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A Penny for the Violin Man

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A centenarian, Norman Schecter, a man that was born on the first day of the 20th century and lived to see the onset of the 21st century, is skillfully used to depict history, people and the humanity of a generation within a slice of society by Eli Rill in his novel "A Penny for the Violin Man."

This book is more than a period piece describing immigrants from Europe settling into the neighborhoods of the boroughs of New York City. Eli Rill captures the emotions of the frugal lifestyle faced in the daily quest to maintain their existence, integrity and obtain a better life. The book has a "ciba-emotion" to the story; one yellowed by age, hardened by virtue and is pulled from memories only obtained by living through such times. The literary segway of an anonymous man playing the violin in the courtyard of tenement housing bringing joy to the residents in return for gratuities is used poetically throughout the story.

Although the book trails the formation of the teacher's union in New York City during the early half of the 20th century, the story has many tangents by Eli Rill's use of diverse characters interacting with the Schecters. Each is brought into the story for a reason, some endure for just an incident and some remain friends for a lifetime. The essence of book-time flows in a tidal fashion, back and forth, with eddies and streams of overlapping events, artfully transporting the reader into the mind of the narrator. Flashing back from the incomprehensible attack on the World Trade Center on that infamous day in September 2001 to a pre-World War II time period, Eli Rill uses his cinematic skills to craft the continuity of the storyline within his novel.

It's blatantly apparent, knowing the accomplishments and accolades of the author; the story is about people of his past, his views of time and events, and his beliefs as he weaves them into the tapestry of his factious character development. Changing only the character's names and some trite material facts but true to life in a historical sense, A Penny for the Violin Man will kindle the memories of intellectual readers of the menschs of our society. Just about every issue and event of the past 100 years is touched upon with richly spirited dialogue emphasizing the outspoken attitudes of the Jewish immigrants nestled in East New York. Unforgettable characters because of the familiarity they have to people we all have come in contact with over the years and may even have as family members. People remember the past differently and often one can say, "You write your history book and I'll write mine," A Penny for the Violin Man is Eli Rill's version of history as seen through his eyes.

This book is highly recommended for those baby boomers that know, or have known, people from this period. The time put forth in reading is a tribute to Eli Rill's effort in his noteworthy recapitulation of historical influences which not only shaped society, but contributed to define his life.

A Penny For the Violin Man by Eli Rill ISDN 978-0-615-33807-1
Rill writes a historical fiction novel detailing the life of a second generation German Jew growing up and living in New York City. Norman Schecter is the main character. Norman was born on New Year's Day 1899/1900. Through the book he ages to 105 years old. There are segments interspersed from both the past and the future in book time. The Prologue begins with Norman at 99 entering the Twin Towers on 9/11. He turns 100 shortly thereafter. Chapter 1 reverts to the Summer of 1937, on Amboy Street in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn.
From the tenements of Depression Brownsville, Norman is trying to organize the teachers into a union while losing his part time teaching position with the school system. Countering Norman's main character is the title character going by George Dakis. Showing vignettes of the Violin man performing in the back of the tenements for pennies thrown by shy listeners Rill shows a talented and honor-bound performer, seeking anonymity in the borough. The Violin Man's real name is Manos Pulyakis which is revealed in glimpses from his past that provide the motivation for his immigration. The Violin Man's tale gives an excellent break with very interesting overtones added to the plot twists.
The reader learns of the many people active in Norman's life, or in some cases, the lives he is most active in. There is Alan the boyhood friend whose father is losing money on his furrier business. There is Marsa, Norman's wife. She is a Russian Jew, who has immigrated to marry Norman while her family stayed in Germany. The family connections are very strong for Norman's parents are present and active in Norman's life. Ira is Norman's son. Ira has the attention of the neighborhood bully but is deft at diplomacy whether dealing with a bully or his arguing grandparents. There is "Finky", Charlie Finkelstein's wife, Charlie being the local ne'er-do-well in jail through the first years of the book. Hers is a twisted tale that adds depth to the story. There is Elissa Jackman, the promising activist pupil of Norman's trying to organize the students against Administration demands. She is permanently disabled from falling off a fence during a protest and provides many thought provoking ideas for Norman and the reader.
The many minor characters are as interesting, if more stereotypical. There are the others in the union, Jerry Goldstein, a hard nosed card carrying Communist, Mark Dysart, an almost reactionary supporter of more agreement with the administration to gain back jobs for the unemployed, and Connie Washington, the "colored" member of the union trying to just get some equality for both women and blacks. In another union are Elissa's parents who are also organizers and liberal thinkers disconcerted by Elissa's accident.
Rill is an excellent writer showing talent and follow-through. There are time changes, with memory reflections back to previous times in the various parts of the story. These do not seem to have any common elements appearing almost to be randomly placed throughout the book. As a sign of his talent though, the book is still very worth the read.
Rill has reconstructed the struggles and the desperation of the Depression Years in Norman's life. He has depicted the spirit and the resolve that kept many sane throughout those devastating times. The drama of 911 is realistically depicted and as well its effect on Norman after having lost almost everyone that he knew during his younger years. The plot is full of tragedy, loss and yet a stoic optimism that life is to be lived with what each is given.
Any history buffs, any Jewish and Depression buffs and almost anyone wanting an excellent read should get this book. It is worth effort to follow this tale to its completion.
4.5 Stars
Published by Circle of Life Publishing, 8901 Eton Ave., #109, Canoga Park, CA 91304 ([...]) ([...]) Reviewer received the book from the publicist.

