Brooklyn Suite

In this collection of linked stories Michael Angrosino imaginatively re-creates the Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn New York where he grew up in the 1950s. This working-class ethnic enclave was in a state of flux; seemingly timeless verities were being challenged as a younger generation prepared for the great dispersion to the middle-class suburbs. Angrosino's stories are built around vivid neighborhood characters making their way through the joys sorrows and confusions of everyday life in a community that was soon to vanish. Meet: Ike the embittered candystore owner who comes to grief when he tries to arrange a marriage for a long-lost relative; Sadie the whimsical bag-lady who somewhat improbably pines to settle down; Pally the tormented boxer who destroys his sister's happiness; Mattie the optimistic good samaritan desperately trying to extricate himself from the coils of an ancient family vendetta; Sammy T. the undertaker with connections; Old Man Conforti the dying pigeon racer; the Del Lagos the world's most hopeless streetcorner doo-wop group-and many more. In good Italian fashion these stories deal with sin and redemption but with plentiful helpings of good music and delicious food.