Ham on Rye

This story starts in 1922, in Germany and is told from the perspective of a young boy, Henry Buskowsi. Even his earliest memories are of discord in his family. His father is controlling and hateful, his mother a passive observer, and his grandmother a bitter, hateful person. This scenario does not bode well for young Henry. The family moves to L.A. where Henry enrolls in a hostile school and the family is distant from the rest of the community. Even though Henry's family is of the same income bracket as the rest of the neighborhood, his parents consider themselves better than their neighbors and forbid Henry to play with the other children. It would seem as though this family did not have the corner on hate, as the children at school bully any child who is weak or otherwise vulnerable, making Henry's existence a living nightmare. 

One of the most disturbing elements of the reading is Henry's inability to express himself. His father does not wish to hear his son communicate, saying that children should be seen and not heard. One of the family's relatives perceptively noted that 'still waters run deep', referring to Henry and I think that insight will be prophetic as the story progresses. 

Even this early in the book, I can tell that I haven't read anything remotely resembling this narrative. It is crass, harsh, and offers a version of reality that no one would desire. I am curious to see where the author takes young Henry, but I must say, I am not too optimistic about the boy's future.