Larry Bartasavich

Lasting Image: a Novel Larry Bartasavich

In June of 1972 David Daly is ordained a Catholic priest, his hesitancy cloaked in secrecy. At the same time, Peter, his younger brother, a military photographer in South Vietnam, awakens from a coma in a hospital bed a dubious hero, the result of a story of valor told by the self-seeking Lieutenant Karl Gunderson. Disturbed with how he finds the church quick to toss aside cherished spiritual values in the chase for money and power, David surrenders his ideals, yields to sexual temptation, and eventually leaves the ministry. Haunted by a guilty conscience and photographs that dont square with Gundersons account of bravery, Peter slips to the depths of alcohol abuse and lands in jail. Cut adrift by their decisions, both men struggle with the consequences as they search for love and redemption.