The Dark Side of Beauty

In David Kozatch's recently published first novel, OFF THE EAST END, the body of a beautiful young woman is found washed up against a jetty by an early morning surfer in Wainscott, and then promptly disappears after a photo of her goes viral. The double mystery-her death and subsequent disappearance-grips residents of the East End and turns out to involve former New York journalist Paul Sandis in ways he never imagined.

OFF THE EAST END immerses readers in a side of the Hamptons rarely seen, with its close portrayal of the area's long-time locals, real estate rich, city transplants, and new immigrants. The novel explores the promise of escape and reinvention that is characteristic of the Hamptons. Yet through Paul's search for love and truth and his community's struggle to make sense of the tragedy, OFF THE EAST END also tells a uniquely American story about our perceptions and prejudices of beauty, tribal ties, and the desperate need to be found.

 David will read selections from the book, and discuss his original inspiration and the role beauty plays in the story and motivations of his characters. He will also talk about how the novel uses spirituality as it relates to beauty and the natural world, with references to Catholicism, Judaism, and Native American beliefs.

BTW, Kirkus Reviews raves about OFF THE EAST END, comparing it to the blockbuster Big Little Lies...

Producer:  David Kozatch

David Kozatch is a writer, communications strategy consultant, and user experience evangelist for Fortune 100, non-profit and tech companies with a client list that includes Microsoft, HBO, and the NYRR-sponsors of the New York City Marathon. His strategy recommendations have been undertaken by such notables as Larry Page of Google and Hillary Clinton.

David has workshopped his fiction with the authors Meg Wolitzer ("The Interestings") and Lauren Groff ("Fates and Furies") at the Stony Brook Southampton Writer's Conference, and Dana Spiotta ("Eat the Document") at Tin House Workshop in Portland, OR. His work has been published in the East Hampton Star and other publications. He lives in Wainscott full time and is currently working on a second novel, also based on Long Island.