North River

Outstanding!

North River is one of my favorite novels in the last year. I loved the way it takes us into old New York and lets us feel the sights and sounds as they were then. The tale of the doctor making housecalls does indeed seem like a fantasy in the light of today's healthcare.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Great multifaceted novel. Characters are believable and sympathetic.

Wonderfully crafted with an unusual plot. Setting becomes alive in this historic fiction.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

If you like reading about NYC

As usual Pete Hamill delivers an interesting look into the lives of every day New Yorkers and their interplay with the growth of the city.Connecting characters from other writings was fun to see. He really has a great feel for a great city.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

MUST READ!!

This book was very tender and carefully written.

Loved it!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I loved this book! A must read.

I read Forever (very good), then Snow in August (excellent) and then North River. It was my favorite of his works. A beautiful and touching love story. Character development is excellent and I enjoyed the interaction between the various characters. A wonderful read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Takes one to New York in the 30's

This is an excellent book that transports one to New York 70 years ago. It has characters that are full and an easy writing style that lulls one into reading the book. Very recommended.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Simplistic Love Story

This is the first book that I read by Pete Hamill and was impressed with his writing style. Though this was not a sit on the edge of your seat type of novel it was never boring. It was interesting to read about New York City during the depression era. The characters and the plot were interesting. Delaney is a doctor who lives alone and comes home to find his grandson, Carlito on his doorstep. He hires an immigrant women, Rose to help care for Carlito. They begin to become a family and Delaney is beginning to have romantic feelings for Rosa but the are from separate classes, he a doctor, she domestic help which wasn't acceptable in that era. It was a nice love story.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Couldn't Put It Down!

This a very well-written novel with a good story line, a great read. Highly recommended.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Terrific

If you enjoy period pieces, especially about New York, the Depression, WWII and early medical practices then you'll like 'North River'. A heartwarming story of love and redemption, of crime and corruption. Hamill does a fine job with this one.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

a reviewer

In the 1930s Dr. James Delaney lives in Greenwich Village still suffering from battle fatigue syndrome as a medico during WWI. His life has recently been further shattered by the disappearance of his wife and their daughter Grace leaving for Mexico. Grace left behind her toddler Carlito so he hires illegal alien Sicilian Rose to care for his grandson.---------------- Meanwhile he provides medical treatment to his indigent neighbors many of whom cannot pay him in cash so he accepts whatever they can remit including meals or in some cases just a thank you. When he saves the life of gangster friend Eddie Corso, another hood Frankie Botts makes it clear that the general practitioner made a big error. Delaney knows Botts cannot threaten him directly, but can hurt him through Carlito and Rose, the two people who have made him feel human again. On top of that the FBI demands he hand over Grace, who he has not been seen or heard from since she dumped her son on him. Soon life will become even more complex for James with a family reunion.----------------- NORTH RIVER is a terrific historical fiction that brings to life the Great Depression through predominantly the flawed James, who eighteen years after the Great war ended still suffers from the conflict. The story line is fast-paced and quite vivid as the audience can picture the impoverish masses living near the NORTH RIVER (New Yorkers¿ nickname for the Hudson). Pete Hamill is at his best with the deep look back at a bygone era starring a protagonist who learns to live again through the love of his grandson and the child¿s caretaker.--------------- Harriet Klausner

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Good read.

This book surprised me with its character development. First read of this author. Will definitely consider others.

Pete is now my favorite

This is onle the second book of Pete Hamill's I have read and it easily solidified him as my all-time favorite author. I have ready many, many authors and many, many styles but Hamills gift for story telling is the most beautiful I've experianced. At first glance, this is not the kind of subject matter I would be prone to pick up; the time period alone would usually tern me off instantly. However, I found this to be one of the most touching books I have ever read. I laughed aloud, cried, swore in anger and wished that I could simply tuck myself away in a room with an armchair, a fire place and an endless supply of Hamill's prose.

A nice romantic story

This is a great read about life and love "back in the day."

Depression Era New York - life goes on.

Well written, interesting story. Great portrayal of 1930's New York. A doctor who really cares about his patients and is left taking care of his grandson after his daughter leaves home. He hires a woman to watch the child and everyone benefits. There are secrets and old hurts to be dealt with. I liked this a lot more than Snow in August, more realistic.

A Winner!

My husband bought this book, read it and casually mentioned I might like it. I got into it immediately, finished it in 2 days and it has stayed with me ever since. I really loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in a good read.

Great Read

I just recently discovered Pete Hamill (Snow in August) and thoroughly enjoy his writing style and stories. This story also "gets you hooked" and keeps your interest throughout, but it needed something with a bit more impact or a bit more drama to occur. I would receommend the book and I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of life during the depression in New Yourk.

Riveting

Great prose by a great newspaper veteran.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A reviewer

A good story about an interesting time (1930's)in America's most interesting city of the time (New York) Some great subplots that never really mateialize and the ending is too sappy and predictable for the grit and toughness that is described. Still a worthwhile read.

The good old days in NY City

I truly enjoyed Hamill's writing and style about a doctor who makes house calls and is caught up in the world of gangsters and Irish and Italian immigrants in 1930's. The grandson's words are so endearing.

WONDERFUL !!

I absolutely loved this book. The story actually places the reader in 1934 New York during the Great Depression. The characters are strong, the dialogue is smooth and once you start reading, you can't stop!! Read this one, you'll love it. Pete Hamill has given us many wonderful stories, but this one is his best!!