hatred, anger, and violence.

Comparable Titles: Peter Heller’s Burn, Tiffany McDaniel's The Summer That Melted Everything.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-