Chris Pavone based the major character in his new novel on the doorman in his own building on Manhattan’s Central Park West. Anyone living in a doorman building in New York City, however, knows a Chicky. He’s the loyal employee stationed at the entrance to any number of luxury buildings. On a normal day, these men (there are few doorwomen in New York) open doors, carry packages, hail cabs, and receive deliveries. On a bad day, they might actually have to intervene to save someone’s life, just like Chicky did.
There’s also a pecking order among those who live in these buildings. Residents who live in the larger apartments with views of Central Park are wealthier, while those in smaller apartments with street views, still have the resources to live in the building, but perhaps not as many zeroes attached to their investments.
Chicky may work in the Bohemia, but he’s living on the edge. His wife’s battle with the cancer that claimed her life, depleted his resources. The hospital keeps calling about overdue bills that he can’t pay. He now lives alone – his three daughters are in college – and is in arrears on his rent. While the super is sympathetic, Chicky knows he will soon be evicted. The loan shark he used now makes threats that are hard to ignore. Despite all his troubles, Chicky still shows up every day on time for his job. In his off-hours, he works as a security guard at clubs and hotels. But those gigs will end up placing him on a crime boss’ hit list.
Whitaker Hamilton Longworth is the wealthiest tenant living in the Bohemia. He’s also the most controversial. The company he owns makes billions selling bullet proof vests to the U.S. government, as well as to countries run by dictators and terrorists. After information about his company’s sales are leaked to a newspaper, protestors begin showing up at his office and his residence. Although his driver also serves as a bodyguard, the dangers to his life and his family continue to grow.
Whit’s wife, Emily, is Chicky’s favorite resident. While other people in the building are friendly, Emily goes a step further, asking Ricky questions about his family and caring about his answers. (Although he never tells any of the residents that his wife died.) Chicky believes that Emily is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. (She’s often mistaken by tourists for The White Lotus actress Alexandra Daddario.) And when he finds out what Whit has been up to, he feels a responsibility to tell her.
Art dealer Julian Sonnenberg has a lot in common with Whit. Both grew up in New York, went to the right schools and colleges. But the career paths taken made Whit a billionaire, and Julian struggling to make a living. But as president of the Bohemia’s co-op board, Julian has the power to reject renovation plans from residents. When the board won’t approve Whit’s, forcing him to make changes he doesn’t want to make, Julian has a target on his back.
Protests against White aren’t the only ones rocking the city. The shooting of a Black man by cops, brings out other crowds. Chicky, working with the Bohemia’s super, make plans to keep the building secure. Will it be enough to protect those who live inside?
Comparisons will be made to Thomas Wolfe’s Bonfire of the Vanities, where economic disparity created a powder keg. That novel was published in 1987. Thirty-eight years later, that gap has grown even larger. The billionaire class has grown while affordable housing a campaign promise never kept. Pavone’s novel is certainly entertaining, but it also delivers a powerful message. Are those in power listening?
The Doorman
Chris Pavone
Top photo: Shutterstock
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