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“Mr. Gross's direct style is full of sentiment but never maudlin and well-suited to scenes of violent action.
Button Man
has plenty of zip–and lots of moxie, too." –Wall Street Journal
"This is a big, heartfelt handshake of a book, with all the street-scrambling energy that distinguishes the best fiction of Jeffrey Archer and Mario Puzo." –USA Today
Following up The One Man and The Saboteur , Gross's next historical thriller brings to life the drama of the birth of organized crime in 1930s New York City from the tale of one family.
After a string of New York Times bestselling suburban thrillers, Andrew Gross has reinvented himself as a writer of historical thrillers. In his latest novel, Button Man, he delivers a stirring story of a Jewish family brought together in the dawn of the women's garment business and torn apart by the birth of organized crime in New York City in the 1930s.
Morris, Sol, and Harry Rabishevsky grew up poor and rough in a tiny flat on the Lower East Side, until the death of their father thrust them into having to fend for themselves and support their large family. Morris, the youngest, dropped out of school at twelve years old and apprenticed himself to a garment cutter in a clothing factory; Sol headed to accounting school; but Harry, scarred by a family tragedy, fell in with a gang of thugs as a teenager. Morris steadily climbs through the ranks at the factory until at twenty-one he finally goes out on his own, convincing Sol to come work with him. But Harry can't be lured away from the glamour, the power, and the money that come from his association with Louis Buchalter, whom Morris has battled with since his youth and who has risen to become the most ruthless mobster in New York. And when Buchalter sets his sights on the unions that staff the garment makers' factories, a fatal showdown is inevitable, pitting brother against brother.
This new novel is equal parts historical thriller, rich with the detail of a vibrant New York City in the 1920s and 1930s, and family saga, based on Andrew Gross's own family story and on the history of the era, complete with appearances by real-life characters like mobsters Louis Lepke and Dutch Schultz and special prosecutor Thomas Dewey, and cements Gross's reputation as today's most atmospheric and original historical thriller writer.
"This is a big, heartfelt handshake of a book, with all the street-scrambling energy that distinguishes the best fiction of Jeffrey Archer and Mario Puzo." –USA Today
Following up The One Man and The Saboteur , Gross's next historical thriller brings to life the drama of the birth of organized crime in 1930s New York City from the tale of one family.
After a string of New York Times bestselling suburban thrillers, Andrew Gross has reinvented himself as a writer of historical thrillers. In his latest novel, Button Man, he delivers a stirring story of a Jewish family brought together in the dawn of the women's garment business and torn apart by the birth of organized crime in New York City in the 1930s.
Morris, Sol, and Harry Rabishevsky grew up poor and rough in a tiny flat on the Lower East Side, until the death of their father thrust them into having to fend for themselves and support their large family. Morris, the youngest, dropped out of school at twelve years old and apprenticed himself to a garment cutter in a clothing factory; Sol headed to accounting school; but Harry, scarred by a family tragedy, fell in with a gang of thugs as a teenager. Morris steadily climbs through the ranks at the factory until at twenty-one he finally goes out on his own, convincing Sol to come work with him. But Harry can't be lured away from the glamour, the power, and the money that come from his association with Louis Buchalter, whom Morris has battled with since his youth and who has risen to become the most ruthless mobster in New York. And when Buchalter sets his sights on the unions that staff the garment makers' factories, a fatal showdown is inevitable, pitting brother against brother.
This new novel is equal parts historical thriller, rich with the detail of a vibrant New York City in the 1920s and 1930s, and family saga, based on Andrew Gross's own family story and on the history of the era, complete with appearances by real-life characters like mobsters Louis Lepke and Dutch Schultz and special prosecutor Thomas Dewey, and cements Gross's reputation as today's most atmospheric and original historical thriller writer.
350 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2018
1754 people are currently reading
5265 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Gross
97 books1,780 followersHoward Andrew Gross was an American author of thriller novels, including four New York Times bestsellers. He is best known for his collaborations with suspense writer James Patterson. Gross's books feature close family bonds, relationships characterized by loss or betrayal, and a large degree of emotional resonance which generally leads to wider crimes and cover-ups. The books have all been published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 761 reviews
August 24, 2018
4.5 stars
Button Man is a historical novel about one man who fought back against the against the corrupt, mob-led unions during the 1930’s. The main character, Morris Raab, is based on Gross’s grandfather--this novel serves as a beautiful tribute to those who went against the grain and challenged those in power.
Morris Raab, the son of Jewish immigrants, grew up poor on the Lower East Side. When he was just 12 years old, he dropped out of school and began working in a garment factory. His keen observation skills enable him to gain a promotion that sets him up to own his own business in the future. Morris not only has talent but also he has moxie and fights back against bullies as both a teen and adult, setting him up to go head-to-head with Louis “Lepke” Buchalter, a notorious mobster.
Covering the 1920’s-1930’s, Gross paints a vivid picture of the time period, the immigrant experience, and the mobsters who were controlling the unions. The reader gets to know the entire Rabishevsky family and understanding their history helps to better understand Morris’s behavior. At times, the characters speak Yiddish but the translation is provided. Gross did his research and transports the reader back to this time period in New York.
Characterization is one of the strongest elements of the novel. By the end, I felt like I knew Morris. Gross doesn’t sensationalize or romanticize the mobsters; they are presented as full-fleshed characters who often make bad choices. There is a little bit of violence, but it is not over-the-top.
I found this to be an absorbing and emotional read--I would definitely recommend to those who enjoy this time period and reading about the immigrant experience.
Button Man is a historical novel about one man who fought back against the against the corrupt, mob-led unions during the 1930’s. The main character, Morris Raab, is based on Gross’s grandfather--this novel serves as a beautiful tribute to those who went against the grain and challenged those in power.
Morris Raab, the son of Jewish immigrants, grew up poor on the Lower East Side. When he was just 12 years old, he dropped out of school and began working in a garment factory. His keen observation skills enable him to gain a promotion that sets him up to own his own business in the future. Morris not only has talent but also he has moxie and fights back against bullies as both a teen and adult, setting him up to go head-to-head with Louis “Lepke” Buchalter, a notorious mobster.
Covering the 1920’s-1930’s, Gross paints a vivid picture of the time period, the immigrant experience, and the mobsters who were controlling the unions. The reader gets to know the entire Rabishevsky family and understanding their history helps to better understand Morris’s behavior. At times, the characters speak Yiddish but the translation is provided. Gross did his research and transports the reader back to this time period in New York.
Characterization is one of the strongest elements of the novel. By the end, I felt like I knew Morris. Gross doesn’t sensationalize or romanticize the mobsters; they are presented as full-fleshed characters who often make bad choices. There is a little bit of violence, but it is not over-the-top.
I found this to be an absorbing and emotional read--I would definitely recommend to those who enjoy this time period and reading about the immigrant experience.
January 30, 2021
Andrew Gross has written a historical novel, using his grandfather and his grandfather's experiences, for the character of Morris Raab. Real events and real people are used as the story depicts the beginning of organized crime in New York. The story starts in 1905, when Morris is two years old and takes us through his fight against the criminals that ruled New York's garment industry.
Morris was a hard headed, hard working, determined man, who learned at a very early age that the only way to make it in the brutal life of a poor Jewish boy, growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, in New York (or in the Army), was to fight his way out of any situation. At first, as organized crime took over almost aspects of the garment industry, Morris just ignored any warnings or threats that he needed to fall in line with other business owners. Finally though, the thugs who were willing to maim, murder and destroy people and companies, made it impossible for Morris to stand back and that's when Morris tackled the impossible job of beating the criminals that even had law enforcement in their pocket.
