Book Blurb:
Frankie Desimone is born into a violent world. He is growing up on the dangerous streets of Larimer, outside Pittsburgh. He lives in an apartment with his mother, two sisters, and his mother's abusive and drug-fueled boyfriend, Joe. Joe routinely locks Frankie in his room, beats and demoralizes him, and denies Frankie food. Frankie's hatred for Joe consumes him, which frequently causes him to start fights and seek out trouble. The irony is that he is becoming more like Joe without realizing it.
Then, Frankie befriends an old hobo named Honeymarmo. Honeymarmo saves Frankie's life twice. Once from some boys who had violently attacked him, and then from a treacherous hobo named Grub. With Honeymarmo's help, Frankie, for the first time, develops a sense of hope, self-worth, faith, and a moral compass through a growing relationship with God that starts to change him. He begins to understand the consequences of choices and learns the power of forgiveness. Then, unexpectedly, he betrays his new friend and becomes consumed with regret and guilt. Still, those Christian values he learned bears fruit. As Frankie struggles to rise above his circumstances, he is faced with his greatest test when forced to protect his mom at home by confronting Joe with a gun.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/LincP2l
Editorial Review:
“I left Larimer as a boy and have never returned. Today, most neighborhood grocery stores, businesses, and homes have been torn down and are now nothing more than abandoned dirt lots neglected and choked full with weeds. I suppose this was inevitable, for even back then, the buildings and homes were aging and run-down and were dull from years of pollution that poured from the giant smokestacks of the steel mills that once defined Pittsburgh.”
“Always Remember Us” by AM Yallum is a gritty, immersive reading experience from which this reviewer is only just now emerging. Reaching the last page of this book signalled the end of this story, but not of the lingering memories of 1960s Pennsylvania which Yallum conveys with such expert emotion and immediacy. Frankie Desimone, the main character, is growing up with his mother Rose, and his siblings, but his life is indelibly shaped by his life experiences, including the abuse from Joe, his mother’s boyfriend. There is violence, drugs, and general social dysfunction as Frankie struggles to make sense of it all – if that is even possible.
The reader is drawn in right from the start of this novel, which is written in first person style through Frankie’s eyes, as he recounts growing up on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. The entire 1960s lifestyle and the juxtaposition between childhood innocence (in short supply) and massive social upheaval is perfectly described by the author. This is achieved through natural dialogue, through description of the setting, and Frankie’s observations about those around him. His home situation is heart-breaking and unrelenting, with no magical solution readily apparent. The narrative is not overly “sunny” which some readers may find problematic, but it is certainly realistic and depicts true life for a disturbing number of children like Frankie, who cannot control the lottery of birth and upbringing. Unsurprisingly, Frankie turns to crime, and it is hard not to feel sympathy at some level, at least initially. It is Frankie’s wrestle with good versus bad that give this story some of its best moments as the reader hopes for change. Despite this grim aspect, there are plenty of references to childhood and a time that many readers may remember with considerable nostalgia.
“Candy was a penny, and pop bottles were redeemable at any store for two cents. Strings, Popsicle sticks, and smooth stones had value. Games were simpler too. For hours we spun tops; shot marbles; played Jax or paddle ball; jumped rope; played hopscotch; mother may I; or green light, yellow light, red light stop. Lightning bugs were plentiful, and we caught them by the jar full. We mostly read comic books and Bazooka Joe bubble gum comic strips. And Dick Tracy, with his two-way radio watch, stirred our imagination like nothing else.”
Yallum’s characterisation of Frankie, his family, his friends and his community is superb. The author has created a complete cast of characters, all of whom interact in believable ways. Frankie’s friends, the twins (Donald and Ronald), and other children at school, are all individuals with distinct personalities, however it is the depiction of Frankie’s family and their circumstances that really resonate. The dialogue between Frankie and his siblings will make many a parent want to roll their eyes with recognition while simultaneously want to give the children a hug. Frankie’s mother will likewise unfortunately be familiar to many, with her tired struggle to care her children while contending with Joe’s appalling behavior.
The pacing of the story is balanced and clearly shows the reader the progression of Frankie’s character arc as he battles through his youth, trying to reform, trying to protect himself, trying to be “good”. It is rare to see a story where such a sense of place and time is communicated so effortlessly as the reader spends time with Frankie and his friends in their daily life.
““I didn’t steal nothing,” I responded. “Let’s go!” We ran across the gravel parking lot in the direction of the Italian ice cart. Old man Monterosso was an Italian man, medium in stature, but was stout for his age. His only distinguishing feature was his bigger-than-normal ears. He spoke little English, had a thick Italian accent, and was usually pleasant but not overly friendly. The cart he pushed was cumbersome and big enough to carry two vats full of Italian ice, one strawberry flavored and the other lemon. A large handheld bell was on a shelf at the back of the cart. I loved to watch him scoop Italian ice into a small cone-shaped paper cup that came with a flat wooden spoon. He sold them for ten cents each. There was nothing better in the world than the taste of old man Monterosso’s creamy homemade Italian ice on a hot summer day.”
“Always Remember Us” is the sort of novel that will linger in the mind of this reviewer as a compelling narrative of how some children really do start in life with the odds stacked against them, and so must struggle so much more to attain any sort of lasting stability. The ending of this novel is in keeping with the overall themes of the storyline.
“Always Remember Us” by AM Yallum is an absorbing tale of a childhood gone wrong, made all the more powerful by the author’s choice of first person narration. Frankie’s family and the friends he meets are a significant influence on him. While he faces significant external challenges, it is the internal challenges Frankie must overcome that make this such a gripping novel. An incredible, memorable read – 5 stars!
*****
"Always Remember Us” by AM Yallum receives 5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
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