Description
Book Synopsis: In Girls of Tender Age, Mary-Ann Tirone Smith fully articulates with great humor and tenderness the wild jubilance of an extended French-Italian family struggling to survive in a post-World War II housing project in Hartford, Connecticut. Smith seamlessly combines a memoir whose intimacy matches that of Angela's Ashes with the tale of a community plagued by a malevolent predator that holds the emotional and cultural resonance of The Lovely Bones. Smith's Hartford neighborhood is small-town America, where everyone's door is unlocked and the school, church, library, drugstore, 5 & 10, grocery, and tavern are all within walking distance. Her family is peopled with memorable characters -- her possibly psychic mother who's always on the verge of a nervous breakdown, her adoring father who makes sure she has something to eat in the morning beyond her usual gulp of Hershey's syrup, her grandfather who teaches her to bash in the heads of the eels they catch on Long Island Sound, Uncle Guido who makes the annual bagna cauda, and the numerous aunts and cousins who parade through her life with love and food and endless stories of the old days. And then there's her brother, Tyler.
Smith's household was "different." Little Mary-Ann couldn't have friends over because her older brother, Tyler, an autistic before anyone knew what that meant, was unable to bear noise of any kind. To him, the sound of crying, laughing, phones ringing, or toilets flushing was "a cloud of barbed needles" flying into his face. Subject to such an assault, he would substitute that pain with another: he'd try to chew his arm off. Tyler was Mary-Ann's real-life Boo Radley, albeit one whose bookshelves sagged under the weight of the World War II books he collected and read obsessively.
Hanging over this rough-and-tumble American childhood is the sinister shadow of an approaching serial killer. The menacing Bob Malm lurks throughout this joyous and chaotic family portrait, and the havoc he unleashes when the paths of innocence and evil cross one early December evening in 1953 forever alters the landscape of Smith's childhood.
Girls of Tender Age is one of those books that will forever change its readers because of its beauty and power and remarkable wit.
Details
Discover the power of a remarkable memoir. Experience the wild jubilance, humor, and tenderness found in Girls of Tender Age by Mary-Ann Tirone Smith. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming tale of an extended French-Italian family, navigating post-World War II challenges in a tight-knit neighborhood. Let Smith's captivating storytelling whisk you away to a small-town America filled with unforgettable characters and an unbreakable spirit. Dive into this memoir that combines the intimacy of Angela's Ashes and the emotional resonance of The Lovely Bones.
Step into a vibrant community where memories are made. Transport yourself to Smith's Hartford neighborhood, a place teeming with life and shared experiences. Explore a world where doors are unlocked, and everything you need is within walking distance. Join Mary-Ann's family on their unforgettable journey, where her possibly psychic mother, adoring father, and eccentric relatives take center stage. Immerse yourself in stories of love, food, and the old days as you get to know the charming characters that populate this close-knit community.
Experience the extraordinary bond between siblings. Witness the unique challenges faced by Little Mary-Ann, whose older brother Tyler, an autistic child ahead of his time, possesses extraordinary sensitivities. Learn how their household's differences shape their childhood, as Mary-Ann grapples with the restrictions imposed by her brother's condition. Feel the heartache, resilience, and unwavering love shared between siblings, as Tyler becomes Mary-Ann's real-life Boo Radley, captivating her with his love for World War II books amidst his constant struggle.
Uncover the darkness that tinges a joyous childhood. Embark on a thrilling and haunting journey as Smith crafts a narrative filled with suspense. Brace yourself for the menacing presence of Bob Malm, a serial killer hiding in the shadows and forever altering the landscape of Smith's childhood. Experience the tense intersection of innocence and evil that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Prepare to be deeply moved and forever changed by the beauty, power, and remarkable wit found in Girls of Tender Age.
Open your heart to an unforgettable memoir. Don't miss your chance to read Girls of Tender Age, a book that will touch your soul and leave a lasting impact. Delve into the rich narrative that blends humor, tenderness, and resilience, taking you on a journey through love, loss, and the complexities of family. Experience the beauty of Smith's prose as she invites you into her world, where the power of storytelling shines through every page. Order Girls of Tender Age now and unlock the magic of this extraordinary memoir.
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