“…evocative and moving…entertaining…riveting...” —Kirkus Reviews

Gripping details of an assault by his boss at age 16, of being cornered by thugs, of fleeing the police, of a lovely girl on a hayride who caused him to question his sexual orientation. This is the tell-all account of Vince Burke’s compelling life, an undercover life as a journalist, a Madison Avenue adman, in three countries.

Now he’s discovered a new emotion: Forgiveness. A reassessment of the past bias.

His life was joy and woe everywhere: in Greenwich Village, the Hamptons, Provincetown, the UK, and at his 26-room chateau in the French countryside. He reveals his escapades on infamous Fire Island. He admits to iconoclastic opinions that stir outrage. He introduces us to magnificent people, and evil ones, too. Finally, Burke proclaims his life, “87 years worth living.” Join him in his captivating and passionate memoir.

“…engaging…poignant…worthy of acclaim.” 4 of 4 stars—Online Book Club

Not quite 18, Vince Burke left his small Pennsylvania town for Cleveland to attend college and become a reporter. He soon relocated to Manhattan for a career on Madison Avenue. He and his partner bought and renovated apartment buildings, retired early, and took up residence in a 12th-century chateau in France. After his partner’s death, Burke met and married his spouse. They live in Virginia and Washington. Burke may be contacted at eggplant@att.net.