...By Reason of Childhood

by Francis J. Connelly


Formats

Softcover
£12.80
£11.75
Softcover
£11.75

Book Details

Language : English
Publication Date : 12/12/2002

Format : Softcover
Dimensions : 5x8
Page Count : 380
ISBN : 9781403356048

About the Book

"You should write a book!" Thus encouraged by his grandchildren, Francis J. Connelly sat down and did just that. The result is ...By Reason of Childhood, the candid story of his courageous journey through early life. Filled with rich detail about Brooklyn in the late 1930's and 40's, ...By Reason of Childhood is an engaging combination of memoir and genealogical detective story.

Though he is being raised poor by an orphaned mother and a mostly absent alcoholic father, Frankie nonetheless tackles life with joy and tenacity. We share in his innocent adventures: Sneaking into Ebbets Field to see the Dodgers, hitchhiking through New England, spending a night in jail. We meet the unforgettable characters who populate his world, like Gene, the ghoulish hardware store owner, and Frankie Kane, the inscrutable but kindly father figure. As he endures house fires, bullies, armed robbery, summer camps from hell, and myriad illnesses, accidents, and injuries, Frankie somehow retains his sense of humor and essential goodness.

Through experiences both poignant and comical, sifted mysteriously through the sieve of his family history, Frankie emerges as an anxious yet intrepid survivor. ...By Reason of Childhood is infused with a spirit of nostalgia, love, and, most of all, forgiveness.


About the Author

Francis J. Connelly was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Over the years, Frank has worn many hats: Chinese voice intercept supervisor during the Korean War, police officer, corporate security advisor, and owner of a successful pest exterminating business. At one time, Frank was active in community theater, and was presented with a Best Director award by his acting troupe. Now retired, Frank spends his days reading, writing and spending time with his family, especially with his nine grandchildren (who allow him to be a kid again). He and Anne have been married for forty-eight years and still live in Brooklyn. ...By Reason of Childhood is his first book.