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Boychik
Brooklyn, 1932
Eli Abramowitz makes pickles and pastrami in his parents’ deli in Williamsburg. Not a bad job during the Depression. His family is his whole world—almost. He spends every Sunday at the movies and hopes to hit it big as a Hollywood screenwriter. But how can he tell his parents that one day he’ll be leaving?
Across town, Evelyn Rosenstein’s father works for the mob—undoubtedly the reason they’re doing so well. Definitely the reason she’s not allowed farther than their mailbox unescorted. Even though her parents have chosen a husband for her, a family tradition, she fantasizes about a life in service to the unfortunate. But for the moment, she dreams of escape, if only for a few hours.
Opportunity strikes, and she ends up at the deli. Evelyn and Eli meet only briefly, but their instant connection tempts an unlikely, forbidden romance. When a charity dinner has them again crossing paths, danger follows. But will it shadow them into their futures?
Eli Abramowitz makes pickles and pastrami in his parents’ deli in Williamsburg. Not a bad job during the Depression. His family is his whole world—almost. He spends every Sunday at the movies and hopes to hit it big as a Hollywood screenwriter. But how can he tell his parents that one day he’ll be leaving?
Across town, Evelyn Rosenstein’s father works for the mob—undoubtedly the reason they’re doing so well. Definitely the reason she’s not allowed farther than their mailbox unescorted. Even though her parents have chosen a husband for her, a family tradition, she fantasizes about a life in service to the unfortunate. But for the moment, she dreams of escape, if only for a few hours.
Opportunity strikes, and she ends up at the deli. Evelyn and Eli meet only briefly, but their instant connection tempts an unlikely, forbidden romance. When a charity dinner has them again crossing paths, danger follows. But will it shadow them into their futures?
333 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2021
22 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Boris
28 books164 followers Laurie Boris is a freelance writer and copyeditor. At one time, she was a magician’s assistant, although she was very bad at it. She has been writing fiction for thirty years and is the award-winning author of Boychik, The Joke’s on Me, Drawing Breath, Sliding Past Vertical, The Call: A Baseball Novel, The Kitchen Brigade, and The Trager Family Secrets series. When not hanging out with the universe of imaginary people in her head, she enjoys baseball, reading, and avoiding housework. You can learn more about Laurie and her work at http://laurieboris.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 8, 2021
I have been a fan of Laurie Boris's books for a long time. I love writers who move seamlessly from contemporary narratives, dystopian fiction, and now, historical fiction, with such ease that the varying themes and settings become of a piece simply because of the writer's storytelling expertise. That's certainly true in this case.
Boychik is quite a departure from Boris's last book, The Kitchen Brigade. That novel took us on a twisty journey into a dark, dangerous future played out mostly in the unusual and deeply creative setting of a group of chefs catering to madmen destroying society. Prior to that, The Call dove into the culture of baseball with vigor and clear expertise. Boychik is historical fiction, Brooklyn, 1932; a warm, detailed, rich story of an earnest young Jewish writer bound by his family, his heritage, and the expectation that he'll take over his father's beloved deli when the time comes...ah, but for his own dreams. Not only does he long for a career as a Hollywood screenwriter, which would take him far across the country, but his heart wreaks havoc on the plan when he falls in love with a mobster's daughter, a troubled relationship that leads to any number of dangerous and life-altering events.
Boris is a master storyteller who takes even this somewhat familiar theme (it reminded me a bit of a darker Crossing Delancey) into unexpected places, building suspense and keeping us turning the pages even while we find ourselves longing for a pastrami on rye. I never drift or grow tired of the narratives she weaves, always fascinated to see where she's taking us and how she gets us there.
A wonderful read, a great mix of characters and history, another Boris book I heartily recommend!
