Cuyahoga

Set in 1837, "Cuyahoga" follows Big Son, a larger-than-life figure in Ohio City, whose incredible feats earn him admiration but leave him financially struggling to win over his beloved Cloe. As he embarks on a quest for steady work amid the rivalry between Ohio City and Cleveland over a bridge construction, he encounters a series of misadventures featuring eccentric characters and chaotic events. Narrated by his younger brother Meed, an orphan and aspiring coffin maker, this debut novel blends humor and tragedy while exploring themes of family, ambition, and the complexities of growth in a burgeoning metropolis. Spanning the breadth of literary influences, Pete Beatty delivers a unique and engaging tale that promises to entertain and provoke thought.