Customer Reviews

Brotherly Love: A Novel

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

A compelling story told through the eyes of true to life characters. Calder does a great job imaging the everyday urban existence both in general and unique to Philadelphia, keeping an exciting pace while establishing a story line that is thought provoking and emotional... a real page turner.

Just when you think that the mob genre has been explored to the point of absurdity a work like this one comes along and disabuses us of that notion. Not only are these characters pitch perfect recreations of the wise guy culture that still persist in South Philadelphia it also explodes some of the "dumb goombah" myths that also surround the milieu. Calder has a keen eye for detail both emotionally and atmospherically and he demonstrates those skills over and over again. If you think that you know what this world is about from watching gangster movies or The Sopranos be prepared for something new and invigorating. Calder is a fine writer and anyone who enjoys American literature that embraces the street corner will be powerfully effected by this book. Highly recommended!

Characters with character! Blaze and "The Crew" are what makes this an easy page turner. Mr. Calder opens the world of the underworld with descriptive style and amazing clarity. His insight into the mind set of the conflicted human condition is both hilarious and thought provoking. Anyone who has ever wondered what a bookie or a hoodlum yearns for when reflecting on his life and love, will thoroughly enjoy this tale of characters with character!!