A Singular Beauty
A Singular Beauty by Jerome Charyn, published by Stay Thirsty Publishing on December 15, 2020, is a memoir that transports readers to the 1940s Bronx, a time marked by the tensions of World War II and the struggles of immigrant life. The narrative centers on Charyn’s mother, Faigele, a prominent poker dealer whose captivating beauty draws the attention of politicians and crooks. Young Jerome, affectionately known as “Baby,” navigates this vibrant yet challenging world, where the poker hall serves as both a playground and a classroom.
In this memoir, Charyn explores the complexities of childhood against a backdrop of hardship and resilience. Readers will find a rich depiction of family dynamics and the impact of societal issues on personal lives. The book delves into themes of beauty, survival, and the blurred lines between innocence and experience, all while reflecting on the historical context of the era. With 130 pages, this edition offers an intimate glimpse into a unique upbringing shaped by both love and adversity.
Official synopsis Publisher
In A Singular Beauty, Jerome Charyn magically transports the reader back to his childhood in 1940s Bronx, filled with the tensions of World War II, the rationing of food and fuel, and corrupt public officials who feast on immigrant poverty and hardship. This is the story of his mother, Faigele, the queen of poker dealers in the West Bronx. Her legendary beauty hypnotizes us as her days and nights are consumed by politicians and crooks; always at her side is young Jerome, whom everyone calls Baby. The poker hall becomes his kindergarten. Is he her accomplice, her companion, or her cover? Charyn’s memoir captures the essence of a child thrust into the role of an adult as he navigates a movie-set world tempered by the harsh realities of the neighborhood and the times.
“He doubtless knows that he has captured an era to perfection . . . This is a terrific little book,” — John Irving, Bestselling author, National Book Award and Oscar winner, from his New York Times Book Review of this memoir.
Jerome Charyn is an award-winning American author. With more than 50 published works, Charyn has earned a long-standing reputation as an inventive and prolific chronicler of real and imagined American life.
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