Empty Stockings: A Brooklyn Christmas Tale

My feelings were one of nostalgia when I got into this family's moving story in this heartwrenching novel by Denis Hamill. I found myself swept into the saga of the coming of age experience of a young teenager and how he carries the flag of inspiration to his younger siblings, his crippled father, and his hopeful mother. I gained insight into the politics of the time in early 1960's Brooklyn. I remember similar experiences in my youth so much that I have passed this novel to my own thirteen year old son, for him to acquire an understanding of another era not too long ago. This is a good, quick read for anyone!

This is a powerful, beautifully written novel, set in Brooklyn's Irish neighborhood during the time of JFK's assassination. Denis Hamill captures this tragic time with chilling accuracy. He has a great gift for bringing his characters to life, and he is a wonderful storyteller. The plot unfolds with some very compelling twists! I couldn't put it down. I told several of my friends about this book, and they loved it, too. I recommend it very highly!!