Henry of Atlantic City

by Frederick Reuss

From the author of Horace Afoot comes this affectionate and beautiful tale of a six-year-old prodigy with a photographic memory and a penchant for the Gnostic gospels and Byzantine history.

Set against the background of Caesar's Palace, Henry of Atlantic City is a satirical “hagiography” of a troubled child trying to make sense of the world around him. Henry, whose imagination has been fed by ancient texts, finds himself living in a conflated world of past and present where casino owners are Byzantine Emperors, and the world is populated by Huns, Cappadocians, and Visigoths. When his father, a casino security guard, lands in trouble with the mob, Henry begins a peripatetic life wandering from relatives to foster homes to orphanages. As Henry struggles to find a place for himself in the world, we are treated to an exploration of spirituality and childhood that is heartbreaking, uplifting, and simply divine.

Genres: Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Frederick Reuss is the acclaimed author of several novels. He lives in Washington, DC, with his wife and two daughters."

Reviews

[Sherrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very unusual book. It helped me to understand just how unique a person’s perspective can be due to their experiences. If I were to encounter a child (or adult, for that matter) who seemed strange and difficult to reach I could be more patient and empathetic after reading this book. I’ve always found the vast differences in how different people perceive the world fascinating. This book emphasizes that point in a very imaginative way. While I found the book difficult to get into at first, after a hundred and fifty pages I couldn’t put it down.

[Katlyn Webb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't love or hate this book and I don't have much to say about it, which is unusual for me.

It was a little hard to read because it was so philosophical that it was kind of over my head, but it did make me think. I would have enjoyed it more if I knew about Henry's religion, but that did make me want to learn more about it.

This book really made me think and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys philosophy, theology, and/or psychology.

[Irisartworks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. It is a quirky story about a young boy who, surrounded by corruption, crime and betrayal, finds refuge in ancient gnostic writings. The story is simultaneously humorous and moving, and really gets you thinking about the resiliency and hope of a child.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Contrived and boring, with mediocre writing to boot. Pbbthhh.

[RUSA CODES · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the 2000 RUSA Notable Books winners. For the complete list, go to http://ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/aw...

[Kevin Kosar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an utter delight. My review of it may be found at http://kevinrkosar.com/wordpress/?p=392.