A. De Santammaro
An impossible love forged in the sharp social contrasts of the 21st Century. When privilege meets survival, reason is the first casualty.
Luca Orvietto and Nathan Bauer come from worlds that were never meant to intersect.
The introverted businessman whose life revolves around his work and career. The flight attendant who barely makes a living. A chance encounter that leads to a liaison of convenience that challenges conventions of propriety and reason—Nathan is married and has a son.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Recession and the societal changes introduced by smartphones and social media, “In The Face of Reason” explores the friction between privilege and ambition, power and morality, passion and reason.
A. De Santammaro crafts a narrative that never ceases to surprise and fully engages the reader
Luca’s and Nathan’s story spans the affluence of Chicago’s North Side, the crumbling of the industrial US Midwest, the cosmopolitan energy of São Paulo, and the entombed greed of Ouro Preto.
"I turned these pages ravenously and completely fell for De Santammaro's terrific debut novel! This adept storytelling captivates with people and places that are intriguing and familiar, dynamic and entertaining, maddening and adorable, real and fresh, and completely fantastic."
— A. Medlar, Pittsburgh, USA"The best gay-themed novel I ever read!"
— R. Eisenstein, Chicago, USA"I was captivated. I was myself in a relationship like Nathan and Luca's and strongly connected with the story."
— F Massi, San Jose, Costa Rica"A true page turner. I read 300 pages in 3 days."
— M. Hauser, Beijing, China"I loved it! One of the best novels I ever had the opportunity to read!"
— A. Allegro, Amsterdam, The Netherlands"The chapter 'Grand Staircases' is a true masterpiece. Unforgettable!"
— E. Marcolin, Austin, USA
Protagonist
A middle-aged businessman who lost hope in love and reduced his existence to work and career.
Protagonist
A young dropout with celebrity dreams, supporting his wife and son as a flight attendant.
Antagonist
A ruthless fading Hollywood star with a score to settle.
Luca’s and Nathan’s story spans the affluence of Chicago’s North Side, the crumbling of the industrial US Midwest, the cosmopolitan energy of São Paulo, and the entombed greed of Ouro Preto.
Primary setting + additional narrative cities
The main stage of the novel, where class tension and desire collide block by block.
A city of urgency and memory that expands the emotional geography of the story.
A historical counterpoint where inheritance, guilt, and legacy shape every decision.
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"I write for the men who walk among us, balancing the complexities of modern life."
With a life spanning the cultural tapestries of Europe, Brazil, and the United States, Santammaro focuses on the intersection of reality and romance.
Meet the Author →
Editorial / OCT 26
Exploring the connection between brutalist architecture and emotional repression.
Interview / SEP 26
A conversation about research, class language, and the emotional rhythm of the narrative.
Live via Luminary Portal, 8:30 PM
The Chicago Athenaeum, 7:00 PM
