Bridges: A Tale of Niagara

by D.K. LeVick

The ice bridge of Niagara Falls - steeped in history, fraught with tragedy, challenged by daredevils, lures five young men from the world they know into the mysterious Niagara Gorge. After an encounter with the mighty Falls, they emerge in a struggle of life and death with a Niagara they never knew existed. Peeling back time, meet the hermit living on the Falls in a quest to become one with it; experience the day the Falls stopped, exploring a riverbed never before exposed -- until the water returns in a frenzy; witness slavery through the eyes of a runaway riding the ''Underground Railroad''; and feel the clash when the path of a drummer boy converges with an Iroquois brave at the ''Devil's Hole'' massacre. Author d k LeVick creates a tale rich in both historical fact and ingenious fiction. LeVick brings together a series of historical events, a twist of mystery, and a group of teenagers caught up in a changing world. You might just hear the ice crack and feel a tremor beneath your feet.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

350 pages, Paperback

First published February 24, 2011

About the author

Being born and raised in the Niagara Frontier, I grew up on the Upper Niagara River and spent my formative years as a ‘river rat’, not in awe, but in fear of the mighty Cataract, viewing it as a threat to my Upper river escapades. More than once, myself and my fellow rates barely escaped the swift current while tubing down the river or fishing off of Navy Island in a rubber raft. The Falls was not to be marveled at or held in great esteem but were held in great fear and were to be avoided at all costs.

That perspective changed the first time I went down into the gorge below the Falls (during summer of course – I wasn’t as crazy my ‘boys’ were to go in winter) and “discovered” the lower river. There, like Saul on the road to Damascus, I was overcome by the wonder of the river and consumed by the mystery of it.

I learned that there were actually two rivers, the “Upper Niagara” and the “Lower Niagara” which were as different as night is from day. One was an open spigot, empting out all the ‘Great Lakes’ in a roar and ravaging thunder – the other was life-force, cutting and craving across the earth, leaving a trail of history, raw beauty and attitude.

Born in Buffalo, raised in Riverside/Blackrock, it was only after returning from a tour of duty in Southeast Asia that I located to Niagara Falls and Lewiston. Living there for over forty years, my enchantment with ‘Niagara’ was expanded by touring, exploring and inhaling the joy of the ‘Lower’ river.

Much has been written about Niagara, most centered on the mighty ‘Falls’ itself, little on the Niagara Gorge and the ‘Lower’ river. Truly amazing, when one considers the extensive and exciting history that engulfs the entire ‘Niagara Escarpment’. Focused on making a living for my family, I wrote for myself over the years. This story, now I give to you. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have in writing it.

Living now in Michigan, my heart remains down in the gorge, watching - feeling - listening to the "words of the water". My prayer, like 'the hermit' is that I too can learn the lessons the water holds.

Reviews

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The ice bridge of Niagara Falls-steeped in history, fraught with tragedy, challenged by daredevils, lures five young men from the world they know into the mysterious Niagara Gorge" A TALE SO HEARTWRENCHING AND TOUCHING- THE AUTHOR'S DEDICATION TO GETTING THIS MOST WORTHY TALE RIGHT- RESEARCH WAS OBVIOUSLY INTENSE- DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!!
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER

[Melissa Storm]

Nature—it is both majestic and deadly, subjugated and unconquerable, mysterious and comprehendible. Niagara Falls in particular holds many secrets just beneath its surface.

Five boys decide to challenge Niagara after seeing an old photograph on the wall of their favorite hangout. Several nineteenth century pedestrians stand just before the falls on an ice bridge, the shop’s proprietor Ol’ Gordy explains. In the winter, the surface freezes over, but the rapids continue to rush agitatedly beneath the surface. It’s dangerous and illegal to go out on the ice bridge, he warns them. No place for boys; no place for anyone.

Adventure! Motivated by the heroic stupidity so often present in young boys and a desire to see their picture hang on the wall of Ol’ Gordy’s shop, the friends decide to journey into the Niagara Gorge.

They bring extra socks to warm their toes, a smattering of junk food to sustain their bellies, and a camera to document their adventures, but they take no measures to prepare themselves emotionally for the harrowing quest.

What’s the worst that can happen? The boys think, full of inflated self belief. When a rescue team appears, they realize that they’ve been caught in their law-breaking antics. Rather than risk punishment, they run deeper into the Gorge, believing they can find a way out for themselves. If they are to emerge from the Gorge at all, they will surely emerge as men, having conquered their childhoods as well as nature itself.

