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Button Man
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Final Conclusions for Button Man, by Andrew Gross -- January 2020
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I knew Andrew Gross was writing a novel in a different genre than his norm, which I often read.
Button Man, written with more than one theme and subject, all melded together to create a book I totally enjoyed reading..
The book speaks of loyalty, family upbringing, friendships, and values in a corrupt city. As is the authors style, this book does not lack in any action what so ever.
Yet, with subjects of jewish mobs and unions, the book points to a selective value system based on greed, which goes up against the themes of friendships, family and loyalty.
The ending is fabulous.
After the book finishes, there is a note from the author explaining his family history which precipitated him to write this book.
I was tearing up after reading this part-its very touching. .
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I knew Andrew Gross was writing a novel in a different genre than his norm, which I often read.
Button Man, written with more than one theme and subject, all melded together to create a b..."
You say you don't usually do reviews, Stacey, and yet what a nice review!
Mod
I knew Andrew Gross was writing a novel in a different genre than his norm, which I often read.
Button Man, written with more than one theme and subject, all melded togethe..."
Thank you Jan. :)
It took an hour to put my thoughts into words. As you know, my thoughts are always forty steps ahead, which I cant catch on paper.
:(
Curious if this happens with authors?
This was a 3 and a half star book for me but it was easy to round it up to 4 when I read the afterword explaining that it was largely based on the writer's grandfather. New York certainly was an interesting time and place in those days.
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I agree the afterword made a lot of difference, though the author also did work in the field. I loved the fact his family gave back to the community with their dedicable.
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I thought there was one plot twist too many at the end, but I'm someone who gets confused by complicated plots (more so in movies than books since this isn't my usual genre). That afterword made up for it, though. ...I can't put my hands on my copy at the moment. Wanted to check out that afterword again!
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So, I gather that's not the case with his other books?
So far on page 100 and not really that impressed. Seems pretty ordinary and predictable, I'm sorry to say. I hope there will be more unexpected twists and more context between now and the end. So I think the author didn't mine this vivid era of modern American history for all the gold that he could have.
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Fine literature it's not, but on the other hand not so bad for its genre, in my view. I have already given a copy to someone I care about for what it might teach them about Judaism -- someone who would never read a heavy tome.
I notice you're on the "final conclusions" thread, Pamela, so watch out lest someone give you a spoiler. If you care to jump over to the early impressions/no spoiler thread, I'll follow!
Jan wrote: "Pamela wrote: "So far on page 100 and not really that impressed. Seems pretty ordinary and predictable, I'm sorry to say. I hope there will be more unexpected twists and more context between now an..."Oops, thanks Jan ! I'll either finish the book before I read the upcoming posts or i'll get back to the Initial Impressions page
OK finished. My initial impressions didn't change much. I found the mobster dialogue a little over the top and the opportunity lost for gripping storytelling. Yes stuff happened, but it rarely got my heart racing. I'm especially disappointed since this was based on the author's grandfather. That to me was the most interesting twist. And I liked the bibliography in the back as a reference for learning more about the Jewish underworld in the 1930. Since thrillers aren't my genre, I'll be generous and give this three stars. But barely.
posted my review https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...guess can post here as well:
Would rate this 3+ stars (maybe 4 since its a true story and therefore the author has little control over how it turns out...) The story is relayed in a readable way and the relationships among the Raab family felt genuine. The interactions between the brothers as the story unfolds were to me the best part of this story and the emotional ups and downs of Morris, Sol and Harry described in a way to let the reader feel the angst, longing and ultimate guilt felt by each. Likewise the friendships and betrayals among characters who grew up together was well portrayed. That all said, I personally found the book somewhat difficult to read as it describes such ugliness and cruelty perpetrated by Jews and since its relaying these events that I know actually happened! While one can admire the courage and tenacity of those who stood up to these Mobsters -- it still is wrenching to see families and friends torn apart over territory, power and greed. I guess its important to be aware that this is how things happened, but can't say I "enjoyed" it.
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Though I rated it a 4.5, I initially cringed as well.
Its hard to wrap your arms around.- And yes, all stemming from power and greed.
I think the story is an important part of history to know. I knew it existed, but did not know how and why the union was formed, though under false pretenses. I was impressed with the sense of loyalty from only one person.
I suppose that is what fear does, if one is weak.
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Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... P.S. If you go to the group Bookshelf and click on View Activity, you can see all our reviews of a particular book (or whether we're reading or going too).
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical family drama. I learned a lot about organized crime in the garment / union industries in the 1920s and 30s. While reading this book, I kept stopping to do some fact-checking. The scene at the Palace Chop House in Newark, New Jersey occurred in a way very much the way described in the novel.
I found the final confrontation between Morris and Mendy to be a bot too far-fetched, however. Mendy was, in fact, executed by the electric chair in Sing Sing.
The novel was based on the author's only family saga. His grandfather was in the garment industry and had first-hand experience in dealing with the so-called union organizers. This made the book especially poignant.
I give this book 4 stars.
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While reading this book, I kept stopping to do som..."
