With the publication of his first book, A Kid from Marlboro Road, renowned actor, director, and writer Ed Burns—who is widely recognized for his influential contributions to film—is venturing into uncharted ground. His excitement for this project is palpable, and he claims it rivals anything he’s ever done in the world of film.
“I can’t wait,” Burns told. “This book excites me as much, if not more, than any movie I’ve been part of.”
A Personal Journey Through Fiction
Ed Burns finds great significance in A Kid from Marlboro Road because of how intimately personal the book is to him. The story draws from his own family’s rich tapestry of stories even if it is a work of fiction. The book explores the blurred lines between truth and memory—those family tales told so often that it’s hard to recall what’s real and what has been embellished over the years.
The story centers on a 12-year-old boy attending his grandfather’s wake. As he surveys the crowd around him, he begins to uncover the deep influence his family and community have on shaping his identity, even if he doesn’t fully understand it yet.
The Freedom of Writing Fiction
“There’s a freedom in writing fiction that film doesn’t allow,” Burns shared. “With this novel, I was able to really dive deep into this kid’s thoughts, his emotions, in a way that film just doesn’t capture. Plus, I didn’t have to think about a budget.”
The novel’s synopsis describes it as an interweaving of past and present, where family stories stretch across generations. The story makes a significant connection between different times and situations, ranging from vibrant stories set in the Bronx and Hell’s Kitchen to the more sedate suburban life on Long Island.
Ed Burns’ Inspiration: A Pandemic Project
Ed Burns is no stranger to storytelling. After becoming well-known with his independent film The Brothers McMullen, he was cast in high-profile productions such as Saving Private Ryan and The Holiday. However, the work was inspired by a more reflective and peaceful period of time brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ed Burns called his mother in Florida every day, and they talked about her early years in New York.
These stories formed the foundation for his novel, offering a rare glimpse into his mother’s life before she became a wife and mother. “The beauty of writing fiction,” Burns said, “is that you can tweak and embellish the story to your heart’s content.”
A Legacy for His Family
For Ed Burns, who grew up in Queens and is raising two children, Grace (21) and Finn (18), with his wife Christy Turlington, this book serves as a way to cement a legacy for his family. The people and places have echoes of real life, even though the events and characters are imaginary, making for a vivid mirror of his own childhood.
“I didn’t have to do much research for the book,” Ed Burns revealed. “Most of the material was already in my head, or I would just call my mom for a quick memory refresh. Writing these stories feels like I’m building a kind of family history.”
An American Tale Rooted in Tradition
A universal issue of family legacy is explored in The Kid from Marlboro Road, especially for those who grew up in the shadow of rich, multigenerational narratives. A more comprehensive image of the American experience is painted by Burns’ investigation of family history, both the inflated and the real.
As the book’s publisher describes, “From one boy’s story emerges a collective warmth, a uniquely American tale filled with both raucous energy and joyous celebration.” With a plot that mirrors the common experiences of families across the nation, this book is sure to strike a chord with readers.
With his first novel, Burns successfully merges his cinematic storytelling skills with the more introspective and personal medium of fiction, providing readers with a rich, heartfelt narrative that connects generations and honors the ties that bind families together.
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