The year is 1955, and the world of Danny Meadoff spins with ease and stability. Eisenhower is president, soul groups are black, NBA teams are white. Fathers do not speak with sons. The Dodgers have jumped out to an early lead and look to meet the Yankees in the Series. And, according to universal plan, to lose. Everything is in its place. Or is it? The father of Danny's best friend has become a philanderer and a Republican. The sax player at Flatbush and Nostrand blows notes that are not in the songs. There is talk-inconceivable, but talk nonetheless--of the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn. Danny's world seems to be wobbling in its orbit. Most worrisome, in this summer when time suspends and loopholes dimple the laws of probability, is the shadow. Late at night in Danny's backyard a shadow appears. Or does it? LEAD US NOT INTO PENN STATION is a picaresque, a tale following three young men through the rapids of loyalty, stasis, and mutability. Comic and nostalgic, it tells the story of a boy's redemptive love for his father.
My thoughts
Lead Us Not Into Penn Station takes us back to simpler times such as 1950’s Brooklyn. It is a coming of age story of the teenage boys, namely one Danny Meadoff and his relationship with his dad and the Dodgers. As his father’s business is failing, Danny tries himself to make money by selling Fuller brushes. I am not disappointed by picking up this book as Ducker’s characters are interesting and it brought out nostalgic feelings in this reader.
Disclosure: I borrowed this book from my local library.
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