I do think that a particular violent sequence may have been overdone in that it seems like it would have been impossible for a person to survive all the damage done to him. Still, it was exciting and also very enlightening, to read the thoughts going through the character's head, as he worked to survive what was happening to him. I admire all the people who tried to stand up to murdering criminals and can understand why they might just give up or give in, when their lives and countless other lives, were at stake.
This book is about family, forgiveness and the unwillingness to forgive, friends, of being forced to decide if crossing the line of an honest life to bending a knee to criminals, was worth the loss of self respect. So much was at stake for Morris, his family, and all the honest, hard working people, during organized crime's heyday in New York. Andrew Gross has every reason to be proud of his grandfather's legacy and did a great job of honoring him with this book.
Published September 18th 2018
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
Morris was a hard headed, hard working, determined man, who learned at a very early age that the only way to make it in the brutal life of a poor Jewish boy, growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, in New York (or in the Army), was to fight his way out of any situation. At first, as organized crime took over almost aspects of the garment industry, Morris just ignored any warnings or threats that he needed to fall in line with other business owners. Finally though, the thugs who were willing to maim, murder and destroy people and companies, made it impossible for Morris to stand back and that's when Morris tackled the impossible job of beating the criminals that even had law enforcement in their pocket.
I do think that a particular violent sequence may have been overdone in that it seems like it would have been impossible for a person to survive all the damage done to him. Still, it was exciting and also very enlightening, to read the thoughts going through the character's head, as he worked to survive what was happening to him. I admire all the people who tried to stand up to murdering criminals and can understand why they might just give up or give in, when their lives and countless other lives, were at stake.
This book is about family, forgiveness and the unwillingness to forgive, friends, of being forced to decide if crossing the line of an honest life to bending a knee to criminals, was worth the loss of self respect. So much was at stake for Morris, his family, and all the honest, hard working people, during organized crime's heyday in New York. Andrew Gross has every reason to be proud of his grandfather's legacy and did a great job of honoring him with this book.
Published September 18th 2018
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
September 5, 2018
This is a wonderful historical novel, based on the author’s grandfather. “Don’t let the yarmulkes fool you… these people will cut you blind.” It wasn’t just the Irish or the Italians that were into crime and gangs in the 1920s and 30s. The Jewish crime lords got into the protection racket, specifically controlling the unions.
When their father dies in a fire, the Rabishevsky children all have to find ways to contribute. Morris leaves school at 12 to learn a trade in the garment business. His older brother Sol becomes an accountant and middle brother Harry falls in with the wrong crowd.
Gross does a wonderful job painting a picture of the place and time. He also fully fleshes out each character, with each character’s POV being presented. Gross blends real people such as Louis “Lepke” Buchalter with the fictional Raab brothers.
I felt like I learned a lot with this book. Not just about the mob controlled unions, and the attempts to take them down, but also the life of immigrants in NYC. For example, the discrimination the Eastern European Jews had from the German Jews who had arrived generations earlier.
There’s a real tension here once the battle truly starts. I kept turning pages because I was so anxious to see how this would play out. This is heart pounding suspense. What is so sad to realize is the sheer number of folks that were paid off by the mobs.
This is the first book by Gross I have read but I intend to seek out his earlier books. I recommend this to everyone that enjoys historical fiction.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
September 18, 2018
Impressive! My first book by Andrew Gross, Button Man will not be the last of his books I read!
Three brothers are living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the early 1900s when their father passes away. Each chooses a different path in life. Morris becomes an apprentice in a clothing factory at a young 12-years-old. Sol is studious and eventually becomes an accountant. Harry is pulled into the Jewish mob.
Morris is a grade school dropout and works his way up the ladder in the garment business until he is able to buy out the owner, and Sol eventually joins them there as en employee. As much as they try, Sol and Morris cannot get Harry to leave the prestigious mob life behind.
Eventually their “work” lives intersect when the mob boss gets involved with the garment unions. How will the brothers resolve this dangerous confrontation?
Button Man appealed to me for many reasons. It is a historical thriller, and I’ve not read many of those. I figured the history part would be easier, but would it truly be thrilling? It absolutely was!
Button Man is also a story of family, and those are always among my favorites. Here the family dynamics had a historic backdrop with the depression, growth of the garment business, and proliferation of the mob.
An atmospheric and compelling tale, Button Man is the story of a family in the pursuit of the American Dream. Three brothers, each with their own paths, have the same ultimate goal. Will they find success, and at what cost?
This book is inspired by Gross’ grandfather’s life. The author’s note is not to be missed.
Thank you to the most generous St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Three brothers are living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the early 1900s when their father passes away. Each chooses a different path in life. Morris becomes an apprentice in a clothing factory at a young 12-years-old. Sol is studious and eventually becomes an accountant. Harry is pulled into the Jewish mob.
Morris is a grade school dropout and works his way up the ladder in the garment business until he is able to buy out the owner, and Sol eventually joins them there as en employee. As much as they try, Sol and Morris cannot get Harry to leave the prestigious mob life behind.
Eventually their “work” lives intersect when the mob boss gets involved with the garment unions. How will the brothers resolve this dangerous confrontation?
Button Man appealed to me for many reasons. It is a historical thriller, and I’ve not read many of those. I figured the history part would be easier, but would it truly be thrilling? It absolutely was!
Button Man is also a story of family, and those are always among my favorites. Here the family dynamics had a historic backdrop with the depression, growth of the garment business, and proliferation of the mob.
An atmospheric and compelling tale, Button Man is the story of a family in the pursuit of the American Dream. Three brothers, each with their own paths, have the same ultimate goal. Will they find success, and at what cost?
This book is inspired by Gross’ grandfather’s life. The author’s note is not to be missed.
Thank you to the most generous St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
August 15, 2018
Manhattan's Lower East Side was home to the Rabishevsky family from Minsk. Many new immigrants in the 1920's and 1930's lived in ramshackle tenements with poor lighting and non-working furnaces. Various gangs of thugs bullied the "newest" immigrants. Upon the death of Jacob Rabishevsky, Bella and her six children were at a crossroads. Morris, the youngest, left school determined to learn a trade. Sol gave up his dream of accounting school. Harry, feeling he was held responsible for his twin brother's death, started to mix with hoodlums.
Morris Rabishevsky aka Morris Raab was a feisty twelve year old. He convinced Mr. Kaufman, owner of the Majestic Garment Company to hire him to sweep floors and perform odd jobs. However, Kaufman's advise was "keep your eyes open and learn". Morris learned! He watched the marker maker lay out pattern pieces for the best yield and least wastage. He watched the fabric cutter's shears and observed the notching of pattern pieces. At age twenty, Morris was running the company until it was sold after Kaufman's death.
Walking home from work was much more of a challenge. With paycheck in hand, carrying a bag of onions and turnips, Morris was accosted by Louis Buchalter, newly released from reform school. Buchalter and his "toughs" told Morris it would cost one dollar to pass them in the alley. Morris chose to fight for the right to pass. Punches were exchanged. Morris Raab and Louis Buchalter would meet again years later.
Morris had accumulated enough expertise to start his own garment enterprise. Rabb Brothers, a fledgling business, was co-founded with brother, Sol. Morris had a tough business reputation. His goal was to produce quality women's fur-collared coats by purchasing supplies from hand selected, tried and true suppliers. In the late 1920's, gangsters started to take over trade unions. Companies had to pay up and play by the rules or be forced out of business. Intimidation and fear tactics were used to collect union dues, a veritable "license to steal". While Harry Rabb hobnobbed with the gangster set, highly principled Morris was determined to buck the stranglehold imposed by gangsters.
