The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan - Softcover

"There are just enough obscenities uttered to ensure this book is never shelved in the children's or even young adult section. The story, though, is anything but vulgar, a sweet and uplifting tale as heartwarming as the ones it's poking fun at." Kirkus Reviews "There is an adventurous and unpredictable tone to every chapter of this book, making it very difficult to put down." SPR Reviews Often bringing to mind the adventures of Alice during her travels through Wonderland, Rich's travels through the city via the Lavender Line are just as colorful and filled with even more bizarre and baffling characters." Chicago Literati "The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan is a deeply imaginative and wondrous fairytale for adults who are young at heart." Indie Reader "Witty, humorous, and at times profound, the tone is true to its fairytale style. And like all good fairytales, it teaches a lesson - one that readers are sure to benefit from." Indie Reader

In Chicago, a secret L train runs through the mythical East Side of the city. On that train, you'll find a house-cat conductor, an alcoholic elf, a queen of the last city farm, the most curious wind, and an exceptional girl by the name of Francesca Finnegan.

When we first encounter Richard K. Lyons, he is a man who has long forgotten the one night, when he was still a boy called Rich, when Francesca invited him aboard the secret L for an adventure through the East Side. The night was a mad epic, complete with gravity-defying first kisses, mermaid overdoses, and princess rescues. Unfortunately for Rich, the night ended like one of those elusive dreams forgotten the moment you wake. Now, Rich is all grown up and out of childish adventures, an adult whose life is on the verge of ruin. It will take the rediscovery of his exploits with Francesca, and a reacquaintance with the boy he once was, to save him.