The Brotherhood of the Grape

Rating:
Summary: stong enough to lead me to his earlier works
Review: Charles Bukowski praised John Fante on his Hostage cd. That was enough to capture my interest The Brotherhood Of The Grape seems to do for Italian-Americans what Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes did for the reputation of the Irish. It strengthens the roots of many of the stereotypes. Brotherhood was like a Jim Thompson lite. Picture Vonnegut's humor bred with Bukowski's negativity and you have a decent idea of what to expect here. It amazed me to see the influence Fante had on Bukowski. Brotherhood is a fast and easy read. Most of the characters are shallow and pathetic, but so are a lot of very real people. The book was well written and very humorous. It wasn't as gritty as I prefer, but it was kind of refreshing to lighten up a bit. His novel was good enough to ensure that I will be checking out his earlier works. I get the impression that one should start at the beginning with Fante. I was neither let down nor blown away by The Brotherhood Of The Grape. Others have spoiled me with their toughness, but Fante is no weak sister!

Rating:
Summary: a great book by a highly underated author
Review: Fantes characters are rarely heroic. They are flawed and often slightly ridiculous, but he writes in such a way that one cant help warming to them no matter what. In fantes world man is confused and irrational, struggling with catholic guilt and trying to make sense of an absurd world. Life is a tragic comedy in which the last laugh is very definitely on you. Although at times hilarious, at its core there is a lot of sadness, but what comes across most strongly is a warmth and compassion for his characters despite and maybee even because of their faults. His style overflows with energy and passion. There is a tremedous appetite for life. The book catches you up in its plot from page one and sweeps you along. This is an extremely enjoyable book, a strange and beautifully told story, profoundly moving and funny.

Rating:
Summary: a great book by a highly underated author
Review: Fantes characters are rarely heroic. They are flawed and often slightly ridiculous, but he writes in such a way that one cant help warming to them no matter what. In fantes world man is confused and irrational, struggling with catholic guilt and trying to make sense of an absurd world. Life is a tragic comedy in which the last laugh is very definitely on you. Although at times hilarious, at its core there is a lot of sadness, but what comes across most strongly is a warmth and compassion for his characters despite and maybee even because of their faults. His style overflows with energy and passion. There is a tremedous appetite for life. The book catches you up in its plot from page one and sweeps you along. This is an extremely enjoyable book, a strange and beautifully told story, profoundly moving and funny.

Rating:
Summary: i have only one thing to say........
Review: I have only one thing to say ..perfect.... I hate dead authors like John Fante.. Where will i find an author again like John Fante?

Rating:
Summary: I laughed, I cried, I laughed louder. It's my 14th read!!!!!
Review: This book is must reading for every red blooded Italian-American! It hits home with truth and wittiness that will make you laugh til' you cry. To read Fante is to love him.

Rating:
Summary: Pure father & son love
Review: This is a beautiful book. Like some other readers, I got turned on to John Fante through mentions in Bukowski. Fante is from a different world, a different era, a different culture. He's tough, tender, fragile, romantic, and he writes some beautiful stories. There are some duds - naive and pathetic - but he knew that and didn't try to hide the fact that those facets were parts of him too. Brotherhood of the grape is a beauty. Artwork, at least the copy I have, is by Black Sparrow Press, and sends shivers down my spine every time I get it off the bookshelf. Just hold it and admire. You can read in in an afternoon, and it contains some astonishingly simple and beautiful lines. But beautiful. Why do it all fancy when you can just tell it how it is? Father and son, and all that this entails. This book is love, and it makes me tingle and brings tears of joy every time I so much as touch it. I first read it about 7 years ago and its effect has not diminished yet. I find it impossible that anyone could regret buying this book. It is, quite simply, beautiful.