Incredible fact finding. Well done!!
How did you find out out Mendy was executed in Sing Sing?
The Button Man was the January Jewish Book Club pick - but it happened to fall into the January thriller tag, as well as the New Jersey Mafia state tag for my PBT group. Triple Win for me. Now the book itself... I wouldn't have tagged it a thriller. Its billed as a historical thriller. But I did find it sad and heartbreaking in many places. The story is based on truth and true characters, and brings to life the early days of the garment district and the (Jewish) mafia. An aspect I am not necessarily proud of, but was a part of our history. The hero of the story is Morris (Raab) Rabinowitz, youngest of four sons and six kids, who at age 12 had to become the leader of his family - seemingly the only one who ever stood up to these guys, some who he grew up with. The heroine of the story is clearly wife Ruthie - who is stunning in her devotion and belief in Morris. Little known fact, my grandfather's name was Morris, and he too was a young businessman with no father, trying to make his way in early lower New York. Only he was not in the garment district, he was in the deli business. And he died young. The book was engaging. Less to me of a thriller, with twists and turns and scary or shocking reveals. More of a sad hearbreaking tale of the time. With moments of great resilience in there. Morris is a character all right - and he has integrity and honor. That in that age and environment, as well as in ours today - is no small thing!
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What..is The New Jersey Mafia State -tag???
That's a first for me :)
You are right about this book tagged as Historical Thriller. The author has written many books in HT and in the Mystery genre.
He wanted to write a book with a deeper jewish theme that is true using creative license. I believe this is his second book like this, but not sure.
This book is what he knew about first hand.
My thoughts regarding this book are similar to yours.
Of all the characters in the book, there was only one who stood up for his beliefs. The book shows time and time again that greed trumps loyalty, because... there is no loyalty among friends.
When you think it cant get any worse, you watch men terrorizing their friends for business, all for the love of the mighty dollar. When those warnings showed no results, terrorists were born, disposing anyone in the way. Gross does not "depict" these traits as "jewish". They are real, written as history, and can be compared as similar to mafia movies, books etc.
The embarrassing part for many of us is the representation of characters are "one of our own".
MORRIS WINS RUTHIE:
When Ruthie meets Morris she turns her nose up, as she has no interest in men from the other side of the tracks who are uneducated, and grammatically challenged.
Remarkably, under those circumstances in which the author makes it very clear, Ruthie gives herself a fair amount of time in making a judgement call that would prove her choice correct. Ruthie was shocked when Morris read a book she spoke about, which drove each others points home.
What tipped the scale was the moral compass Ruthie saw in Morris. There is much more one can dissect throughout this book. Just one more point to bring up.
In Judaism, we are taught at an early age that tzedakah and "giving back" is an important quality in our character and jewish culture.
The author finishes (before his note) with a powerful message. Morris had every reason and excuse to do nothing for his community.
Knowing the importance of having that facility, is another tribute to his character.
Great point Stacey, about Ruthie. I was reading this part it brought me back to Germany before the Holocaust and how the German Jews were so assimilated and successful in society that they looked down on other Jews who did not have the same professional or social status. Most did not speak Yiddish and were basically embarrassed by what they considered theses lower class Jews. This same attitude seemed to be what Ruthie had as she first meets Morris.If you have not done this already the next time you get to Manhattan, you should go to the Tenement Museum. This is an actual building built in the mid 1800's that has been preserved and works as a time capsule. it can only be seen by tour and probably the most popular one is the one that depicts two apartments and the families that lived in them.
I loved this book it brought me back to my ancestry. Like Amy, my Grandfather's name was also Morris. He came to Rivington Street on the Lower Eastside in 1908. Unfortunately the similarities do not end there around 1926 his son and my uncle ran out into the street and was hit by a car. He did not die but was mentally impaired for the rest of his life. So very early on the book drew me in. Gross does a great job of showing what happened to Shemeul does not just happen to the individual it happens to a family.
I learned a lot about Jewish gangsters here. I was more familiar with the Italian names then I was the Jewish names. I did not know Dutch Schultz was Jewish. My only knowledge of Thomas Dewey, was the famous Picture of Harry Truman holding the newspaper up saying: DEWEY WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION and that he was Governor of New York. He was obviously a Man who had great accomplishments and achievements. The corruption of the time really affected to me. How the police and firemen and almost anyone of influence could not only be bought but could watch innocent people die .
Gross also did a great job of developing his characters and making you feel their anguish. While we deal with Ant-Semitism to this day, what Morris endured in the Army was hard to read. It was interesting how the author brought his Grandfather into the book in the end and gave you the connection to Morris.
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Jonathan, you've reminded me of a thought I had while reading: is there no antisemitism among thieves? Not the way the author depicted it, or not much. On the other hand, that may be one of the areas of fiction. Although we can learn from the book, and Gross obviously did a lot of research, it's fiction not history.
I agree with both of you, Stacey and Jonathan and everyone, about how wonderful it is to see someone stand up for integrity and values, especially these days. It must have been foolhardy yo do the right thing - and yet that is who Mortis was!
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Nice review.