Boychik is quite a departure from Boris's last book, The Kitchen Brigade. That novel took us on a twisty journey into a dark, dangerous future played out mostly in the unusual and deeply creative setting of a group of chefs catering to madmen destroying society. Prior to that, The Call dove into the culture of baseball with vigor and clear expertise. Boychik is historical fiction, Brooklyn, 1932; a warm, detailed, rich story of an earnest young Jewish writer bound by his family, his heritage, and the expectation that he'll take over his father's beloved deli when the time comes...ah, but for his own dreams. Not only does he long for a career as a Hollywood screenwriter, which would take him far across the country, but his heart wreaks havoc on the plan when he falls in love with a mobster's daughter, a troubled relationship that leads to any number of dangerous and life-altering events.
Boris is a master storyteller who takes even this somewhat familiar theme (it reminded me a bit of a darker Crossing Delancey) into unexpected places, building suspense and keeping us turning the pages even while we find ourselves longing for a pastrami on rye. I never drift or grow tired of the narratives she weaves, always fascinated to see where she's taking us and how she gets us there.
A wonderful read, a great mix of characters and history, another Boris book I heartily recommend!
April 19, 2022
We are proud to announce that BOYCHIK by Laurie Boris has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
November 4, 2021
I loved this book. Although I don’t read historical fiction very often, I found the time this story took place, in the middle of The Great Depression, made the story more intense because of the difficulties that came at that point in history. Imagining what it was like to grow up in Brooklyn at this time was interesting and added a lot to the story, but we’ve also got some romance, a bit of a thriller plot, and an excellent coming-of-age storyline all in one compelling story. The last few books I’ve read didn’t grab me. I was ready for a change and Boychik filled the bill, with a story that kept pulling me back, wondering what was going to happen next and how the various conflicts would resolve in the end.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
August 15, 2022
This was a wonderful find. This has been in my Kindle library for a while now, although I’m not even sure how I came up with this book, I am so glad that I did.
This is a coming of age story that takes place in Brooklyn during he depression . The year is 1932 and Eli the son of a Deli owner has big dreams. He and his cousin Artie are 17 years old and together they plan to go after their dreams. Evelyn is the daughter of a “bagman” involved in organized crime. Evelyn has dreams also but her parents have made arrangements for her to marry the son of one of her fathers mobster partners.
This is a story of hope, and dreams and not giving up on making those dreams come true. I found it funny at times and at others just so heartbreaking .
I loved the characters of Eli, Artie and Evelyn. I loved reading about Brooklyn in the 1930’s . The author brings to life Brooklyn and the deli that Eli works in with his father. So much so that I could almost smell the Pastrami.
A five star read for me.
This is a coming of age story that takes place in Brooklyn during he depression . The year is 1932 and Eli the son of a Deli owner has big dreams. He and his cousin Artie are 17 years old and together they plan to go after their dreams. Evelyn is the daughter of a “bagman” involved in organized crime. Evelyn has dreams also but her parents have made arrangements for her to marry the son of one of her fathers mobster partners.
This is a story of hope, and dreams and not giving up on making those dreams come true. I found it funny at times and at others just so heartbreaking .
I loved the characters of Eli, Artie and Evelyn. I loved reading about Brooklyn in the 1930’s . The author brings to life Brooklyn and the deli that Eli works in with his father. So much so that I could almost smell the Pastrami.
A five star read for me.
September 10, 2022
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include Boychik by Laurie Boris in the library of Awesome Indies Book Awards'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
December 14, 2023
If you ever wondered what life in the Jewish quarter of New York was like in the 1930’s, this book is for you. Laurie does an excellent job in describing all the sights and smells of the community of Williamsburg. You can actually taste and smell, the pickles, pastrami, corned beef and lox from the deli the story spins around. The deli is Abramowitz and Son. That would be Manny and Eli Abramowitz.
Eli and his cousin Artie have dreams of one day going to Hollywood and being a part of film making. Eli will write the scripts and Artie will design and build the sets. They spend their off time and pennies on every movie than can afford to watch. Remember, it is the depression. Eli keeps writing and mailing scripts to Jack Warner and keeps receiving notes of encouragement from him, but no real bites. As he thinks of the bright lights and actors/actresses, his father dreams of him taking over the family business. As that dynamic plays out, welcome Miss Evelyn Rosenstein, seventeen, into the mix.
