As the story of Rupert Bendini begins at the age of thirty, we learn that he has had a reclusive life, and a life far from good fortune. His father was a rogue and left his family when Rupert was a child, his mother died shortly after that, his younger sister and only other sibling is living a blissful life in France with her family. Rupert and his sister Sophia were adopted by their sinister uncle Vinnie, and since the age of ten Rupert has toiled for his verbally abusive uncle at his grocery store. Rupert's keen observation instincts allow him to discover and reveal his uncle's truly horrific character. The oppressive uncle's grocery store doubles as a secret high-stakes gambling operation, of which Rupert has detected every detail. Although Rupert is aware of his absurd position at Vinnie's Foods, his introverted personality and non-confrontational nature prevent him from getting out of his trap. Rupert is a musician, taught violin by his mother at an early age. His ambition to succeed in this endeavor is squelched by the daily grind under which he feels compelled to endure. In the suburban neighborhood where Rupert works is a hard working window washer, an older man named Elias, the only one who can bring Rupert out of his shell. Elias breaks through and becomes a mentor and friend. A petty argument between Elias and Vinnie infuriates the grocer, Elias cleans the windows of their store, paid in secret by Rupert. Vinnie scoffs at this arrangement, and throws Elias out of his store. As this sequence of events is unfolding, Rupert's life is opening up, he makes friends in the neighborhood, The Elias Influence is a great positive force; and he even thinks of having a long-awaited reunion with his sister Sophia. The tragedy that unfolds after the beloved Elias is found battered, fuels Rupert into seeking justice. This, and the emergence of his goodhearted nature, brings forth wondrous and tenacious elements of a man's coming of age after a life filled with constant atrocities.
About the Author: Dan Quealy worked in various jobs until he began writing full-time at the age of 40. One of the jobs that was the inspiration for the book Leaving Nowhere was Jewel Osco. After working for Jewel, Dan became a private driver for hearing-impaired children. In addition to this, Dan was an assistant tennis instructor at the Park District of Forest Park. At the age of 26, Dan began working at a new store called Video World, which had just opened in Evanston. He became the store manager and taught tennis on his days off. While working at Video World, Dan met his wife Karen and they lived in Evanston for several years. As the big stores began moving in, the family video stores found it difficult to compete. Dan and Karen made some life changes and Dan became a stay-at-home father for their newborn daughter Mollie. It was during this time that Dan thought about becoming a writer. The idea of writing a story about being one of the first stay-at-home dads intrigued him. In addition to his new book Leaving Nowhere, Dan has also published The English Girl, which is a comedy of manners and a personal favorite of his book collection. In the near future, Dan plans to publish two volumes of short stories. He is currently working on the second draft of his third novel, as well as beginning drafts of two additional books. When he's not writing, Dan enjoys biking on Salt Creek Trail, exercising, watching baseball, hockey, tennis and an assortment of classic and British movies. And of course, Dan loves to read. Dan's top five favorite authors are Anton Chekov, Charles Dickens, and the Bronte sisters. Dan lives in Riverside, Illinois with his wife Karen, daughter Mollie, and future son-in-law Devin. Not to be left out are Scarlett, the family's beloved yellow lab; and Cloudy, their seventeen-year-old cat.