‘Restoration Heights’ doubles as noir mystery and gentrification study
When debut author Wil Medearis adopted Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, as his home, he became a living witness to the effects of gentrification and the tensions it creates between the community’s more privileged newcomers and less fortunate locals.
Inspired by the mismatched dynamic of race, class and wealth he saw at play, Medearis penned “Restoration Heights,” a noir tale of mystery and power that echoes Raymond Chandler and James Baldwin, creating a nuanced, unique narrative of New York City and the people within.
Reddick, a young, white artist, lives in Bed-Stuy, a historically black Brooklyn neighborhood besieged by gentrification. He makes rent as an art handler, hanging expensive works for Manhattan’s 1 percent, and spends his free time playing basketball at the local Y rather than putting energy into his stagnating career. He is also the last person to see Hannah before she disappears.