She is trapped in an arranged marriage to Harold Weissman, of who, she has no love for but according to her mother, she will learn to love him over time. He’s rich, her father works for his father and she will never want for anything. What Evelyn doesn’t know is exactly who or what her father does for a living.
When she makes a break trying to stretch her wings, she finds herself in the Deli and has a very brief interlude with Eli as she wants to order an egg cream, which in a kosher establishment, is forbidden. Whiles he is sitting at the counter, her chauffer, Morris spies her and she bolts only to be corralled and taken home then severely reprimanded by her father for this unacceptable transgression
This chance meeting will reveal to her, as the chapter move on, that her father is the bag man for the mob and Eli is determined to be a threat to her virginity and happiness.
Eli receives several unsolicited visitors bribing him and advising him to stay away. Despite his understanding of the grave situation he’s become an unwitting participant, he can’t control Evelyn and what drives her. How many seventeen-year old female teenagers do you know that do what they’re told? This is an excellent plot for the backdrop of New York. Think the Corleone’s and you have a good idea of what the kids are up against.
The story has a great pace until the last twenty percent. After a very exciting scene where Eli and Artie are performing a job for Harold to keep him from burning down Manny’s business, it seemed to run out of steam. I understand it takes time to build up a good ending and create suspense and intrigue, I just felt it took a little too much time for it to develop.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to revisit New York during the depression and find themselves wrapped up in a story revolving around two teenage lovers caught in the web of Murder Inc. It’s well worth your time!
Four Stars.
December 14, 2021
Boychik by Laurie Borris was a book I crawled right into. It felt cozy and just the right amount of this and that, if you know what I mean?! It wasn’t trying too hard or over dramatic.
I wasn’t sure what it was about but once I began reading I was immersed into the story and the realistic situation. I was drawn in so completely that I looked forward to coming back to this novel every chance I had. The author writes an intelligent book with three dimensional characters. I enjoyed Evelyn and her inner voice. She captured my attention and I was rooting for her throughout. This is a smart, empowering story and one that should be treasured. It’s written with heart and conviction. Not preachy but thought provoking and endearing. I’m so glad I picked Boychik up. What a treat. Will highly recommend this beautiful novel.
Quote ~
“Evelyn stared out her bedroom window. In the distance, the sun was falling toward the East River. Beyond it, she imagined the whole world. Manhattan. Chicago. San Francisco. A whole world of possibility. A whole world that would be lost to her when she became Mrs. Harold Weissman. Harold would go to work for his father. She’d cook his meals and bear his children and play mahjong and swap recipes and never leave Brooklyn.”
I wasn’t sure what it was about but once I began reading I was immersed into the story and the realistic situation. I was drawn in so completely that I looked forward to coming back to this novel every chance I had. The author writes an intelligent book with three dimensional characters. I enjoyed Evelyn and her inner voice. She captured my attention and I was rooting for her throughout. This is a smart, empowering story and one that should be treasured. It’s written with heart and conviction. Not preachy but thought provoking and endearing. I’m so glad I picked Boychik up. What a treat. Will highly recommend this beautiful novel.
Quote ~
“Evelyn stared out her bedroom window. In the distance, the sun was falling toward the East River. Beyond it, she imagined the whole world. Manhattan. Chicago. San Francisco. A whole world of possibility. A whole world that would be lost to her when she became Mrs. Harold Weissman. Harold would go to work for his father. She’d cook his meals and bear his children and play mahjong and swap recipes and never leave Brooklyn.”
May 26, 2022
A Charming Read
What’s not to like about a pastrami sandwich on rye combined with young love and Murder Incorporated??
I must admit that the cover of this book and the title intrigued me. The boy on the cover was perfect (it was that picture that first drew me to the story!) and the Yiddishisms were deli-perfect.
Read “Boychik”; you’ll like it!