"Button Man" by Andrew Gross was an excellent historical novel that painted a picture of immigrant life in 1920's and 1930's New York, the garment industry of the Lower East Side, and the mob's control over unions. Many Russian and Eastern European immigrants found work in the garment district. My great-grandfather became a dressmaker and my great-uncle, a blouse pattern maker. This novel was especially noteworthy for me. Thank you, Andrew Gross!
In the spirit of Morris Rabb, the unwavering main protagonist, I have included the lyrics to a song penned by country music recording artist, Aaron Tippin. The message of this "American working class" song is to stand up for your beliefs.
YOU'VE GOT TO STAND FOR SOMETHING
LYRICS by AARON TIPPIN
Now Daddy didn't like trouble, but if it came along
Everyone that knew him knew which side that he'd be on
He never was a hero, or this county's shinin' light
But you could always find him standing up
For what he thought was right
He'd say you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
You've got to be your own man not a puppet on a string
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
Thank you St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Button Man".
Morris Rabishevsky aka Morris Raab was a feisty twelve year old. He convinced Mr. Kaufman, owner of the Majestic Garment Company to hire him to sweep floors and perform odd jobs. However, Kaufman's advise was "keep your eyes open and learn". Morris learned! He watched the marker maker lay out pattern pieces for the best yield and least wastage. He watched the fabric cutter's shears and observed the notching of pattern pieces. At age twenty, Morris was running the company until it was sold after Kaufman's death.
Walking home from work was much more of a challenge. With paycheck in hand, carrying a bag of onions and turnips, Morris was accosted by Louis Buchalter, newly released from reform school. Buchalter and his "toughs" told Morris it would cost one dollar to pass them in the alley. Morris chose to fight for the right to pass. Punches were exchanged. Morris Raab and Louis Buchalter would meet again years later.
Morris had accumulated enough expertise to start his own garment enterprise. Rabb Brothers, a fledgling business, was co-founded with brother, Sol. Morris had a tough business reputation. His goal was to produce quality women's fur-collared coats by purchasing supplies from hand selected, tried and true suppliers. In the late 1920's, gangsters started to take over trade unions. Companies had to pay up and play by the rules or be forced out of business. Intimidation and fear tactics were used to collect union dues, a veritable "license to steal". While Harry Rabb hobnobbed with the gangster set, highly principled Morris was determined to buck the stranglehold imposed by gangsters.
"Button Man" by Andrew Gross was an excellent historical novel that painted a picture of immigrant life in 1920's and 1930's New York, the garment industry of the Lower East Side, and the mob's control over unions. Many Russian and Eastern European immigrants found work in the garment district. My great-grandfather became a dressmaker and my great-uncle, a blouse pattern maker. This novel was especially noteworthy for me. Thank you, Andrew Gross!
In the spirit of Morris Rabb, the unwavering main protagonist, I have included the lyrics to a song penned by country music recording artist, Aaron Tippin. The message of this "American working class" song is to stand up for your beliefs.
YOU'VE GOT TO STAND FOR SOMETHING
LYRICS by AARON TIPPIN
Now Daddy didn't like trouble, but if it came along
Everyone that knew him knew which side that he'd be on
He never was a hero, or this county's shinin' light
But you could always find him standing up
For what he thought was right
He'd say you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
You've got to be your own man not a puppet on a string
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
Thank you St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Button Man".
September 20, 2018
4.5 for this novel
This story is about the beginnings of the garment industry in New York.
The story is of Morris Raab, youngest child of a large Jewish family, poor, in 1915, taking a full time job at a garment factory and learning all there was to know. 12 yrs old with a 6th grade education, at the onset, he eventually comes to own the place.
This is also the story of the unsavory Jewish mobsters, gangs, and Union Leaders during those years.
I liked this story so much... what a stronghold these unions had during these years! I also loved the personal story of this family.
This was based on a true story which makes it even more interesting!
Thank you to Netgalley and St.Martins Press for the digital ARC!
This story is about the beginnings of the garment industry in New York.
The story is of Morris Raab, youngest child of a large Jewish family, poor, in 1915, taking a full time job at a garment factory and learning all there was to know. 12 yrs old with a 6th grade education, at the onset, he eventually comes to own the place.
This is also the story of the unsavory Jewish mobsters, gangs, and Union Leaders during those years.
I liked this story so much... what a stronghold these unions had during these years! I also loved the personal story of this family.
This was based on a true story which makes it even more interesting!
Thank you to Netgalley and St.Martins Press for the digital ARC!
November 20, 2018
It is common knowledge that the remnants of New York's Jewish mafia helped found Las Vegas and make it what it is today. As a source of ethnic pride, it makes me cringe. Going farther back a few decades, the Jewish mafia bigwigs hobnobbed with the Irish and Italians to gain control of most of New York City's unions. Pick a union of honest, hard working people, and most likely it was under mafia control. Andrew Gross, who has written historical and current thrillers either with James Patterson or on his own, decides to fight the mob head on by telling the story of his maternal grandfather Freddie Pomerantz, who founded the clothing company Leslie Fay. By doing so, Gross takes his readers back to the 1930s garment industry, setting readers up for a thrilling ride.
The Rabishevsky family had fled Russia's pograms and settled in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. A 1905 shul fire set in motion events that would divide the family in the future. Six year old Harry blamed himself for the accidental death of his twin brother Shmuel, leading him toward associating with mafia and con men as an adult. Older brother Sol was on the path toward becoming a leading accountant until the death of his father forced him to drop out of high school and work. Yet, the star of the family, one who was destined to go places was youngest brother Morris, the only member of the Rabishevsky family born in the United States, and characterized after Gross' grandfather Freddie. Leaving school at age twelve to work in the garment industry, Morris exhibited a stubborn streak and was not afraid to speak his mind. Despite his lack of education, he was on the path to being someone. With his heart in this story, Gross spins deep characterizations and leads readers to the core of New York's changing immigrant community.
Fast forward thirty years. It is the heart of the depression but people still need to buy clothes. Morris Rabishevsky has long since changed his name to Raab and has decided to start Raab Brothers Clothing in partnership with his brother Sol, the accountant. A man of principles, Morris Raab was not about to let the now prominent Jewish mafia back him into a corner or tell him how to run his life. He would not sell out to the mob even if the rest of the garment industry signed themselves over to the dubious workers' unions, aligning themselves with a group of thugs known as Murder, Incorporated. Morris and Sol did well for themselves without this protection, marrying well, having children, making something of their lives. Harry, on the other hand, never seemed to forgive himself for his brother's death and chose to side with the bad guys, the mob, the ones who desired to put his brothers' now prominent company out of business.
Andrew Gross tells a story of the birth of the garment industry in the years leading up to World War II. After the war with the end of the depression, the fashion industry took off, but his grandfather and a handful of others were there at the beginning, standing up to mobsters Louis "Lepke" Buchalter and Jacob "Gurrah" Shapiro, real life personas. With the addition of prosecuting attorney Thomas Dewey who would one day become governor and run for president, Gross presents readers with quality historical fiction that reads like the thriller that it is.
Gross got the idea for this book at a meeting with fellow thriller writers when he told the story of how his grandfather had to ride in the back of a delivery truck with a gun across his lap. Relations with the mob had gotten that precarious. His fellow writers noted that this would make a great scene in a novel and the rest took off. The story tells the story of how an immigrant with little education made something of himself and achieved the American dream, a perfect book to read during this week of Thanksgiving. Fast paced, I was able to read the entire book over a 24 hour period as I am always up for a quality thriller, especially a historical one. I have never read Andrew Gross before, but, now, knowing his family history, I am sure that this will not be the last book of his that I indulge in as Button Man was a true rags to riches family saga thrilling ride.
