When The Bronx Burned by John Finucane Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of When The Bronx Burned
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 riveting adventure
Summary: 5 Stars
As a 25 year veteran Firefighter from Massachusetts, I found John Finucane's novel to be one of the more realistic and accurate accounts of firefighting in an urban environment. Based on actual events and conditions, this book literally transports the reader back to a gritty South Bronx neighborhood, where buildings are burning, people are suffering, and Firefighters are caught in the crossfire as they struggle to mitigate the destruction while risking their lives. Profoundly descriptive, and full of interesting and tragic characters, this book is a fascinating and educating account of a devastating period in New York History which affected thousands of lives, before it culminated in the restoration and rebirth of a section of the South Bronx that is now thriving. I would highly recommend this book to anybody, both within the Fire Service and beyond, who has any interest in humanity, urban events, or simply wishes to read a gripping novel.Book Review: Did not regret reading this!
Summary: 5 Stars
From page one the book had me hooked all the way up until the end. I was kind of upset that I finished it so fast but it was an amazing book. Definatley one of the best books I've read so far the author made it seem like you were right there in the action and what it's like to be apart of the brotherhood.Book Review: Fantastic Book
Summary: 5 Stars
As a retired FDNY firefighter who worked in the Bronx during the period just after the one described in John's book, I think he did a great job. My generation of firefighters were lucky enough to have the ones from John's generation as our teachers, and he described them all perfectly. The story has a fast pace that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Although his story was written as a novel, you will come away with a clear vision of what happened in those dark days. John spares no one when he describes how evil landlords, arsonists and of course our own politicians systematically destroyed the South Bronx. Not to mention the countless lives that were lost and the thousands that were left homeless. This is a book for everyone, you don't have to be a firefighter to enjoy it. You will come away with a new respect for the men who worked in those firehouses during the 60's and 70's. His story would make a great movie!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
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