Steve Wiley

The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan, by Steve Wiley is a fantasy filled with hand-drawn images to illustrate the text. The writing is at once satirical and biographical, about Rich Lyons and his adult version Richard K. Lyons. He works as a vice-president and seems to be a successful businessman. He lives on the edge. He has a family, but continuing his party lifestyle is more important; he even considers suicide by falling ice from a city building. The story is reminiscent of a combination of the "The Wizard of Oz" and "Alice in Wonderland". Richard remembers his youthful, fantastical night with Francesca and the Lavender Line. These memories triggered by a fall and encouraged with magic, help Rich to rediscover his life and family. Throughout the story we learn about Chicago's history and the magic that lives in the city. The descriptions and details of the story provide a quirky tale of possibilities. After a happy life, Rich once again meets Francesca and the story has a positive end.… (mehr)