“The truth of the matter was that Solly had not only destroyed a lost old man but helped rebuild him into something wonderful to behold. He had also taken the youth of the area and, through patience and example, had turned them into something they could be proud of; they were a shining example for others to follow.”
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress is honored to publish “Solomon Levi MacKeefer: A Gypsy with a Very Great Heart” by Gordon Planedin. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
“Solomon Levi MacKeefer: A Gypsy with a Very Great Heart” by Gordon Planedin is a deeply moving, community-rooted novel about a humble gypsy boy whose life becomes a testament to kindness, sacrifice, and profound influence. The book follows Solly—from his accidental birth into a roaming gypsy caravan, through life-shaping hardships, to his transformation into a beloved figure in a small town. His journey is rich with resilience, moral awakening, and the discovery of purpose through compassion. While the book explores dark realities—violence, loss, and injustice—it equally uplifts through hope, community unity, and the lasting impact of one man’s goodness. With carefully crafted storytelling, author Gordon Planedin paints an unforgettable tribute to a quiet hero whose legacy changes an entire town for generations.
Gordon Planedin, born and raised in Canada, brings to his writing over 93 years of rich life experience. His colorful past includes working in a circus, laboring as a deckhand on Great Lakes grain boats, operating carnival rides, and even assisting in a dangerous sea rescue during a storm in 1955. Throughout his life, he remained deeply committed to acts of charity—a value reflected in the themes of his writing. He continues his philanthropic efforts by donating a portion of each book sold to charitable causes. His lifetime of adventure, hardship, and generosity uniquely equips him to tell stories like Solomon Levi MacKeefer, which shine a light on the quiet heroism found in everyday people.
The novel begins by tracing Solly’s early years in a gypsy band, where survival often relied on petty theft and trickery. A defining moment arrives when Solly witnesses a young girl grieving her dead pet—killed during a theft by members of his caravan. This awakens in him a deep sense of empathy and moral clarity, shaping the path he would follow for the rest of his life. After befriending Old Anton, a shoemaker, Solly learns both a trade and the value of honest work. He meets Maria, falls in love, and together they build a small but hopeful life, eventually emigrating to Canada with the help of a close friend, Jeremiah MacKeefer. In their new home, Solly opens a shoe repair shop and Maria starts a fortune-telling booth, and their daughter Sarah becomes the light of their lives.
Tragedy strikes when Maria is brutally attacked by two drug-addicted youths, leaving her fatally injured and shattering the family. Solly and Sarah flee the city, hoping for a fresh start in the quiet town of Bensons Corner. But fate intervenes again—Sarah dies in a tragic accident brought about by a cruel remark from Aaron McPherson, a wealthy sawmill owner. Instead of becoming bitter, Solly responds with grace and compassion, silently transforming Aaron’s heart. His love for the community deepens, and he becomes a cherished mentor to local youth. When a fire traps three boys, Solly sacrifices his own life to save them, cementing his legacy. What follows is a remarkable wave of unity: the town rallies together, honors his teachings, forms the youth group “The MacKeefers,” and grows into a model community built on kindness, cooperation, and moral courage.
“Solomon Levi MacKeefer: A Gypsy with a Very Great Heart” by Gordon Planedin is compelling because it celebrates the extraordinary influence of a simple, good man who chooses kindness at every turn—even when life gives him every reason to despair. The book pulsates with emotional depth: heartbreaking tragedies, powerful redemption arcs, and moments of pure heroism. Readers are drawn into the journey of a man who impacts every life he touches, ultimately inspiring a town to embody his values and build a better future. Beyond a novel, it is a reminder of what humanity can be when empathy leads the way.
“Solomon Levi MacKeefer: A Gypsy with a Very Great Heart” by Gordon Planedin is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: