In 1930s New York, Jewish immigrant David Tarniss leads a quiet life as a cab driver—too quiet—In reality he is hiding a dark secret, his homosexuality, something for which he will pay dearly due to the unique circumstances of the time.

Based on the author's fictional interpretation of a family tragedy, "Caged Time" is an attempt to explain how society can mold who you are and significantly impact your life. The novel focuses on a small group of characters that all have key significance in David’s life, the people that most affect what he does, how he thinks, and how he lives. The setting of the novel is even more impactful as it plays out in the context of a pre-World War II society haunted by the looming war. Most of the characters are Jewish, bringing another angle to the events.

Whenever things seem to be moving forward, David faces a setback. Whether being shunned by his brother when he reveals who he is, haunted by a strange encounter with a friend, or being beat up when he least expects it, he's always taking two steps forward and one back. But he always seems determined to go on.

A fascinating, if disturbing, look at the challenges that confronted gays (and Jews) in 1930s New York with a glimmer of hope at the end.

Awards:

2022 Distinguished Favorite in the LGBTQ category/Independent Press Award (https://www.independentpressaward.com/2022distinguishedfavorites)

2021 Distinguished Favorite in the LGBTQ category/NYC Big Book Award (https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/2021distinguishedfavorites)