William Gerhardt A Story Largely Untold

Wondering why minor characters in major novels are often not given bigger roles or ignored altogether, Sacramento-based author RODION REBENYAR explores the coming of age story of William Gerhardt, a younger brother in a large family living in the American Midwest who was mentioned in passing in a Theodore Dreiser novel published roughly one hundred years ago. William's story fascinated the author because he is the only sibling in this late 19th century setting who is not married off by the age of 25. As an author primarily of gay fiction, Mr. Rebenyar wanted to explore the possibilities of giving William a larger role, interacting with characters of significance to him exclusively as well as posing questions about living and working in an era when new ideas, remarkable inventions and changing attitudes about the development of the United States occurred. William's life is affected by major historical incidents of the time: the electrification of the country and world, the influx of immigrants from foreign lands, social and cultural shifts, race animus, horrendous inequality, extreme cruelty and changing views on sexuality. Famous individuals such as Oscar Wilde, Nikola Tesla and Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld lend an air of authenticity to the narrative. William's travels take him far and wide: across the country and around the world. Most important of all, he finds true love, companionship and loyalty in a most unlikely candidate: Robin Andressen, a military cadet and son of a wealthy mining executive. It is a relationship which stands the test of time and will be remembered long after the last word of this intriguing story is read.