3.75 stars
The Rabishevsky family had fled Russia's pograms and settled in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. A 1905 shul fire set in motion events that would divide the family in the future. Six year old Harry blamed himself for the accidental death of his twin brother Shmuel, leading him toward associating with mafia and con men as an adult. Older brother Sol was on the path toward becoming a leading accountant until the death of his father forced him to drop out of high school and work. Yet, the star of the family, one who was destined to go places was youngest brother Morris, the only member of the Rabishevsky family born in the United States, and characterized after Gross' grandfather Freddie. Leaving school at age twelve to work in the garment industry, Morris exhibited a stubborn streak and was not afraid to speak his mind. Despite his lack of education, he was on the path to being someone. With his heart in this story, Gross spins deep characterizations and leads readers to the core of New York's changing immigrant community.
Fast forward thirty years. It is the heart of the depression but people still need to buy clothes. Morris Rabishevsky has long since changed his name to Raab and has decided to start Raab Brothers Clothing in partnership with his brother Sol, the accountant. A man of principles, Morris Raab was not about to let the now prominent Jewish mafia back him into a corner or tell him how to run his life. He would not sell out to the mob even if the rest of the garment industry signed themselves over to the dubious workers' unions, aligning themselves with a group of thugs known as Murder, Incorporated. Morris and Sol did well for themselves without this protection, marrying well, having children, making something of their lives. Harry, on the other hand, never seemed to forgive himself for his brother's death and chose to side with the bad guys, the mob, the ones who desired to put his brothers' now prominent company out of business.
Andrew Gross tells a story of the birth of the garment industry in the years leading up to World War II. After the war with the end of the depression, the fashion industry took off, but his grandfather and a handful of others were there at the beginning, standing up to mobsters Louis "Lepke" Buchalter and Jacob "Gurrah" Shapiro, real life personas. With the addition of prosecuting attorney Thomas Dewey who would one day become governor and run for president, Gross presents readers with quality historical fiction that reads like the thriller that it is.
Gross got the idea for this book at a meeting with fellow thriller writers when he told the story of how his grandfather had to ride in the back of a delivery truck with a gun across his lap. Relations with the mob had gotten that precarious. His fellow writers noted that this would make a great scene in a novel and the rest took off. The story tells the story of how an immigrant with little education made something of himself and achieved the American dream, a perfect book to read during this week of Thanksgiving. Fast paced, I was able to read the entire book over a 24 hour period as I am always up for a quality thriller, especially a historical one. I have never read Andrew Gross before, but, now, knowing his family history, I am sure that this will not be the last book of his that I indulge in as Button Man was a true rags to riches family saga thrilling ride.
3.75 stars
September 22, 2018
Loved it even more than “The One Man”...
Character Driven- FABULOUS OLD FASHION STORYTELLING.
Morris Raab is especially an inspiring character!!!
Character Driven- FABULOUS OLD FASHION STORYTELLING.
Morris Raab is especially an inspiring character!!!
October 28, 2018
3.5 A terrific blending of fact and fiction as Gross tells this story based on his own Grandfather's life.
New York in the 1930's, a Jewish family living in the East end, suffers a huge loss. A place of many immigrants, families that when they lose their main breadwinner have no choice but to send their young sons out to work. Two brothers will go one way, eventually starting their own garment industry, while one goes a different route, working with the up and coming mob bosses.
A tough time to live, the beginning of the unions, labor movements, mosters demanding protection money. I for one never knew there were Jewish mobsters, so I found this story informative as well as a story where history comes alive. Morris is a wonderful character, refusing at great cost to give in to the mobsters. A hard worker, a man of integrity, loyalty to his family, he is the epitome of the rising immigrant. Mixing real characters like the mobsters Dutch Schultz, Louis Lepke and the prosecutor Thomas Dewey with fictional ones gives the story extra weight and interest.
At times I feel it was a little overwritten, but as I read about the government corruption back then, my main thought was, The more things change, the more they stay the same." Gross has become a reliable and informative writer of historical novels. Definitely his strength.
New York in the 1930's, a Jewish family living in the East end, suffers a huge loss. A place of many immigrants, families that when they lose their main breadwinner have no choice but to send their young sons out to work. Two brothers will go one way, eventually starting their own garment industry, while one goes a different route, working with the up and coming mob bosses.
A tough time to live, the beginning of the unions, labor movements, mosters demanding protection money. I for one never knew there were Jewish mobsters, so I found this story informative as well as a story where history comes alive. Morris is a wonderful character, refusing at great cost to give in to the mobsters. A hard worker, a man of integrity, loyalty to his family, he is the epitome of the rising immigrant. Mixing real characters like the mobsters Dutch Schultz, Louis Lepke and the prosecutor Thomas Dewey with fictional ones gives the story extra weight and interest.
At times I feel it was a little overwritten, but as I read about the government corruption back then, my main thought was, The more things change, the more they stay the same." Gross has become a reliable and informative writer of historical novels. Definitely his strength.
December 20, 2022
4.5 Stars
”Oh, take it slowly, don't live too fast
Troubles will come, troubles will pass
You'll find a woman and you'll find love
Just remember my son, there is someone up above
“And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can”
-- Simple Man, Lynyrd Skynyrd / Sawyer Fredericks, Songwriters: Songwriters: Gary Rossington / Ron Van Zandt
Morris Rabishevsky, his brothers Sol and Harry, and their older sisters Anna and Bess, lived on the Lower East Side, but when their father died, that meant someone had to provide for their family. Although Morris was then only twelve years old, he went to work in the garment industry, originally sweeping floors at the Majestic Garment Company. At the owner’s suggestion, he changes his last name to Raab.
Navigating the Lower East Side in 1915 wasn’t an easy walk home, having to avoid or negotiate with young wanna-be gangsters who make him fight in order to hold onto his money on payday.
It wasn’t long before Morris would find a way to work his way straight up the ladder to marker maker. An eye for detail and a strong determination to make something of himself, for himself, and for his family fed by the determination of a young boy with his eye on a better future.
By the age of twenty, Morris is running the company, and then he and brother Sol begin their own company, Raab Brothers. He’s determined to make this an even bigger business, and begins landing more business with bigger department stores with chains, and Sol keeps busy with the books.
As for their more sociable, easygoing brother Harold, he seems to attract a more dishonest, corrupt, crowd. Among them is Louis Buchalter, the wanna-be gangster who tried to convince Morris to hand over his money years ago. A man who has taken the liberty to rule the garment unions.
Based on author Andrew Gross’s grandfather’s life, this is a story that covers the immigration of Jewish families in the early 1900s, through the hardships of life in the 1920’s and 1930’s and beyond, those few men who stood strong against organized crime, who put their own lives on the line in order to see them brought to justice.
Andrew Gross made me feel as though I were walking beside Morris as these events unfolded, as this novel wound through the lives of the different characters, the different places, I felt as though I could see it all, feel every emotion, and I loved being drawn into his story.
Pub Date: 18 SEP 2018
Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books
April 9, 2020
I loved this! I was pulled into the grit and determination of Morris’s story from the start. Can’t imagine the challenges business owners had to deal with throughout the reign of the mafia. Loved, loved, loved that this was based on Gross’s grandfather. Such a treat to know that a character you’ve been rooting for is based on a real life story. Highly recommend.
October 1, 2018
Button Man by Andrew Gross is a semi-biographical account of the Jewish immigrant and first generation experience in America in the early 1900's, as well as a classic tale of the forces of good against evil. This historical novel of suspense takes the reader on the life journey of Morris Rabishevsky, a character based, with some embellishment, upon the life of Mr. Gross’s own grandfather. With Jewish cultural traditions and translated Yiddish sprinkled throughout, we go from Morris’s early and humble beginnings in his family’s overcrowded, Lower East Side tenement, to his need to leave school at only age twelve to navigate the mean streets and go to work to help support his mother, his siblings, and himself after his father dies, to the hard work, determination, and chutzpah that helped him escape poverty, and go “from rags to riches”.