Thank you for the recommendation- Will do.
Im so sorry about your family tragedy. I bet you were surprised when you read that part.
I wasn't aware of how deep the corruption was at that time. Then again, if I gave it deeper thought, I would say there were too many deaths and incidents that never got the attention from the higher-ups, because the ones on the street received "shut-up money.
I, as well, am not familiar with these mob names.
My husband just told me that Arnold Rothstein was the guy who threw the 1919 World Series, and Shoeless Joe was banned from baseball.
Funny- I said "Isn"t Shoeless Joe Jackson the guy in the movie "If You Build It, They Will Come? He just shook his head:(
Thanks Stacey, You should stream the movie Eight Men Out. It will make you a 1919 BlackSox aficionado I was familiar only with Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel. While some of the other names I heard of I did not associate them with being Jewish.
I am late to the game but just ordered the book. Busy January so I have been lurking more than posting. :.)
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Lurk away; we love it.
Let us know what you thought of the book.
approached this book after a friend recommended it as a potential book for my synagogue book club. So my point of intersection was that it was about a lesser known but significant part of the Jewish immigrant story in NYC- along with the unions, murder incorporated and the Jewish mob.It was fine for all of that information, seemingly well researched and written.
However one of the challenges for me in historical novels is the balance between portraying the history and developing the novel. I can't say this wasn't balanced and i knew from a review that it was the story in part of his grandfather, but it just didn't engage me until pretty close to the end.
In choosing a book, i need to feel that it will stimulate enough conversation to sustain the book club session. For that to happen the characters themselves have to incite discussion. Here i thought the character's motivations could be stated in a sentence or two as there wasn't a great deal of depth.
If i had been reading this book on a vacation without assessing it all through out my reading i am sure i would have felt more positive.
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Shelley, thanks for your comment. Stacey and I were just ruminating about how to get people talking, but your hypothesis is one we didn't get to. I think what you wrote on Button Man is an important point, yet in one book club I was in, the book voted favorite for the year was the most shallow you can imagine, with stereotypical characters and a conventional plot. And no I'm not going to say the book's name at this point. I hope we'll have a variety of different books!
I'm certainly not trying to say Button Man was like that "favorite book" I mentioned above. I think the book can raise significant topics, despite its genre.
Won't you please jump in with a nomination when it's time for the next poll?
this is my frustration. I may set too high a bar for the books i choose in that i want everything! The rule is it can't be like a million other stories we have read- it has to stretch us in some way-expose us to things about Judaism or Jewish life or Israel that are less familiar. We only do one holocaust book a year although i may be breaking that rule by choosing The World That We Knew for my next book.I always check to see which books have won awards but am often disappointed. I read the Third Daughter which certainly satisfied my requirement of being exposed to lesser known chapters in Jewish history, but in my opinion the novelistic part was just not rich enough for an in depth discussion. I have a co-ed book club with a mix of people but basically they leave it all to me to choose the book, facilitate the discussion, provide background info, etc. I am compulsive in my preparation- that is my failing although it is often experienced as a strength by others. That means i often reread books to prepare.
We read: Second Person Singular; The plot against America; Memento Park; Betrayers; Waking Lions, the ministry of special Cases, the song of names. etc. all well written.
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I have not found a book that generates the discussion itself, so far, and in the book group I have now, I too take a lot of responsibility. I call it a book study group instead of a book club. It's in its 5th year and hope it continues. In that one there's push and pull as to what book is chosen.
The book club I spoke of before was a general book club and I was just a member. Both of those are/were coed, but I'm also in another one where all of us are ladies "of a certain age," and I get frustrated with the lightness and randomness of the choices, so I have tried to intrude choices I want there, too! But many books no matter how light have discussion questions at the end that often seem like busy work and not issues I care about.
I thought Button Man actually did some teaching about Judaism and I've already given it to one loved one for that reason. Although some commenters or reviewers were sensitive about this book b/c of the subject matter -- Jews & organized crime -- I wrote in my review that it was "good for the Jews." I was really just being ironic and jokey, but subsequently began to think of that old phrase as potentially a useful one!
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all of the books i mentioned led to very full discussions with some help from my in depth research. that benefits me too as it enriches the experience and i see things i never saw when just reading the books the first time. It is just that i have a pile of books to read and i am always reading books to vet for the club and never get to "non club books". we will do button man at some point but not the third daughter
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New member, so I’m late to the party. I heard Andrew Gross speak recently as part of the local Jewish Book Festival. In addition to talking about his newest book (Fifth Column?), he talked about this book and I was rather intrigued. I was so excited when I found it last week at our library’s book sale, so I grabbed it. Haven’t had a chance to start it yet though.
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Andrew Gross is a great speaker!!! I downloaded "The Fifth Column"
which hopefully I can start before the end of the month.
I really enjoyed Button Man, learning a few facts.
Have you read the other reviews from our members?
There are some pretty Interesting comments.
By all means post a general Goodreads review, which will also show up for those who go to the Jewish Book Club bookshelf and click on "view activity."
A link to your review in lieu of replicating here is also an option.