Bruiser - by Ian Chorao (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

BRUISER is the story and the nickname of a nine-year-old boy living in a highly dysfunctional family in the 1970's (a bit like "The Ice Storm" on the Upper West Side) whose search for meaning and answers leads him to the open road and, eventually, the seeds of wisdom. Through the limitations of a young boy's awareness, we see the deteriorating marriage of his distant father and struggling mother, and the effects of their conflicts on Bruiser and his two older brothers. The disjunction between his literal misinterpretations, which often contain an emotional truth, and our adult understanding of the circumstances, creates the tension that runs throughout the novel. Bruiser has a kindred spirit in Darla, the prococious daughter in an already broken home who lives across the alleyway. As the tension mounts in each household, Darla conceives of a plan for the two of them that takes Bruiser on the most frightening and illuminating journey of his life, and one that will have tragic consequences.

Review Quotes

Andrew Winer author of "The Color Midnight Made" With this auspicious debut, Ian Chorao affords us a disquieting yet tender glimpse into the mind of a very special ten-year-old boy who is forced to confront the vicissitudes of the adult world. As his nickname suggests, Bruiser is susceptible to the blows of life; even beauty strikes his sensitive soul as painful. In prose both haunting and revelatory, Chorao reminds us of all the heartache and wonder that attend childhood's end. I will not soon forget this poignant first novel.

Cindy Eppes author of "South of Reason" With prose both fairy-tale simple and brutally true, Ian Chorao creates Bruiser, a boy whose courage, wit, and humor grabbed my heart and tugged it along on his uproarious heartbreaking journey.

Jennifer Lauck author of "Blackbird" and "Still Waters" Ian Chorao shows a wonderful gift for capturing the inner dynamic of a child trying to find his way in the adult world. He is an exceptional writer who held me captive.

"Booklist," starred review

Exquisite evocations of...pain and wonder....Profoundly transporting.

"Booklist"

Chorao, an extraordinarily gifted first-time novelist, achieves a lyrical intensity and psychological acuity akin to that of Henry Roth.

"Library Journal"

Gripping....Exciting...convincingly depicts the inner landscape of children's fantasies and nightmares.

"Time Out New York"

[A] remarkable debut....An unusually vivid snapshot of a child at the end of childhood, "Bruiser" marks Chorao as a major new talent.

"Booklist"

Chor& #227; o, an extraordinarily gifted first-time novelist, achieves a lyrical intensity and psychological acuity akin to that of Henry Roth.

About the Author

Ian Chorão grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, like his main character. He lives in New York City with his wife and son.