The friends’ tale is interwoven with those of others whose lives have been touched by Niagara—the musical hermit who escapes society’s demands by becoming one with the river, the honeymooning couples who were there the day the falls stopped flowing, the runaway slaves who crossed the bridge from oppression into the freeman lands of Canada, the drummer boy who was rescued from certain death at the hands of an enemy warrior. Their stories are Niagara’s stories.

“Great things usually don’t happen to great people,” our narrator informs us. “Things happen to regular people, and great people emerge.”

dk LeVick’s debut novel, Bridges: A Tale of Niagara is a story to which we can all relate. We as a society, we as individuals, must traverse life’s bridges if ever we are to reach our intended destinations. From ignorance to knowledge, brutality to grace, childhood to adulthood, we must all journey forth—there is no holding back.

With every word, the author’s careful research into the area, the history, and the characters is readily apparent. He seamlessly weaves the disparate threads together through the recurrence of themes and important physical artifacts.Bridges is a must-read for those who have ever struggled to know themselves. LeVick reminds us to look to our pasts and to our homes, and we will surely find ourselves.

[Pavarti Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book as a part of Novel Publicity's Blog Tour program. I am a blog tour host for them but receive no compensation and only participate for the books I want to, there is no requirement for a review or a positive endorsement as a participant in this program.


Bridges - A tale of Niagara is unlike any other historical fiction book I've read. Because it is neither purely historical (in the sense that there are huge chunks set in the 60s, but also into centuries past) nor is it purely fiction. Although the characters included in this story are fictional many of the events described are historically accurate, such as the Ice Bridge and the day Niagra stopped flowing. I learned a tremendous amount about the Falls and now, for the first time in my life, am inspired to go visit.


LeVick tells the story of 5 boys who brave the thundering river partially thanks to an old photograph they saw in a local soda shop, and partially because, as boys will do, none of them were willing to back down once the risky adventure was proposed. The story of Kevin and his friends spans the length of the novel and is the plot that as a reader you are the most emotionally invested in.


However, throught the book LeVick interweaves stories from Niagra itself. Each of these can stand alone as a short which would be entertaining and worth reading, but put together they create the books tone and the overriding influence of the river on the people who live there. The power of Niagra has to be considered a character within Bridges, because of the constancy of its presence. There is no question that while this is an entertaining and moving story that spans generations the real star is the Niagra itself.


LeVick touches on issues or race, class, social status and machismo in Bridges without losing focus on the central story he is telling. It takes a considerable amount of talent to weave such touchy subjects into a narrative without making it sound preachy or as if the author has an agenda. LeVick does this with great style and never pulls the reader out, but instead uses these points to deepen the themes within the plot line.


The only issue I had with the book was that at times it did feel a touch contrived in the effort to pull all of the stories together. I think it would have worked just fine without, for example, the Hermit's clarinet being in Laurence's story as well as Marty's. This book was expertly edited and has a beautiful and professional cover. One of the best examples of an Indie author matching up to and even surpassing the titles distributed by Traditional Publishing houses I've seen.

[Leigh Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed this book. i liked the mix of history and adventure. i liked the way it ended, too, didn't just leave you to draw your own conclusions.

[Desmond Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently, I read the book Bridges ��� A Tale of Niagara by dk LeVick. This excellent book tells the tale of five young men who set out on a perilous journey into the Niagara Gorge. I really enjoyed that the book mixed history and fiction together to bring the story alive, and Niagara Falls alive, too.

As part of the Novel Publicity blog tour for this book, I had the opportunity to ask the the author a few questions about the book. I���d like to thank him for adding more insight into the book.

1. What inspired you to write this tale about five young men who decide to take on Niagara Falls and become a part of its history?

For that particular story ��� it came from the ���picture��� itself. It���s one I seen in an antique shop almost 40 years ago and it started me thinking about it. At the same time I was writing about the 60���s, which was the most ���changing��� decade in our history and the two came together. A combination of a Niagara few people know about coupled with the decade of the ���60���s which was the best and worse times of America. A decade when America was at its prime and its base. When young people thought everything had been done and there was nothing left for them to do, yet, next to the revolutionary era itself, it was the most revolutionary decade in American history.

2. The sides stories helped to breathe more life into the Falls. How did you come up with those?

Niagara is steeped in history and lore. People only think of the Falls themselves when they think of Niagara. I wanted to show people some of the history of Niagara. The events are true ��� the characters and stories came from my pen. There are so many more stories I wanted to write about but I thought four was enough. Anymore and it would have taken too much away from the central story. I also wanted to tie in some of the threads of the historical stories with the main story and these were appropriate. One I wrote but cut out was about the power plant collapsing.

3. Which of the five young men in the story do you relate to the most?

Kevin portrays a lot of my growing years in Western New York.

