Customer Reviews

Mercy of a Rude Stream Vol. 1- A Star Shines Over Mt. Morris Park

5 star:		(2)
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Having read Roth's classic CALL IT SLEEP on the recommendation of a very enthusiastic friend, I couldn't wait to start his MERCY OF A RUDE STREAM series. A STAR SHINES OVER MT. MORRIS PARK is an example of fine writing. Sure, there is some ambiguity in Roth's perspective shifts from the narrator as a boy and as an older man, but what's a little ambiguity in the face of wonderful language, a driving plot, a totally sympathetic and believable narrator, and some great insights about human character? Read this book. I've already got the next three on order.

I bought and read this novel with no idea of its acclaim. I must say that I never expected to greatly enjoy a story of a boy growing up in Jewish Harlem and certainly did not expect to relate to the main character. Roth prods us to look at ourselves and see our own attempts to break free of our stereotypes. An absolutely great read.