Morris’s ambition, drive, and savvy enabled him to eventually own his own garment business, despite his lack of a formal education beyond the sixth grade. Yet some of Morris’s Lower East Side peers took a very different path in life. Beginning in the late 1920's, they organized criminal syndicates that coerced, racketeered, and generally terrorized those that did not “play by their rules” in many New York industries, including within the garment industry.
Button Man - an ingenious title with the dual references to both a killer for hire, as well as to the book’s protagonist as a man of the clothing industry - is a highly atmospheric story, filled with the smoky speakeasies of the Prohibition era, as well as many prominent figures of the time, such as movie producer Samuel Goldwyn, Yankee luminary Babe Ruth, musician Al Jolson, comedian Jack Benny, and even actual gangsters of the period like Jacob “Gurrah” Shapiro, and Louis “Lepke” Buchalter. Given that the main thrust of the novel involves the mob, Button Man’s unflinching cruelty can shock at times, and its language can sometimes be authentically pejorative. But it is the poignancy of Morris’s relationship with one of his brothers, a brother whose sense of self-worth suffered, and who was never quite able to shake himself free from a traumatic childhood event, that effected this reader most profoundly.
Andrew Gross’s homage to his grandfather is a period piece with heart-tugging emotion, gripping suspense, a surprising twist, and a wonderful sense of place (even if the place at that time wasn’t always so wonderful for everyone). Button Man reminds us that acts of courage by even just “a few good men”, and standing up for what is right, can often make a difference of lasting and positive change for many.
4.5/5 Stars.
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Morris’s ambition, drive, and savvy enabled him to eventually own his own garment business, despite his lack of a formal education beyond the sixth grade. Yet some of Morris’s Lower East Side peers took a very different path in life. Beginning in the late 1920's, they organized criminal syndicates that coerced, racketeered, and generally terrorized those that did not “play by their rules” in many New York industries, including within the garment industry.
Button Man - an ingenious title with the dual references to both a killer for hire, as well as to the book’s protagonist as a man of the clothing industry - is a highly atmospheric story, filled with the smoky speakeasies of the Prohibition era, as well as many prominent figures of the time, such as movie producer Samuel Goldwyn, Yankee luminary Babe Ruth, musician Al Jolson, comedian Jack Benny, and even actual gangsters of the period like Jacob “Gurrah” Shapiro, and Louis “Lepke” Buchalter. Given that the main thrust of the novel involves the mob, Button Man’s unflinching cruelty can shock at times, and its language can sometimes be authentically pejorative. But it is the poignancy of Morris’s relationship with one of his brothers, a brother whose sense of self-worth suffered, and who was never quite able to shake himself free from a traumatic childhood event, that effected this reader most profoundly.
Andrew Gross’s homage to his grandfather is a period piece with heart-tugging emotion, gripping suspense, a surprising twist, and a wonderful sense of place (even if the place at that time wasn’t always so wonderful for everyone). Button Man reminds us that acts of courage by even just “a few good men”, and standing up for what is right, can often make a difference of lasting and positive change for many.
4.5/5 Stars.
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December 23, 2018
I listened to the audio CD version of Button Man by Andrew Gross and was hooked as soon as it began. It was read by Edoardo Ballerini. As a child, I remember going down to the lower east side with my family to shop and eat at the famous Jewish deli's. I also worked in the garment industry as a young adult so I felt an instant connection when I learned what this book was about. It did not disappoint. Button Man was based on the real life of Andrew Gross's grandfather, one of the earliest businessman in the garment industry. This knowledge put Button Man on an even higher pedestal. The story was so well written and often left you on the edge of seat wanting more.
The Rabishovsky brothers grew up on the lower east side in a poor neighborhood. There were four brothers, Harry and Shmuel, who were twins, Sol and Morris. Shmuel was tragically killed as a young boy. His death shaped and influenced Harry's life forever. When their father died, the remaining three brothers were forced to leave school and find work to help support their mother. Morris, the youngest brother, was only twelve when he had to leave school and find work. It was his character that most resembled Andrew Gross's grandfather. Morris began working as an apprentice in the garment industry and soon became known as Morris Raab. He was a fast learner and had a lot of ambition. He advanced quickly in the factory he was working at. By the time Morris was twenty-one, he convinced his brother Sol to join him in becoming partners in their own business of manufacturing coats and later women's dresses.
For a long time, Morris and Sol's business flourished and became even somewhat successful. However, during the 1920's and 1930's, the influence of the mob in labor unions became more and more intimidating to owners in the garment industry. Such mob members as Louis Lepke Buchalter and his right hand man "Gurrah" Shapiro threaten owners in the garment industry with fire, acid attacks and murder if the owners did not comply and join the union. Morris Raab and his brother Sol were one of the last to give into the demands of the mob. Harry, still so burdened with guilt and lack of self- worth was lured into the company of Buchalter and his thugs. Even such figures as "Dutch" Schultz, Legs Diamond, Albert Anastasia and Thomas Dewey are interwoven in the story to add to its authenticity. As so many of Morris's friends were either killed or disfigured by the mob for resisting to join the union, Morris knew he had to do something. He eventually partners up with special prosecutor Thomas Dewey to bring Buchalter and the other members of the mob down.
I really enjoyed Button Man and learned so much about this time period in the history of the garment center. The characters and plot were well developed. It was hard to stop listening to the story as it developed. I was really rooting for Morris to succeed in bringing down the mob and make them pay for the tragedies they instilled upon his friends and brother. Button Man was a cross between a historical novel and thriller. It came together in a wonderful way. I highly recommend this book.
The Rabishovsky brothers grew up on the lower east side in a poor neighborhood. There were four brothers, Harry and Shmuel, who were twins, Sol and Morris. Shmuel was tragically killed as a young boy. His death shaped and influenced Harry's life forever. When their father died, the remaining three brothers were forced to leave school and find work to help support their mother. Morris, the youngest brother, was only twelve when he had to leave school and find work. It was his character that most resembled Andrew Gross's grandfather. Morris began working as an apprentice in the garment industry and soon became known as Morris Raab. He was a fast learner and had a lot of ambition. He advanced quickly in the factory he was working at. By the time Morris was twenty-one, he convinced his brother Sol to join him in becoming partners in their own business of manufacturing coats and later women's dresses.
For a long time, Morris and Sol's business flourished and became even somewhat successful. However, during the 1920's and 1930's, the influence of the mob in labor unions became more and more intimidating to owners in the garment industry. Such mob members as Louis Lepke Buchalter and his right hand man "Gurrah" Shapiro threaten owners in the garment industry with fire, acid attacks and murder if the owners did not comply and join the union. Morris Raab and his brother Sol were one of the last to give into the demands of the mob. Harry, still so burdened with guilt and lack of self- worth was lured into the company of Buchalter and his thugs. Even such figures as "Dutch" Schultz, Legs Diamond, Albert Anastasia and Thomas Dewey are interwoven in the story to add to its authenticity. As so many of Morris's friends were either killed or disfigured by the mob for resisting to join the union, Morris knew he had to do something. He eventually partners up with special prosecutor Thomas Dewey to bring Buchalter and the other members of the mob down.