4. Over the centuries, Niagara Falls went from being discovered to becoming a major tourist attraction. Despite the change in the environment surrounding the Falls, what would you consider to be its timeless appeal?

The water. It���s magic. The roar ��� the mist ��� the smell ��� the gorge ��� everything. Niagara has an aura about it that captivates people, even now with all the commercialism and abuse its incurred over the years. Couple this with being in the right place at the right time when the country was beginning to open up in the early 1800���s for travel and tourism. Up to then it was still wilderness and adventure. When the Erie Canal opened bringing streams of people to Niagara���s doorstep from the East it transformed into the number one destination in America. Once established as a destination it grew in statue, then with Tesla and his alternating electricity generation ��� Niagara became a major industrial area as well (and the tug a war continued between industry and tourism).

5. Do you have any other works you���ve written or are in the process of writing now?

Absolutely! I���ve written some short stories recently that I���m preparing for publication soon and I���m working on my next novel. I���m fortunate and blessed that my ���flame��� didn���t go out over the years and was able to be turned up, so as long as there���s breath in my body, words in my mind and feelings in my heart, I���ll find the means to write and hopefully, someone will want to read it.

[B.C. Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently, I read the book Bridges – A Tale of Niagara by dk LeVick. This excellent book tells the tale of five young men who set out on a perilous journey into the Niagara Gorge. I really enjoyed that the book mixed history and fiction together to bring the story alive, and Niagara Falls alive, too.

As part of the Novel Publicity blog tour for this book, I had the opportunity to ask the the author a few questions about the book. I’d like to thank him for adding more insight into the book.

1. What inspired you to write this tale about five young men who decide to take on Niagara Falls and become a part of its history?

For that particular story – it came from the ‘picture’ itself. It’s one I seen in an antique shop almost 40 years ago and it started me thinking about it. At the same time I was writing about the 60’s, which was the most ‘changing’ decade in our history and the two came together. A combination of a Niagara few people know about coupled with the decade of the ’60′s which was the best and worse times of America. A decade when America was at its prime and its base. When young people thought everything had been done and there was nothing left for them to do, yet, next to the revolutionary era itself, it was the most revolutionary decade in American history.

2. The sides stories helped to breathe more life into the Falls. How did you come up with those?

Niagara is steeped in history and lore. People only think of the Falls themselves when they think of Niagara. I wanted to show people some of the history of Niagara. The events are true – the characters and stories came from my pen. There are so many more stories I wanted to write about but I thought four was enough. Anymore and it would have taken too much away from the central story. I also wanted to tie in some of the threads of the historical stories with the main story and these were appropriate. One I wrote but cut out was about the power plant collapsing.

3. Which of the five young men in the story do you relate to the most?

Kevin portrays a lot of my growing years in Western New York.

4. Over the centuries, Niagara Falls went from being discovered to becoming a major tourist attraction. Despite the change in the environment surrounding the Falls, what would you consider to be its timeless appeal?

The water. It’s magic. The roar – the mist – the smell – the gorge – everything. Niagara has an aura about it that captivates people, even now with all the commercialism and abuse its incurred over the years. Couple this with being in the right place at the right time when the country was beginning to open up in the early 1800’s for travel and tourism. Up to then it was still wilderness and adventure. When the Erie Canal opened bringing streams of people to Niagara’s doorstep from the East it transformed into the number one destination in America. Once established as a destination it grew in statue, then with Tesla and his alternating electricity generation – Niagara became a major industrial area as well (and the tug a war continued between industry and tourism).

5. Do you have any other works you’ve written or are in the process of writing now?

Absolutely! I’ve written some short stories recently that I’m preparing for publication soon and I’m working on my next novel. I’m fortunate and blessed that my ‘flame’ didn’t go out over the years and was able to be turned up, so as long as there’s breath in my body, words in my mind and feelings in my heart, I’ll find the means to write and hopefully, someone will want to read it.

[W.E. Linde · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a coming of age tale filled with action and mystery, D.K. LeVick’s Bridges tells the story of five young men who – in an attempt to find adventure – instead find themselves swept up by the powers of nature into an adventure infinitely more dangerous than they had bargained for. What begins as an ambitious dare to visit the treacherous ice bridge of Niagara Falls quickly deteriorates into a life threatening ordeal where one misstep could easily end in tragedy.

The author, who grew up by Niagara Falls, puts his familiarity with the surrounding wilderness of his home to fantastic use. The descriptions of the wintery landscape are compelling, and LeVick very effectively places the reader in the middle of the frigid trials that challenge our protagonists. At first mesmerizing and beautiful, the primitive beauty that is everywhere in Bridges transforms into intimidating, raw power as the story progresses. No matter how great or small the obstacles and challenges faced in the story, the ever present winter constantly lurks to magnify the growing sense of desperation of the characters (and the reader).

