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photogeezer's review
2.0
Liked the history. It read like a young adult novel at times. I like fantasy and magical realism, but the way the story charged headlong into that realm right at the end didn't work for me.
hannahpom's review
4.0
Some descriptions felt clumsy and outdated but the idea was beautiful and the resolution contained just the right amount of magic.
nimeneth's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Lovely writing and I enjoyed the slice-of-life peek into what's becoming a sort of lost world with how a part of the 1940s was. I was not such a big fan of the ending on this, because despite the stories of Prague and Jewish history and lore wocen in, it still felt like a sharp left turn from what was good historical fiction into something a little too fantastical. I normally like fantasy but this didn't do it for me. Still, a good read, although a bit slow at the start.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Bullying and Antisemitism
Minor: Death of parent and Genocide
duparker's review
4.0
This is a very fun and nostalgic story. I really enjoyed the interplay between the feeling of 1947 Brooklyn and the interplay between the characters. The tension felt real and the prose is complete and smooth, just like a good story should be.
hikool101's review against another edition
2.0
While I can certainly find things to appreciate about this story, it just didn't click with me in the ways I would've liked it to. 6/10
barbaraskalberg's review
4.0
Coming of age story around 11 yo Irish Catholic boy and the unexpected friendship he develops with a Jewish rabbi. Set in Brooklyn in 1947. There are hints of fairy tale elements woven throughout. This would have made a great book club book.
quiltmom14's review
5.0
I LOVED this book. I listened to it and although found the narrator very slow at the beginning, I though his character voices - particularly the rabbi - needed that speed and ended up thoroughly enjoying the listening. The characters in the story - whether they’re main or supporting, along with the description of the setting and telling of the events, were mesmerizing. I was hooked in to the story and felt the moments vividly.
Interestingly, I just recently finished reading Doris Kerns Goodwin’s memoir, Wait Until Next Year. She too, writes of Brooklyn NY during the years this story takes place. There was a 7 year difference between the authors (Hamill has passed) but I couldn’t help imagining the two of them crossing paths at some point. Their descriptions of Brooklyn, and of the Brooklyn-ites’ obsession with the Dodgers, and of Jackie Robinson’s first years, were that similar :)
I am still unpacking the ending; there are so many possible interpretations. I will miss Michael, Kate and the Rabbi for a long time. A definite must read.
Interestingly, I just recently finished reading Doris Kerns Goodwin’s memoir, Wait Until Next Year. She too, writes of Brooklyn NY during the years this story takes place. There was a 7 year difference between the authors (Hamill has passed) but I couldn’t help imagining the two of them crossing paths at some point. Their descriptions of Brooklyn, and of the Brooklyn-ites’ obsession with the Dodgers, and of Jackie Robinson’s first years, were that similar :)
I am still unpacking the ending; there are so many possible interpretations. I will miss Michael, Kate and the Rabbi for a long time. A definite must read.
kategci's review against another edition
3.0
This is my third Pete Hamill and I like his books, although this one less than North River and Forever. A story of a Catholic boy and a Rabbi in 1947 Brooklyn, Snow in August is beautifully written, although touchingly sad. Michael Devlin and his mother are getting by after his father has been killed in Belgium during the war. They live in a safe neighborhood which is slowly being taken over by the ignorant, prejudiced white (mostly Irish) gang, the Falcons. Michael's refusal to conform to their narrow ideology, plays out with dire consequences for himself and others. Hamill grew up in the neighborhood during this time and he brings the story to life. This is a book club selection and I look forward to hearing what my fellow readers think.
frawst_disasta_reads's review
5.0
Michael Devlin is a kid in New York. He is Catholic, Caucasian, and from the working class. His father is dead from WWII. His mother works her ass off and is a strong, loving Irish woman.
We watch Michael travel a road in which he learns different is okay. He watches Jackie Robinson become a Dodger, befriends a rabbi, and learns that true treasure is never measured in money, but in truth and knowledge. He also learns his friends are effing cowards (something that, as the reader, we're smart enough to realize early on in the book).
If racism bothers you, don't read this book. If defacing church property bothers you, don't read the book. If you're smart enough to realize racism is prevalent, especially in NY after WWII, read this book. Now.
We watch Michael travel a road in which he learns different is okay. He watches Jackie Robinson become a Dodger, befriends a rabbi, and learns that true treasure is never measured in money, but in truth and knowledge. He also learns his friends are effing cowards (something that, as the reader, we're smart enough to realize early on in the book).
If racism bothers you, don't read this book. If defacing church property bothers you, don't read the book. If you're smart enough to realize racism is prevalent, especially in NY after WWII, read this book. Now.