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Author William J. Kennedy booklist (click here)

Book Review By Jack Goodstein
Ironweed by William J. Kennedy

   Francis Phelan returned to Albany twenty two years after leaving his family to go on the run because he killed a strike breaker with a rock. All this time he has been tramping around the country, and now back home, he begins to take stock of his past life and come to terms with his family. Kennedy describes three days in his life as Francis wanders around Albany, works at odd jobs, visits with his wife and children and meets his grandson. Although they seem to be willing to take him back, his sense of honor will not allow him to stay.
   Helen, the woman he is currently involved with is sick and he tries to help her with some money, but it is too late. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Francis finds that changing one's life is not always possible.


Plot & Themes
Tone of book? - thoughtful
Time/era of story - 1930's-1950's
Internal struggle/realization? Yes
Struggle over
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Pearls of wisdom from homeless? Yes

Main Character
Gender - Male
Profession/status:
Age: - 60's-90's
Ethnicity/Nationality

Main Adversary
Identity: - society

Setting
How much descriptions of surroundings? - 4 ()
United States Yes
The US: - Northeast

Writing Style
Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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