As enticing as this may sound, Bridges offers even more. The author weaves throughout this story, set in the dead of winter in the early 1960s, historical vignettes, glimpses into tales of men and women who also were touched by the ever-present Great Falls. The reader is allowed to look back in time – as far back as just prior to the American Revolutionary War in one case – to see the personal struggles of people who will never be known by those who come after, but who nonetheless somehow touch our protagonists in some way. At one point the main character, Kevin, wonders “if there was anything that wasn’t connected to everything.” In a most effective way, LeVick demonstrates the inter-connectivity of those whose lives have been touched by Niagara Falls.

Something I found quite compelling was the varied motivations that propelled each of the young protagonists into and throughout this adventure. I felt a pang of empathy with Kevin as he morosely concluded that he was “born in a generation that had nothing to achieve and no mark to leave.” I know that at a young age, looking back at the enormous accomplishments of the generations before me, I felt similar trepidations. There’s more that drives each young man on, but this sense that great things are no more to be had forms the bedrock of motivation that triggers our story.

Bridges, A Tale of Niagara, is a compelling story that will certainly appeal to those who enjoy tales of survival and friendship. Although I believe the book is geared towards young adults, by including such a wide range of stories and appealing to a shared sense of adventure, the author makes this story accessible to readers of all ages.

[Jenny Orozco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wednesday, June 1, 2011Review: dk LeVick's Bridges: A Tale of Niagara
Bridges

by dk LeVick

Langdon Street Press

340 pages

ISBN: 978-0-9846205-4-8

"...it was at that moment in my life that I understood that great things don't usually happen to great people. Things happen to regular people and great people emerge."

February 1962-- Five teenage boys bound together by nothing more than circumstance and their mutual awe and curiosity about Niagara Falls decide to embark on a perilous journey to the treacherous gorge of The Falls.

Propelled by a combination of boredom and angst, the boys are anxious to make something "happen" in their lives. They, too, long to be a part of the excitement that surrounds Niagara Falls; they are tired of being onlookers in their own hometown and are spurred to action after hearing Ol' Gordy's tales and seeing his wall of pictures. Despite the old man's warnings that walking on the ice bridge was not only potentially deadly, but against the law, the headstrong boys will not be dissuaded.

"I was born in a generation that had nothing to achieve and no mark to leave."

Kevin-- Son of a bigoted, abusive father. who also happens to be a war hero. Kevin is all too aware of the tenuous presence of peace and how one moment can morph into something unexepected.

Chuck-- One of three sons of a struggling single mother and an incarcerated car thief. At odds with his brothers, he is clearly the trouble maker in this set of boys. He instigates the entire idea and by turns bullies and cajoles the other boys into going along with him.

Wayne-- One of six brothers and sisters. His twin brother died by breaking into their father's alcohol. The family is poor and on governmental assistance; his friends try not to bring attention to it.

Lenny--Black, and all too aware of the racism of the townspeople, especially Kevin's father.

Billy--Youngest of the group and an only child. Smothered by his mother and perpetually whining.

Together, these boys will brave the elements and emerge transformed by the power and beauty of Niagara Falls, encounters with the past and the present, and the promise of the future.

Readers too will hear the story of the Hermit of Niagara, who left his country and musical career to find his own piece of truth and wisdom in the river. Learn of how slaves were able to escape their cruel owners' through The Falls. Read about a clash of cultures in the "Devil's Hole" massacre.

A wonderful read about walking the perilous path between childhood and adulthood, between passivity and action, and of ultimately, rising above one's own circumstances.

[Orlando · Rating 4 out of 5]

A local restaurant in my home town has pictures on the wall from when the tobacco industry first came to Florida. I look at these pictures and wonder what life was like in those days. I walked into a shop a couple of months ago to drop off two treadmill motors for repair. On the walls, they had pictures from when they first opened shop, which was in the 40's. There were women in dresses and men with nice shirts repairing small motors on their benches. When they took us to the back the scene was completely different from what I saw in the pictures in the front office.

I told my friend who was with me, "Boy, what a difference from the pictures on the wall." He laughed and said it was another era. That statement made me think even more about the people in those pictures.

If you're anything like me your curiosity takes the best of you, but you don't have any real idea what it was like. Bridges will close that gap providing a historical view into the past and mixes it with fiction to take you away to that other era. I visited Niagara Falls when I was a young man. No, I don't want to mention what year that was. Suffice it to say it was many years ago. I pulled out those old pictures and looked at them feeling the same wonder. I've never seen it in the winter time, after reading this book I would like to go see the ice.

