Ocean Beach - Paperback

by Frank Cassese (Author)

In the tradition of the European novel of ideas, Ocean Beach is a searing psychological portrait of infatuation and longing. At twenty-five years old, Peter Niletti's life is confined to a bedroom in his parents' suburban Long Island home. From his isolation, he ruminates on the life and death of his younger sister, Severine. The siblings are raised in a cloistered intellectual environment where, estranged from other children, they develop an unusually close bond. Peter and Severine exist for one another, until college shatters their unity when Severine meets the handsome and worldly Spencer. Peter's desperation compels him to do anything to keep his sister for himself, only to find that in trying to save what he desires most, he risks destroying the only chance he has at living. Ocean Beach is a brilliant and beautifully twisted tale of obsession and ardor, pain and pathos, a heartrending portrayal of a young man's descent into seclusion and madness.

Author Biography

Frank Cassese was born in New York City and raised on Long Island. After graduating with a degree in philosophy, he lived in France before returning to the U.S., where he has taught at various universities. His work has appeared in the notable section of The Best American Essays. He lives in Manhattan's East Village.