8 books in, and the first truly memorable book. When finishing, this was a book I was deeply upset to have finished reading, with a conclusion that was fantastically fitting yet unexpected, true to the book and yet revealing deeper meanings within the seemingly simple writing style of it.
What makes me all the more euphoric about its charms is that it was near impossible to find. It's out of print and after searching at least 10 second hand bookshops, I finally managed to track down a copy in November at the Amnesty Book Fair in Blackheath. It was especially dramatic, having searched for books for well over an hour and doing a second search around, it was lying beneath a few other potential gems. I did a mini triumphant thrust and then felt suitably ashamed. The book cost £1. My wife still hasn't left me.
The book itself focuses on a Jewish Polish immigrant in 1950's Brooklyn, when the area represented poverty rather than hipsterdom, and his struggles running a store. A young west coast Italian holds up the store and in order to redeem himself becomes an assistant in the store, with seemingly positive results.
There's an incredible complexity and subtlety to the book, with revelations affecting one's attitude especially to Frankie Alpine, the Italian.
As with Another Country, I'm sure there was some relief that the writing was accessible with minimal style, and this is certainly the most accessible book. But it remains intelligent all the way through. The scenarios reminded me a little of Paul Auster, whose books I always enjoy (though I have not been able to keep up with).
Anyways, having seen a solid production of 'A View from the Bridge' I can without hesitation say that The Assistant should really be the story that captures the 1950's immigration story. If only Malamud had been married to Marilyn Monroe. Let's do this Hollywood, reclaim this story. It worked for Malamud's 'The Natural', which my friend Dan Fooks (worst segue way ever?) has watched more than 10 times.
Finished all the A's, 1/11th through this project. Let's do this!
