In as much as the book begins in Amalfi, Italy (where his grandparents were from), continues on in New Haven, CT (where he grew up), and ends in New York (where he spent 35 years as an advertising executive), the subject's pull is for him strong and irresistible. Add to this his fondness for the food business: he is the son of restaurateurs with a keen eye--and palette--for what makes a restaurant a cut above. In addition to writing, he is an accomplished painter. Well into his second novel, he lives in New Jersey with his wife.