The dance at St. Gabriel's

Plot

Product description Book by Stefanile, Felix From Booklist In the title poem, Stefanile tells the spare story of two childhood buddies defying authority's expectations in the midst of war, raising their beers as a frowning priest tells them their air force wings are the only wings they'll ever earn. It exemplifies many of the book's intersecting and intertwining themes: delight in memories uncorrupted by eventual outcome; celebration of the common man, who seeks morality and friendship rather than fame; and exploration of the emotional components of living during World War II. Stefanile peoples his work with immigrants, boccie players, rowdy recruits, and restless veterans, bringing all to life with compassion and eloquence. Besides offering reminders of the humanity behind history, he displays vitality and expertise in his craft as he allows each poem its own tempo and quiet refrain.Elizabeth Gunderson