Blind Faith by Patrick Girondi

Accomplished musician, businessman and prolific author Patrick Girondi presents Blind Faith, an intriguing story of contested inheritance and corruption that incorporates an edgy look at faith in a higher power. Girondi’s latest novel mixes elements of the hit television show Succession with the seedy characters of The Sopranos, while examining the plight of a few righteous people who stand in the way of ruthless, powerful men determined to expand their fortunes. Blind Faith shares a meaningful story with a remarkable cast, set in and around Chicago. Girondi’s uniquely provocative writing style and penchant for exposing corruption are on dazzling display in these pages.

Family Against Family

Aaron Abbott is the ambitious heir of a massive electronics company which has brought his family immense wealth and privilege. Aaron sets his sights on a merger with the smaller Andrew Industries, but desperately needs an infusion of cash to make the deal. When a rich benefactor (his grandmother) passes away at an opportune moment, Aaron is dismayed that the entire inheritance is left to his sister Trisha. As the troubling dynamics of the Abbott family are revealed, a wide array of supporting characters are introduced. The devious players in this story are found in high government offices, exclusive clubs for the wealthy, as well as the grimy, illicit underworld of the city. Aaron Abbott enlists corrupt officials, greedy lawyers and criminal elements in an attempt to steal Trisha’s inheritance; doing so with a righteous conviction that his actions are all for the good of the family name.

Throughout the course of this gripping book, the author presents a menagerie of ingenious metaphors, allusions and foreshadowing. Imagery and icons of ancient Rome are included in several scenes, for example, generating a powerful comparison of today’s wealthy corporate moguls to the historic empire that ruled much of the world with an iron fist. In one instance, Aaron Abbott touches the head of Caesar as he passes in a long hallway because his mother always told him it would bring good luck. Throughout the book, moments like this one also explore the concept of “faith” in an insightful way. Rich men believe that they can obtain anything they desire with money and power. Corrupt lawyers and politicians are certain that they can beat any accusation, placing their faith in clever negotiation over truth. Leaders of the criminal underworld believe in violence as the ultimate tool for control. Blind Faith demonstrates how each of these groups holds a faith in the unseen, similar to the religious conviction of the devout. This theme is stated in simplest terms by an off-hand comment from a minor character midway through the book: Faith’s believing when common sense tells you not to.

Intriguing Scenes and Moving Characters

Blind Faith is replete with historical references, corporate doublespeak, religious speech and even regional dialects. Girondi’s attention to the style and variety of language used throughout this book further demonstrates his mastery as a writer and also helps to establish an identity for each character. Dialogue is heavily utilized throughout the text, making it immediately apparent how each figure views the world, themselves and the people around them. This also makes the book dynamic and interactive, creating a sense of immersion as the reader experiences each scene.

Another remarkable element of this story is the sheer number of supporting characters that are introduced along the way. The first few pages of the book contain a list of dozens of names and their roles to help keep everyone straight. In some cases, a large number of characters can cause confusion, but Girondi accomplishes this notable feat by including memorable scenes and short, descriptive details. In the same way an artist uses a wide variety of colors and textures, the author uses many unique characters to generate a vivid reality in these pages. The gripping plot, clever imagery and profound message of Blind Faith make it a meaningful read for those who love thoughtful literary fiction. Insightful, troubling and at times humorous, this intricate narrative demonstrates a few of the tactics used by the powerful to rob the humble. With intriguing scenes and moving characters, Patrick Girondi examines the role of faith in those seeking power as well as those who desperately resist.