Revolver

"An imaginative and most enjoyable literary fantasy." —NYS Music

As the 1970s end, two star-crossed high-school lovers from Long Island go on a mystical journey that takes them deep into the heart of rock ‘n’ roll—and puts them on a collision course with their hero, John Lennon. Suspenseful, funny, and emotional, Revolver deftly combines a coming-of-age story, a deep dive into rock history, and an exploration of the power of music. All set to a soundtrack of the breakthrough albums of the era.

This big-hearted debut novel from Evan I. Schwartz serves as a powerful reminder of John Lennon’s ongoing legacy and influence. Beyond its compelling story, Revolver inspires readers to be generous—and to imagine a better world. 

Hear more about the book in a recent Brookline Booksmith event featuring Evan I. Schwartz and Stona Fitch, founder of the Concord Free Press.

Like all Concord Free Press books, Revolver is free to readers around the world in exchange for their generosity. While readers can be generous however and wherever they choose, donations to anti-gun violence organizations seem particularly appropriate. Here are just a few:

• March for Our Lives

• Giffords

• The Sandy Hook Promise

• The Brady Campaign

About the author

Evan I. Schwartz started out reviewing rock concerts for his high school newspaper on Long Island. He is the author of five non-fiction books, including the acclaimed historical narratives Finding Oz (Houghton Mifflin) and The Last Lone Inventor (HarperCollins), named by Amazon Books as one of the “100 Biographies and Memoirs to Read in a Lifetime.” He lives in New England. Revolver is his first novel.

Revolver: ISBN: 9780983585176

Praise for Revolver

“I love Revolver for the balance between pathos and humor, dark and light. The sentences lean forward, and the characters are as real as people I know.”

—Andre Dubus III, author of House of Sand and Fog

“Revolver is a paean to the consoling power of music, a coming-of-age story with a mystical twist. Schwartz’s language sings and his knowledge of 70s bands dazzles. Witty and resonating with emotion, Revolver is a flawless debut.”

— Céline Keating, author of Play For Me

“Revolver is an altogether delightful coming-of-age novel, full of the pain and joy of being young and loving music with your entire being. Wholly original and deeply charming.”

— Annie Hartnett, author of Rabbit Cake