I really enjoyed Button Man and learned so much about this time period in the history of the garment center. The characters and plot were well developed. It was hard to stop listening to the story as it developed. I was really rooting for Morris to succeed in bringing down the mob and make them pay for the tragedies they instilled upon his friends and brother. Button Man was a cross between a historical novel and thriller. It came together in a wonderful way. I highly recommend this book.
October 22, 2018
Button Man, by Andrew Gross, is based partly on the author's grandfather's rags to riches life story. A Jewish generations boy to manhood tale.
Button Man, set in New York in the 20's and 30's, is captivating in it's depiction of the garment industry and the mobs that ran the unions. The unbelievable pressure put on the owners of the businesses if they didn't allow the unions in is told in great detail.
A character driven family saga, Button Man is a tale of hope and success, of tragedy and violent crime.
Bravo Mr. Gross! Another wonderful read!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Button Man, set in New York in the 20's and 30's, is captivating in it's depiction of the garment industry and the mobs that ran the unions. The unbelievable pressure put on the owners of the businesses if they didn't allow the unions in is told in great detail.
A character driven family saga, Button Man is a tale of hope and success, of tragedy and violent crime.
Bravo Mr. Gross! Another wonderful read!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
May 29, 2020
This another outstanding historical novel by author Andrew Gross set in the 1930's, featuring the Rabishevsky brothers Morris, Sol, and Harry. A poor Jewish family trying to make a living in Manhattan.
At twelve years old Morris starts working at a clothing manufactures sweeping the floor and other menial jobs in an effort to earn money for the family. Morris is the brother with drive and has big ambitions of making something of his life so he learns all the job skills he can. Working his way up and using his drive it is only a matter of eight years before he is in fact running the business and trying to fend off the mob who try to run a monopoly on the garment industry, charging high union fees and dictating where the owners buy materials from, which is usually their approved retailers. But Morris is no pushover and will not give in easily to the mob, determined to keep what he has built up for the family. It is only a matter of time before Morris will be head to head with mobster Louis Buchalter.
The story covers the 1930's and vividly describes the experiences encountered by this young Jewish family. All the family are expertly brought to life as the story progresses showing all the emotions and conflicts within. Great characters and an excellent rags to riches story. This is an absorbing story that was a joy to read and I would highly recommend it.
I was very interested to read in the notes at the back of the book that the story was drawn off real life experiences. The young immigrant who rises from the streets of the Lower East Side, drops out of school at twelve to work in a garment factory and ends up running that factory by the time he was twenty was actually the authors grandfather.
At twelve years old Morris starts working at a clothing manufactures sweeping the floor and other menial jobs in an effort to earn money for the family. Morris is the brother with drive and has big ambitions of making something of his life so he learns all the job skills he can. Working his way up and using his drive it is only a matter of eight years before he is in fact running the business and trying to fend off the mob who try to run a monopoly on the garment industry, charging high union fees and dictating where the owners buy materials from, which is usually their approved retailers. But Morris is no pushover and will not give in easily to the mob, determined to keep what he has built up for the family. It is only a matter of time before Morris will be head to head with mobster Louis Buchalter.
The story covers the 1930's and vividly describes the experiences encountered by this young Jewish family. All the family are expertly brought to life as the story progresses showing all the emotions and conflicts within. Great characters and an excellent rags to riches story. This is an absorbing story that was a joy to read and I would highly recommend it.
I was very interested to read in the notes at the back of the book that the story was drawn off real life experiences. The young immigrant who rises from the streets of the Lower East Side, drops out of school at twelve to work in a garment factory and ends up running that factory by the time he was twenty was actually the authors grandfather.
May 29, 2020
This another outstanding historical novel by author Andrew Gross set in the 1930's, featuring the Rabishevsky brothers Morris, Sol, and Harry. A poor Jewish family trying to make a living in Manhattan.
At twelve years old Morris starts working at a clothing manufactures sweeping the floor and other menial jobs in an effort to earn money for the family. Morris is the brother with drive and has big ambitions of making something of his life so he learns all the job skills he can. Working his way up and using his drive it is only a matter of eight years before he is in fact running the business and trying to fend off the mob who try to run a monopoly on the garment industry, charging high union fees and dictating where the owners buy materials from, which is usually their approved retailers. But Morris is no pushover and will not give in easily to the mob, determined to keep what he has built up for the family. It is only a matter of time before Morris will be head to head with mobster Louis Buchalter.
The story covers the 1930's and vividly describes the experiences encountered by this young Jewish family. All the family are expertly brought to life as the story progresses showing all the emotions and conflicts within. Great characters and an excellent rags to riches story. This is an absorbing story that was a joy to read and I would highly recommend it.
I was very interested to read in the notes at the back of the book that the story was drawn off real life experiences. The young immigrant who rises from the streets of the Lower East Side, drops out of school at twelve to work in a garment factory and ends up running that factory by the time he was twenty was actually the authors grandfather.
At twelve years old Morris starts working at a clothing manufactures sweeping the floor and other menial jobs in an effort to earn money for the family. Morris is the brother with drive and has big ambitions of making something of his life so he learns all the job skills he can. Working his way up and using his drive it is only a matter of eight years before he is in fact running the business and trying to fend off the mob who try to run a monopoly on the garment industry, charging high union fees and dictating where the owners buy materials from, which is usually their approved retailers. But Morris is no pushover and will not give in easily to the mob, determined to keep what he has built up for the family. It is only a matter of time before Morris will be head to head with mobster Louis Buchalter.
The story covers the 1930's and vividly describes the experiences encountered by this young Jewish family. All the family are expertly brought to life as the story progresses showing all the emotions and conflicts within. Great characters and an excellent rags to riches story. This is an absorbing story that was a joy to read and I would highly recommend it.
I was very interested to read in the notes at the back of the book that the story was drawn off real life experiences. The young immigrant who rises from the streets of the Lower East Side, drops out of school at twelve to work in a garment factory and ends up running that factory by the time he was twenty was actually the authors grandfather.
September 21, 2018
Based in part on his family’s history, Andrew Gross brings to life 1920’s/30’s New York City as the evolving garment industry dramatically impacts this vibrant city. An extremely engaging read with some good guys and plenty of bad guys. Morris is my favorite, a great character who is compassionate, hard-working and principled.
As hard-working immigrants go about their business earning an honest living, their burgeoning industry is being targeted by pioneering racketeering bosses of the American mafia; extortion and corruption is rampant and putting the industry in a chokehold. Such a compelling story - historical fiction at its best!
As hard-working immigrants go about their business earning an honest living, their burgeoning industry is being targeted by pioneering racketeering bosses of the American mafia; extortion and corruption is rampant and putting the industry in a chokehold. Such a compelling story - historical fiction at its best!
December 9, 2019
"Yes, but is it good for the Jews?:" a question that Jewish children might have heard their parents murmuring back in the '50s as they mulled over some current event and its possible effect on the community. Subsequently, with pogroms and government persecution in abeyance, the expression has become joking or ironical. So it was that, when googling, I found an article entitled "Are Jared and Ivanka good for the Jews?" and even a satirical book called Yes, But Is It Good For The Jews?.
In other words, what will some current event bring down on our heads?
Well, is it "good for the Jews" that someone has written a thriller or adventure story about Jews and organized crime in New York early in the last century?
Yes, I think it is!
I'm too far removed to be chagrined by Jewish crime figures of the past.
Instead, I liked that this book countered stereotypes by portraying Jews as tough or strong instead of as 90-pound weaklings bent over their account books. In the course of the story, the book touches on the history of unions, their devolution into organized crime and the eventual development of government counter-measures. Also figuring into the story is the garment industry, as in American Pastoral and a number of other books. The book has local color. It has Yiddish. It has something real about Judaism, instead, for example, of stereotypical myths such as the widespread but false belief that a tattoo prevents burial in a Jewish cemetery. Not to mention that there are good guys in the book, too, including the main character.
