by Anthony Dobranski
Beginning in Winter 2015, Forest Hills Connection will present my original serial novel, set in Forest Hills in the 1940s.
The novel, with the working title A Forest Hills Mystery, is a historical thriller aimed at a general readership. A tale of intrigue involving the wartime work at the Bureau of Standards, the novel dramatizes Forest Hills’ distinctive history, and the interplay between our diverse neighborhood and the scientists who came here to serve our nation.
Marlene Berlin noted the popularity of historical articles published by the Forest Hills Connection, and came up with the idea for a historical fiction to celebrate the neighborhood. After reading Margery Elfin et al‘s excellent history of our neighborhood, Images of America: Forest Hills, I chose the time period and developed the broad outlines, which I’m now filling in with research.
Any neighbors with knowledge of life on the home front in the 1940s, especially in this area, would be a hugely helpful resource. We are also interested in using illustrations, either historical images or original works (by hand or computer).
To find out more or to get involved (it’s a big project, and we could sure use the help!), please contact me at anthonydobranski@gmail.com.