Norman Schecter's long life of 105 years provides the arc for this sweeping, generational narrative of America facing different challenges over this time and how everyday persons were affected by and responded to these. World War I, the Depression, and World War II were the major historical episodes of this period from 1900, when Norman was born to the first years of the 21st century. At the end of the narrative, Rill brings in 9/11 and the early phase of its aftermath as the most recent wrenching historical events compelling changes in the lives of individuals.

Rill has reached into his own wide and deep background and his own interests and commitments for the substance of this historical novel. With Elia Kazan and Arthur Penn, Rill founded the Actor's Studio Playwright Unit in New York City. In his career in theater and film, he has worked with top actors such as Humphrey Bogart, Paul Newman, and Shelly Winters. The reader sees this experience in the true-life characters created by this novelist. In World War II, Rill was a Marine in the South Pacific. This experience gave him a feel for both the external and internal sides of historical events and change. The author's leading role in organizing individuals with common interests to pursue these goes into Norman Schecter's actions of trying to organize a Teacher's Union during the Depression which is central to the narrative. The main character's life before this activity leads up to it; and his life following it plays off of it.

Rill avoids the offputting, frequent flaws and lapses found in many novels taking on momentous historical episodes and related social and personal issues by a committed author. This work is not preachy or didactic; nor do its characters appear as wooden foils for ideas or perspectives--which style or lapses make a novel seem an exercise in persuasion. Rill invariably gets the right touch--as if directing a drama about real characters--for an engaging, memorable work about the intersection of sweeping historical developments and the particulars of the lives of the main character Norman and multiple others.

The reader soon falls into the rhythm of Rill's style of observant and reflective scenes with recurring passages which seem to sweep time away to uncover timeless human concerns--as when during the Depression in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, "Hoplessness and apathy sat side by side on the wooden park benches, in hopes that the May breeze warmth or November's bracing chill, could touch a distant time of faith, and resolve...and work."

Life is never one problem at a time. "A Penny for the Violin Man" tells the story of the Schecter family and their struggles. Despite the endless crusade to simply make ends meet, Norman will not give up his desire to from a teacher's union. Reflecting on the past and future, Eli Rill paints a picture of a family line that is always struggling and the endless pursuit of a better life. "A Penny for the Violin Man" is a remarkable and thought provoking story, very highly recommended.