Street Boys

Rating:
Summary: It's all about bravery
Review: This book might not have been very accurate, but the auther did tell us at the beggining of the novel that not everything was accurate. Its a very compelling book about how brave children faught the german army. They faugh from the heart like true soldiers. Even though this book is not very accurate it is a good book to read, it shows what bravery is.

Rating:
Summary: Quick Reading
Review: This is quick and entertaining reading. Although it is predictable and unrealistic at the same time the author creates a quick and easy read that is exciting and entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: Best book ever! people who don't like it are stupid.
Review: this was a very entertaining and emotional book. some readers said it was devoid of emotion, but i totally disagree. carcaterra does not claim this book to be an accurate portrayal of WWII events, but it is based on the brave actions of street fighters. the characters were wonderful and NOT one-sided. the main characters had depth and each had their own unique qualities, fears, and emotion.

Rating:
Summary: Street Boys - L. Carcaterra
Review: While waiting to board on my last flight from Houston to Europe, I bumped into this last work by Carcaterra. I did not read "Sleepers", so this was my first experience, but, regretfully, I am not going to account as a memorable one.

I am Neapolitan and the memory of the stories told by my Grandma of the famous "Quattro Giornate" (the four days of Naples)are still vivid in my memory.

Maybe my expectation was different, maybe to high, considering how sacred is this event in our minds: the conclusion was rather disappointing.

I noticed several criticisms already (the confusing geographical description, the mispelled Italian words) and I share this view, although I do not account for these to be crucial points in the assessment of the value of this book.

However, everything is so artificial and fake. I accept the romance between Nunzia and Connors, but the real story is a story of misery, starvation, blood and (how many) tears.

The Nazis look like puppets, falling under the shots of the clever Neapolitan kids: that is not true! How many died because of the ferocity of the German soldiers!

The whole plot seems to be taken from a Travel Guide. Only the most historical and touristic places are mentioned in the book. And how many common sayings about Neapolitans: the truth is the opposite; we hide our virtues and talk mainly of our flaws!

And then, it was not just kids: let's be realistic! There were several adults still around and, absolutely not mentioned in the book, the fundamental role of women (the mammas) was absolutely neglected: they were the logistic supply and the field hospitals at the same time.

There is a lot to say about the 4 giornate: Carcaterra scratched just the top rusty part of the lid .....