Now all though I've visited Niagara, I have never heard of the old hermit. I have not heard of the story when people used to walk on the frozen falls called the ice bridge. If you're like me, you'll want to hear about the gorge and its incredible frightening beauty. With delicate details LeVick describes the deadly whirlpool. You'll feel as if you're at the falls as the cold winds punish you, and the currents rumble under your feet.

In this adventurous book, you will learn the connection between Niagara Falls and bootleggers. LeVick does a wonderful job of connecting the past with the current through an emotional depiction of events. Like the Underground Railroad, and the massacre of English soldiers by the Iroquois braves.

However, the action, the real adventure takes place when five young men decide to experience Niagara Falls for themselves. After seeing the pictures on the wall of Ol' Gordy's general store, they agree it's their turn to see it first hand. It doesn't matter that it's dangerous, or that it's even against the law they need to do this. At first they are exposed to the wonder and majesty of the falls. Then the colorful demons, curses, and dangers come out to greet them. Now they must face the reality of their worst fears come to life.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Its a fiction based on some facts type of story but at times I kept wondering if this was really a memoir I was reading. Its a story about 5 young boys growing up near Niagara Falls and the trouble they get into. LeVick weaves in historical pieces about Niagara Falls throughout the story in separate little short story chapters, some which may be fictional and its hard to tell for sure. I found it interesting how the boy's tied in to some of those historical stories. And the title is fitting as there are many bridges such as the ice bridge, railroad, rainbow bridge historical/time bridges. The begining of the story is fully understood near the end of the story when its all tied up there. I felt the power of the Niagara Falls/river that draws people to it after reading this story. I wish all history books were written like this, fiction based on facts and the short historical stories like DeVick weaved in as separated chapters be pointedly the facts of history!

[M.B. Mulhall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridges a Tale of Niagara was a great story interweaving fact and fiction. With a Stand by Me kind of feel, I was pulled right in and was excited and nervous (!) to see what the boys were going to do. I really enjoyed how the history of the falls was woven into the tale as Ol’ Gordy reminisced about the pictures on his wall. It was a clever way to work in some of the fascinating tales that go along with the majestic falls. I think this book will appeal too many of all ages. Adults can look back at their own youthful adventures and younger readers can fantasize about making the trip with the boys.

Visit my blog for a Q & A with author dk LeVick! keystrokes & Word Counts (new window)

[Grace Lacca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed watching this book come to be a reality. It is a work from the heart of the writer who has spent many years personally experiencing the wonder of the Niagara Gorge & has given us a chance to experience the excitement of the journey. The story of the young boys in the early 60's is of personal interest to me as I grew up at that time also. It's very hard to put the book down as you'll want to find out what is going to happen next. The chapters are short enough for easy reading. The four short stories interspersed in the book are also intriguing and chock full of history of the Niagara area. (I especially enjoyed Lizzie's story.) Truly the book is an enjoyable & quick read. The end will make you wonder if there will be a sequel.

[Mary Beeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in three days, I had a hard time putting it down! I always thought there was a hook to keep you reading, what is going to happen next, is this the end, what are they going to do, or did they really just do that???
the struggle of the characters were relatable, although they were struggling with a whole different problem they still had to find a solution to what was left facing them.
I've been to Niagara many times, we used to go at least once a year some times more often, I was there when it was almost covered in ice, although I don't remember much besides the pictures. I think this book is going to put a new light on the falls next time I go and see it!
dk LeVick is an author I will be looking forward to taking another adventure with!

[K.P. Vorenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sorry I delayed reading this book for so long. It has been on my wish list for several years and my husband gifted me with a copy of it this Christmas. Congratulations to the author for a great read packed with adventure, tension, historical insights, and development of characters. Visiting Niagara Falls was a wondrous experience for me thirty-eight years ago. The Great Lakes have special meaning for me since I grew up on the shores of Lake Erie. This book only served to enhance those memories and I heartily recommend the reading of it to anyone who loves a tension-filled adventure.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

History, legends, ice, snow and Niagara Falls.
Paths I hike and the river that defines the essence of this town where I live.
This author was able to give me a bit more understanding of history.
I briefly glimpse of the different perspectives of the same history
--native american contrasted with British;
--Slaves fleeing in fear for a place of safety
and this left me wanting to read and learn more...

[Dorothy Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fabulous. The writing was excellent with great descriptions throughout the book. The story of the boys was so riveting I could not put it down until I was done. The side stories were very interesting too. I also loved the cover design. Reminded me of my HS days.

[Paula Tohline Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my review on my blog on June 11