That said, it is genre fiction, subject to the usual limitations in character development and the like. It has one plot twist too many for me, albeit redeemed by the eventual culmination. The characters are male for the most part. It's R-rated for violence but G-rated for sex. Nevertheless, for the genre, the book is not bad. No one is made to jump sideways or otherwise contort themselves for the demands of the plot, although, it must be said, the protagonist can take a licking and keep on ticking!
A fast and enjoyable read. Some people who would never read a religious or historical tome or even a heavy literary novel could learn something from this book.
3 1/2 stars
In other words, what will some current event bring down on our heads?
Well, is it "good for the Jews" that someone has written a thriller or adventure story about Jews and organized crime in New York early in the last century?
Yes, I think it is!
I'm too far removed to be chagrined by Jewish crime figures of the past.
Instead, I liked that this book countered stereotypes by portraying Jews as tough or strong instead of as 90-pound weaklings bent over their account books. In the course of the story, the book touches on the history of unions, their devolution into organized crime and the eventual development of government counter-measures. Also figuring into the story is the garment industry, as in American Pastoral and a number of other books. The book has local color. It has Yiddish. It has something real about Judaism, instead, for example, of stereotypical myths such as the widespread but false belief that a tattoo prevents burial in a Jewish cemetery. Not to mention that there are good guys in the book, too, including the main character.
That said, it is genre fiction, subject to the usual limitations in character development and the like. It has one plot twist too many for me, albeit redeemed by the eventual culmination. The characters are male for the most part. It's R-rated for violence but G-rated for sex. Nevertheless, for the genre, the book is not bad. No one is made to jump sideways or otherwise contort themselves for the demands of the plot, although, it must be said, the protagonist can take a licking and keep on ticking!
A fast and enjoyable read. Some people who would never read a religious or historical tome or even a heavy literary novel could learn something from this book.
3 1/2 stars
January 9, 2020
As stated by the author, Andrew Gross, in the Acknowledgement to his novel Button Man, “Twenty million immigrants came to this country between 1880 and 1920, and in many ways, this is the story of one of them. The only one in his family born here actually, in 1902, who went from the mean streets of Brownsville, Brooklyn, and a sixth-grade education to run the garment factory he apprenticed in at the age of twelve by the time he was twenty-one; battled the unions controlled by the Jewish mob…; and grew the dress firm he named after his daughter… into an iconic national brand. That man was my grandfather.”
I have found in recent years that I do not particularly care for contemporary psychological thrillers, so when “thriller” was selected as the category for this month’s book, I decided to go with historical fiction. On the plus side, the story includes a good amount of 1920’s to 1930’s history of the garment district in New York and the setting feels realistic. On the minus side, the writing is full of clichés, the dialogue is clunky, and the featured brothers come across as too good to be true (possibly a side-effect of basing the book on the author’s real family members). Overall, I found it entertaining, but I doubt it will remain with me over time.
I have found in recent years that I do not particularly care for contemporary psychological thrillers, so when “thriller” was selected as the category for this month’s book, I decided to go with historical fiction. On the plus side, the story includes a good amount of 1920’s to 1930’s history of the garment district in New York and the setting feels realistic. On the minus side, the writing is full of clichés, the dialogue is clunky, and the featured brothers come across as too good to be true (possibly a side-effect of basing the book on the author’s real family members). Overall, I found it entertaining, but I doubt it will remain with me over time.
August 6, 2018
Set in the 1930s, brothers Morris, Sol, and Harry Rabishevsky grow up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan as part of a struggling, poor Jewish family just looking to get by.
At the young age of twelve, Morris drops out of school and takes an entry-level job with a clothing manufacturer, sweeping floors and doing odd jobs to earn a small paycheck each week. It’s clear from the beginning, though, that Morris, who is savvy and tough, has greater ambitions than pushing a broom around for the rest of his life. So, while excelling at the duties given to him, he also strives for more, constantly watching those around him and learning the business side of the trade in hopes of climbing the career ladder.
Over time, that’s just what Morris does, quickly making his way up the ranks until he’s essentially running the whole operation at the ripe age of twenty. It’s around this time that Morris, now going by the last name Raab because it’s easier to say, has his first run-in with the mob, who have a monopoly on the garment industry, charging ridiculously high union fees and demanding owners only buy materials from their approved retailers. Morris, who is tough in part because of how fast he had to grow up, and also because of how hard he’s worked to get where he’s at, doesn’t just nod along and smile during the shakedown like other business owners. Instead, he. . .
Read the rest of the review here: https://therealbookspy.com/2018/08/05...
At the young age of twelve, Morris drops out of school and takes an entry-level job with a clothing manufacturer, sweeping floors and doing odd jobs to earn a small paycheck each week. It’s clear from the beginning, though, that Morris, who is savvy and tough, has greater ambitions than pushing a broom around for the rest of his life. So, while excelling at the duties given to him, he also strives for more, constantly watching those around him and learning the business side of the trade in hopes of climbing the career ladder.
Over time, that’s just what Morris does, quickly making his way up the ranks until he’s essentially running the whole operation at the ripe age of twenty. It’s around this time that Morris, now going by the last name Raab because it’s easier to say, has his first run-in with the mob, who have a monopoly on the garment industry, charging ridiculously high union fees and demanding owners only buy materials from their approved retailers. Morris, who is tough in part because of how fast he had to grow up, and also because of how hard he’s worked to get where he’s at, doesn’t just nod along and smile during the shakedown like other business owners. Instead, he. . .
Read the rest of the review here: https://therealbookspy.com/2018/08/05...
July 25, 2018
The Button Man is an historical family saga set in the lower east side of New York City during the 20's and 30's. It's a story of the Rabishevsky brothers, (Morris, Sol and Harry) and how they learned a new trade to help support their family. They became garment workers but had to fight the Italian mob who forced them to pay high union fees and only buy their materials from certain vendors. Add to this the corrupt police and you have a plot that moves quickly and painfully for the Rabishevsky family. The characters are very realistic as the story is based on the author's grandfather's story and is essentially a good vs. evil tale that Andrew Gross is well adept at telling. I have read some of Gross' thrillers but I like his historical novels the best. This is one that will live in your memory long after you turn the last page. I would highly recommend it to those who like to read about New York and the Italian mob. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy for an honest review.
January 5, 2020
4 Stars for Button Man (audiobook) by Andrew Gross read by Edoardo Ballerini
I have trouble categorizing books like this. This is based on real people and events but there are embellishments to the story. Is it fiction or nonfiction?
This is the beginning of the organized crime in New York City. It’s about a Jewish family dealing with crime and corruption while trying to better themselves. We’re aware of the Italian side of this story but it’s interesting to see the Jewish side. It’s extra special to find out that it’s a story about the authors family.
I really enjoyed the narration. The narrator’s voice really put me there in story. I’ll have to look for more books that he has done.
I have trouble categorizing books like this. This is based on real people and events but there are embellishments to the story. Is it fiction or nonfiction?
This is the beginning of the organized crime in New York City. It’s about a Jewish family dealing with crime and corruption while trying to better themselves. We’re aware of the Italian side of this story but it’s interesting to see the Jewish side. It’s extra special to find out that it’s a story about the authors family.
I really enjoyed the narration. The narrator’s voice really put me there in story. I’ll have to look for more books that he has done.