What’s not to like about a pastrami sandwich on rye combined with young love and Murder Incorporated??
I must admit that the cover of this book and the title intrigued me. The boy on the cover was perfect (it was that picture that first drew me to the story!) and the Yiddishisms were deli-perfect.
Read “Boychik”; you’ll like it!
November 18, 2021
Boychik is a period piece about coming of age, falling in love, and having big dreams during a difficult time in American and world history. There are carefully chosen bits of context to draw attention to the era, the sights and sounds of New York, and the age of organized crime. Beautiful ways of keeping the reader firmly grounded in the world the characters are living in.
As for the characters, they are richly drawn and speak to you in their own words. The likable ones become lovable, and the not so likable ones grow even more villainous. The book is worthy of a re-read solely to appreciate this cast of characters for who they are. But the overall story? It screams for a sequel, and I hope one comes soon. I didn't want my time with these people and their rapidly changing world to end.
In The Boychik, the 1930s Brooklyn breathed back to life to reveal stories as old as time. Forbidden love, family traditions, and violent tribalism. That said, many true things then are still true today. Both the good and bad of that are evident in this book. I highly recommend reading it.
As for the characters, they are richly drawn and speak to you in their own words. The likable ones become lovable, and the not so likable ones grow even more villainous. The book is worthy of a re-read solely to appreciate this cast of characters for who they are. But the overall story? It screams for a sequel, and I hope one comes soon. I didn't want my time with these people and their rapidly changing world to end.
In The Boychik, the 1930s Brooklyn breathed back to life to reveal stories as old as time. Forbidden love, family traditions, and violent tribalism. That said, many true things then are still true today. Both the good and bad of that are evident in this book. I highly recommend reading it.
January 13, 2025
The Abramowitz family works hard at their deli and life is difficult during the Depression. Eli Abramowitz worked with his family in the deli and he was often described as smelling like dill pickles and corn beef. He and his cousin Artie went to the movies each week, loving the gangster movies, romances and enjoyed rewriting the script. Both dreamed of making careers in Hollywood. Evelyn Rosenstein lives a very different life as the daughter of a wealthy member of the mob. Her marriage to Harold, the son of another Murder Inc. big wig is already arranged. But when Eli and Evelyn meet, they feel an immediate spark.
The Mob doesn’t take kindly to those thwarting their plans.
The Mob doesn’t take kindly to those thwarting their plans.
January 17, 2024
Rich characterizations, absorbing plot. This should be a movie!
Boychik is a terrific novel. Really. You should check it out if you love top-notch historical fiction, New York City/ Brooklyn in the Thirties, Jewish life, detective movies, screenwriters, deli lore and lox and brisket, gangster home life, brave youngsters, coming-of-age sweetness, egg creams, Yiddish, and great storytelling.
Boychik is a terrific novel. Really. You should check it out if you love top-notch historical fiction, New York City/ Brooklyn in the Thirties, Jewish life, detective movies, screenwriters, deli lore and lox and brisket, gangster home life, brave youngsters, coming-of-age sweetness, egg creams, Yiddish, and great storytelling.
February 26, 2024
Boychic
This book was very well written. It held my attention and the storyline stayed on the
point. It ended just as things were looking up. I would like to know the rest of the story.
This book was very well written. It held my attention and the storyline stayed on the
point. It ended just as things were looking up. I would like to know the rest of the story.
April 21, 2024
I thought this was a really really good red. A Jewish boy growing up in NY in the 30s, working in the deli with his family and finding true but forbidden love with a mobsters daughter. Finding trouble with the girls boyfriend and her family. Like I said, it's really really good.
November 25, 2021
Wonderfully Written
Excellent story line, with well defined characters. I never lost interest, and I even loved the ending. That's a rarity for me.
Excellent story line, with well defined characters. I never lost interest, and I even loved the ending. That's a rarity for me.
September 2, 2024
Incredible writing with truly fleshed out characters you feel as if you know. I loved this book so much. Enjoy it. I can’t wait for Lori Boris’ next book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews