Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
Anthony is a coming of age story written by Harold J. Fischel. Anthony is the child of Lieutenant General Bruce Walker and his mistress, Yuni. When Walker dies in an accident, he acknowledges Anthony as his son and provides for him and his mother. Yuni's medical bills quickly erode that inheritance, however, and she is forced to declare bankruptcy and move into a NYC Housing Authority project. When we first meet Anthony, he's trying desperately to persuade his mother to let him bring Zorbo, his dog, with them to the new apartment where dogs are not allowed. One of the movers who knows the manager of the building intercedes, and Anthony is allowed to keep his best friend. The new neighborhood is challenging for the young boy, but new friends, caring adults and the efforts of the coach at the YMCA make the transition a lot easier.
Harold J. Fischel's coming of age story, Anthony, is inspiring and heartwarming. Anthony's life is turned upside down by his mother's illness, but the adults he comes in contact with as he grows up help make his life story a triumphant one. Yuni's friend, Aunt Rita, is a marvelous character as are Kay and her parents. Anthony's progression from a withdrawn, small and chubby kid into a confident, caring and ethical young man is wonderful to watch. Fischel's writing style is accomplished and smooth, and I quickly became immersed in this athletic and ethical story of triumph over adversity. Anthony is a marvelous book and is highly recommended reading.
Reviewed By Katelyn Hensel for Readers’ Favorite
Harold J. Fischel's book Anthony is as meaningful as it is simple. A simple story, with a normal plot, but the depth and the meaning within is so much more. To say that Anthony has had a rough life would be a major understatement. The product of an affair, his relationship with his father had always been strained, but then when his father dies, and his mother falls terminally ill, it's really like life is at an end. Neighborhood violence brings out a spark within Anthony that he didn't even know existed, and he starts to grow into a man - if not in mind, at least in body. His maturity, however, has a long way to go to match the newly adult body. It will take several encounters and shocking moments to get him to finally leave behind the doubts and pain of his childhood and become a true adult.
It's not often that I find a book that truly moves me, but Anthony may have just been it. Anthony is so real...such a realistic and poignant character. He is bitter, confused, sad, angry, and while his experience is not necessarily the norm of a typical young adult, you can easily relate to him. What a transformation. Anthony goes from a scared and weak child to a fierce, understanding, and competent young man. I loved seeing the way that other people had an effect on him. Usually you see characters change because of events that happen, but Anthony really changed based on his perception of himself vs. the perception that others have of him. Fischel writes with skill and craftsmanship that is a joy to read. I would read anything else he has to offer in a heartbeat.
Reviewed By Lorena Sanqui for Readers’ Favorite
Anthony lost his dad to an accident at a young age, and then lost his mom, Yuni, to cancer when he was in high school. Yuni’s best friend, Rita, took Anthony in and treated him like her own son until Rita’s urges got the better of her and she entered into a sexual relationship with Anthony. Anthony was a willing participant, but being a minor and Rita’s ward didn’t go down well with the police and they sent Rita to jail. Now Anthony is back in college and he’s having issues with getting into relationships. Luckily for him, Kay Goodman loves him very much and will not give up on him. Will Anthony and Kay get together and have a happy ending in Anthony by Harold J. Fischel.
Anthony by Harold J. Fischel is a wonderful coming of age novel. I loved the story of Anthony, but it didn’t seem to follow one plot line. There were lots of smaller stories crammed in the book, although they all revolved around Anthony. It was okay but everything happened too fast; there was conflict after conflict so that it felt like there was no real climax and the ending seemed abrupt. On the other hand, I welcomed all the surprises and I loved all the characters. Anthony was resilient and strong, even when he was still a kid. Everything he experienced growing up only made him stronger, some of the things that happened to him even made me cry. Aunt Rita was a really nice person who just made some mistakes. Kay was persistent and supportive in all that Anthony does. All the supporting characters also played big roles in Anthony’s success. Overall, a good book with great characters.
Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite
Anthony by Harold J. Fischel is a wonderful story of sadness, tragedy and hope. Anthony is the secret love child of a famous US General Bruce Walker and his mistress, Yuni. When Bruce Walker dies in a plane crash, though he has left a considerable amount of money in his will for his mistress and his son, the court rules against her and Yuni is forced to move into a tiny apartment in New York. Anthony becomes an easy target for the bullies who make his life miserable inside and outside the school, while Yuni is battling cancer. But things change for him slowly after an attack on him which makes him fight back. He grows to become tall and physically fit like his father. But as situations improve, another tragedy strikes. Now this time will Anthony be able to get through it?
The story evokes poignant feelings and it is wonderfully narrated. All the characters have important roles that have been portrayed well. Anthony's growing up and leaving behind a troubled childhood, to finally becoming a responsible husband and father has been developed well. His leaving behind the stigma of being an illegitimate son and then holding down an important job position is true to the times and resonates well with readers. The language is simple as it targets young adults. The story line is fascinating, which will make it difficult for readers to put the book down. On the whole, it is a very interesting book.
Reviewed By Melinda Hills for Readers’ Favorite
Mr. Fischel;
I truly enjoyed the book and felt that it told a terrific story. You portrayed Anthony’s younger years with warmth and compassion and provided him with many opportunities to rise above his circumstances. As he grew up and began the relationship with Rita, it was portrayed naturally and innocently in its own way and, again, provided opportunity for Anthony to grow, mature and understand himself. I really appreciate the way you allow Anthony to restrain himself in so many different situations and not ‘go with the flow’ – do what everyone else is doing because of peer pressure. It is also important later in the story as his daughter is intimidated by her fear of how others will react to her, so Anthony’s experiences are a good background from which he can provide understanding and guidance.
