Quarter Finalist

Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Lehman carefully structures this memoir with ample background information to build interest and ground the time and place of his father, Harold “Buddy” Lehman’s, story, following his childhood to his time as a medic during the Second World War to his death. The greater framework of life during mid-20th century in America and abroad becomes a fascinating spotlight throughout. 

Prose: Lehman writes convincing, historic prose and supports his thoughts with tremendous attention to detail. The style allows Buddy’s story to unfold logically, effortlessly building the backdrop and transporting readers into the memoir’s timeframe.

Originality: The brilliance of Lehman’s writing centers on his ability to bring the past to life, whether it’s recounting war events or Buddy’s relationship with his wife, Dora, all bolstered by significant historical details and personal context.

Character/Execution: Buddy comes to life through Lehman’s writing, as does the time period of Lehman’s recollections, particularly the intricacies of Lehman’s mother being Jewish amid the events of World War II. In many ways, Lehman writes to discover his father’s personality—which was not clearly evident to him during his father’s life—as he looks back with a practiced eye on his family memories. 

Date Submitted: January 31, 2024