When The Bronx Burned by John Finucane
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Book Reviews of When The Bronx Burned
Book Review: Real Men; Metro-sexuals Need Not Apply
Summary: 4 Stars
Mike Murphy, A reviewer, 02/20/2008
Mr. Finucane has unwittingly hit upon a theme that has been bubbling just beneath the surface of the public conscience: Where have all the real men gone? The question, never uttered aloud, lest the 'utterer' be savagely attacked by the PC police, may have found its answer here. The author brings to life real men in a violent world, at war with two of mankind's oldest enemies, fire and greed.
These aren't Metro-sexuals were talking about, going off to work in their Guccis and Manbags, no, these are lunch-pail knights ready to lay down their lives for each other and the strangers they are sworn to protect.
Finucane brings us to the fire floor and beyond and if you listen closely with your eyes you can hear the crackle of the fire as it explodes out of the walls and onto the page. His writing style is crisp, taught and fast paced like the men he writes about.
He also reveals how a cabal of politically savvy and well-connected landlords turn most of the Bronx into a vast wasteland. Drawing on the headlines of the day and his own personal experiences Finucane shows in startling clarity how the once Beautiful Bronx was raped by the burghers of Manhattan, the carcass left to rot on a pyre of burnt out homes and unfulfilled dreams. 'When The Bronx Burned,' was a harbinger of financial ruin for the greatest city in the world. It was only a matter of time and greed.
Also recommended: Huguenot City by Anthony D. Murphy
Book Review: A real picture
Summary: 4 Stars
This story gives a realistic view of the personal and professional lives of a group of New York City Firemen during a very difficult time in a very real, very human part of the city that few Americans will ever visit or experience, the South Bronx ghetto. The culture of those Firemen was unique and perhaps can only be understood well by New Yorkers and in this case, perhaps mostly by Irish American New Yorkers who formed a large part of the Department at that time. The bravery of the firemen of all ethnic backgrounds in fighting fires set by arsonists is not exaggerated and makes an exiting, fast reading story as does the romantic story which interlaces the plot. Remember, New York is still an ethnic city under its wealthy veneer of outsiders, more than any other US city.
The subsequent heroism of NYC Firefighters in the 9/11 disaster was widely publicized but this novel is based on the earlier and almost routine heroic reality of actual events a few years before. In spite of my reservations about Puerto Rican bar-room enthusiasm about joining in Brendan Behan's caustic "The Patriot Game" Irish ballad, a good read!
Book Review: A Lot to Offer a Reader
Summary: 3 Stars
This book has a lot to offer any reader: exciting fire fighting scenes, the comeraderie of a group of fire fighters equivalent to any group activity you'll find, honest treatment of a smutty piece of New York City's history that has never been sufficiently aired, a look at evolving ethnic relations in the inner city and finally an unusual and compelling love story that is sensitively rendered. All of these elements are strung together in a story that unfolds naturally in episodes and scenes that capture the atmosphere of a busy New York City Fire Department fire house in the South Bronx during the 1960's and 1970's and the heroism of the fire fighters and the basic decency of the disadvantaged people they serve. You also get to meet the bad guys, arsonists and greedy landlords and politicians who profit from the fires. This is a good read especially for anyone who remembers New York in the 60's and 70's.
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