March 19, 2020
This was one terrific book! The tale of Morris Rabishevsky (changed to Raab) as he strives to succeed in New York City’s emerging garment industry during the 1920s and 1930s from humble beginnings on the Lower East Side. Based on the author’s grandfather’s story, the story is engrossing as it includes actual mobsters of the period. This book had some personal connections for me as my father grew up in a building on the LES that housed one of Louis Lepke’s “offices”. Seeing Lepke, Mendy Weiss and the others was a regular occurrence. And I had interacted professionally with the Leslie Fay Company and the Pomerantz family in the early years of my career.
March 23, 2019
This was another solid entry by Andrew Gross, who keeps impressing me with heartfelt 'historical fiction' novels, that speak from the heart!
Button Man is a historical novel about one man who persevered against the against the corrupt, mobsters and corrupt unions during the 1930’s. What makes it more interesting, is that the author Andrew Gross essentially relieves his own family history. The main character, Morris Raab, is based on Gross’s grandfather- a first generation Jew, who displays incredible inner and outer strength to live and thrive in tumultuous 1930's corrupt scene.
The story serves as a beautiful tribute to those who went against the corruption, greed and violence propagated from the omnipresent mobsters in that epoch. I also feel 'Button Man' was very instructive about early immigration in the US in the early 1930's. The book was quite accurate about the hardships of immigrant'Eastern European Jews', who were often marginalized and discriminated based on socioeconomic status. Even more affluent Jews were quite discriminatory against E.E Jews, and that depicted quite eloquently by the author.
The book takes quite a few turns, and when you think the story will revolve solely about Morris ascent in 'garment maker' business, we get hit with multiple bombs!! The conflict between the main 'Mob' heads and the Raab family, heats up to a sizzling!
If historical fiction tickles your fanny, give this one a try- the story is full of action and the tale takes a quite intimate tone as the author writes it from the heart!
4 Stars
Button Man is a historical novel about one man who persevered against the against the corrupt, mobsters and corrupt unions during the 1930’s. What makes it more interesting, is that the author Andrew Gross essentially relieves his own family history. The main character, Morris Raab, is based on Gross’s grandfather- a first generation Jew, who displays incredible inner and outer strength to live and thrive in tumultuous 1930's corrupt scene.
The story serves as a beautiful tribute to those who went against the corruption, greed and violence propagated from the omnipresent mobsters in that epoch. I also feel 'Button Man' was very instructive about early immigration in the US in the early 1930's. The book was quite accurate about the hardships of immigrant'Eastern European Jews', who were often marginalized and discriminated based on socioeconomic status. Even more affluent Jews were quite discriminatory against E.E Jews, and that depicted quite eloquently by the author.
The book takes quite a few turns, and when you think the story will revolve solely about Morris ascent in 'garment maker' business, we get hit with multiple bombs!! The conflict between the main 'Mob' heads and the Raab family, heats up to a sizzling!
If historical fiction tickles your fanny, give this one a try- the story is full of action and the tale takes a quite intimate tone as the author writes it from the heart!
4 Stars
October 3, 2018
This was very repetitive. It exceeded my tolerance for mob/manufacturer confrontations. This is my third attempt with this author and I liked only "The One Man", which was excellent. I think it may have been a fluke.
January 24, 2019
3.5-4 V good in audio format. Diane S wrote a wonderful review of this title.
May 28, 2022
A book mixing historical fiction and mob/organized crime is something I never knew I wanted in my life until it presented itself to me! A big thanks to @jessicamap for recommending this to me, she 100% knows my reading tastes. I was instantly captured by this story, it was just completely fascinating to me. Who knew the world of garment making could be so dangerous? Obviously I know this is fiction but it’s something I could really see happening, especially in the past and that made it that much more interesting. My only minor complaint is that some bits were a bit long and to just have cut them down a tad would have made this book perfect. Despite that minor detail I do still highly recommend this story, it’s definitely unlike anything you’ve read before!
October 27, 2018
I love Mob books, and they are kind of hard to come by! So I was really looking forward to this one. I loved this author's The one man novel, although will admit his other books haven't been as exciting for me. I enjoyed this one - 3 stars!!
One thing I love about a mob storyline is the wiseguy characters, the banter, the cockiness and this novel didn't quite have this, it was soft on the gritty side of the Mob. It is definitely more mainstream, and would appeal to all men and women - as a good mystery crime story back in early century Manhattan.
One thing I love about a mob storyline is the wiseguy characters, the banter, the cockiness and this novel didn't quite have this, it was soft on the gritty side of the Mob. It is definitely more mainstream, and would appeal to all men and women - as a good mystery crime story back in early century Manhattan.
November 12, 2018
Update: 10:41 am (Eastern Standard Time) on 11-12-18
5 stars.
-Excellent history researching skills!
-Wonderful story that taught many lessons on the meaning of life.
To those who had trouble beleving the ending, make sure read the acknowledgments.
🇺🇸🤙
5 stars.
-Excellent history researching skills!
-Wonderful story that taught many lessons on the meaning of life.
To those who had trouble beleving the ending, make sure read the acknowledgments.
🇺🇸🤙
October 3, 2018
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, and when you couple that with a thriller-pace story then I’m hooked! BUTTON MAN was my introduction to Andrew Gross and I can’t believe I’ve never picked up any of his other books before.
This is set in 1930’s New York, just after Prohibition and at the height of the mafia power in the Unions. We follow the stories of three brothers – Sol, Harold, and Morris Rabishevsky. Jewish boys growing up in a poor area of New York just trying to keep their family afloat. Hard work pays off when Sol is a successful accountant and Morris is running a garment manufacturing facility. Harry is still trying to find his way and gets mixed in with the likes of known gangsters.
Morris and Sol go into business together to start their own garment manufacturing business, but when the gangsters catch wind of it they begin to feel the pressure to unionize (really just making sure the mafia gets their cut).
For a historical fiction novel this moved at a fast pace. I found myself completely engrossed in the lives of the Raab brothers. The hardships they faced early in life and continue to because of where they grew up – the judgment and stereotyping was a very real thing. With brothers that didn’t back down and stood up for themselves, this proved to work against them when the mobsters wanted to get their cut of their successful business. I did love that there was Yiddish sprinkled throughout the book. My dad’s side of the family is Jewish and I definitely grew up hearing it, we even have a book of Yiddish at home still.
Between the setting, the culture, and the violence from the mafia, this felt so authentic and the characters were brought to life. This isn’t too heavy on the historical part of the genre, so don’t let that deter you from picking it up.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, and when you couple that with a thriller-pace story then I’m hooked! BUTTON MAN was my introduction to Andrew Gross and I can’t believe I’ve never picked up any of his other books before.
This is set in 1930’s New York, just after Prohibition and at the height of the mafia power in the Unions. We follow the stories of three brothers – Sol, Harold, and Morris Rabishevsky. Jewish boys growing up in a poor area of New York just trying to keep their family afloat. Hard work pays off when Sol is a successful accountant and Morris is running a garment manufacturing facility. Harry is still trying to find his way and gets mixed in with the likes of known gangsters.
Morris and Sol go into business together to start their own garment manufacturing business, but when the gangsters catch wind of it they begin to feel the pressure to unionize (really just making sure the mafia gets their cut).
For a historical fiction novel this moved at a fast pace. I found myself completely engrossed in the lives of the Raab brothers. The hardships they faced early in life and continue to because of where they grew up – the judgment and stereotyping was a very real thing. With brothers that didn’t back down and stood up for themselves, this proved to work against them when the mobsters wanted to get their cut of their successful business. I did love that there was Yiddish sprinkled throughout the book. My dad’s side of the family is Jewish and I definitely grew up hearing it, we even have a book of Yiddish at home still.
Between the setting, the culture, and the violence from the mafia, this felt so authentic and the characters were brought to life. This isn’t too heavy on the historical part of the genre, so don’t let that deter you from picking it up.
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