In Revere, In Those Days - Roland Merullo

The library book club’s most recent pick, In Revere, In Those Days was another book that I wouldn’t have picked up on my own.

I was glad that I did. I don’t want to give away anything. In a nutshell, follows Anthony Benedetto growing up in Revere, Mass. I thought this was a good hearted novel, that was almost free of wrinkles. (There were a few, but not enough to disrupt the flow.)

Tonio experiences a lot of tragedy in his life, but with the love and support of his large, close knit Italian family he’s able to overcome it. This was a goodhearted novel full of beautifully written scenes and vibrant characters.

Tonio’s closest relationships are with his grandparents and his Uncle Peter. Each of them, in their own unique way, shelters Tonio and helps him thrive. I particularly liked his grandmother.

“So are you happy here?” she asked when we were climbing the small rise to the dirt road that ran past the gym.

“Three out of every four days,” I said. It was a line I borrowed frommy grandmother, who believed the secret to happiness was to expect some disappointment, sorrow, and pain, not to resist it too strenuously, to think of it as the fourth day.”

Despite some hiccups, In Revere, In Those Days was a hit.

After several enjoyable books, I’m at a loss what to read next. Too many choices!