Beyond Boundaries: J. Peter Bergman’s Insightful Discovery of Identity in “Small Ironies: A Novel”

J. Peter Bergman, the author of “Small Ironies: A Novel,” provides an ambitious and insightful investigation of family, love, and identity. Bergman’s immensely engaging story follows Max Draper, a young man born into a three-generation family prostitution enterprise. His journey through life’s twists and turns takes readers from familiar American streets to huge cities like New York and London. Along the voyage, Max confronts hard questions of love, self-discovery, and sexual identity, ultimately leading him to a destination that is both shocking and fitting.

“Small Ironies” features 52 exciting chapters that cover 17 years of Max’s eventful life. As a teenager, Max is captivated by Freddy, who is more than a friend, she is his first love. From that innocent beginning, Max’s life takes unforeseen turns as he navigates not only the family’s unique business but also his own changing sense of self. The work skillfully depicts his sexual orientation shifts as well as his search for connection and purpose in a world that can feel hostile and judgmental at times.

The story stands out itself by skillfully blending Max’s harsh, cruel truths with moments of sweetness and wisdom. It explores the complexities of familial connections, societal constraints, and the difficulties of leading a life that defies conventional expectations. With finely portrayed characters and a strong storyline, “Small Ironies” gives readers a glimpse into a life that resists simplistic classifications, asking them to consider their own beliefs on identity and fate.

J. Peter Bergman is admired for his daring storytelling and ability to approach controversial subjects with sensitivity and depth. “Small Ironies” follows this tradition by constructing a story that is both relevant and timeless. Bergman’s Max Draper offers a story that is both personal and global, forcing readers to reconsider what it means to live truly in a world that is sometimes harsh on those who disobey its rules.

“Small Ironies: A Novel” is now available at major retailers, libraries and online bookstores.

Amazon, Lulu.com, Apple Books, Kobo, Everand, Thalia, Smashwords, Angus & Robertson, Vivlio, Palace Marketplace, Fable.co

Libraries: OverDrive, Cloud Library, Baker & Taylor, Odilo, BorrowBox and Gardners

About the Author
J.Peter Bergman, a writer and artist living in Pittsfield, Massachusetts is the recipient of a 2021 IPPY Award for his novel “Cement Dust,” and he is the 2001 Charles Dickens Award-winning author of a collection of short stories entitled “Counterpoints.” He wrote the centenary exhibit for The Berkshire Museum and co-curated a special literature exhibit at the Norman Rockwell Museum. He wrote for the Berkshire Eagle, Berkshires Week, for Great Barrington Magazine, and for the arts and fiction website BerkshireBrightFocus.com which originally published “Small Ironies” as weekly serial for 54 weeks. He has also written for the Chatham Courier, Playbill Magazine, The Advocate, The New York Times and currently for TheBerkshireEdge.com as their theater critic.

Contact Information

Miranda Wilson

Production Manager

Worldwide Publicists

Contact via E-mail