Jerome Charyn Book order

Set in early 20th-century Manhattan, the narrative explores themes of crime, corruption, and antisemitism within the Jewish immigrant community. Abraham Cahan, a prominent figure, guides orphan Ben Ravage from trade school to Harvard Law. However, Ben chooses to return to his roots as a detective for the Kehilla, a group aiming to cleanse the Lower East Side of crime. Tasked with capturing a violent figure preying on local prostitutes, Ben's destiny becomes entwined with this sinister antagonist, reflecting the complexities of identity and morality in a tumultuous era.

Set in Manhattan's Lower East Side during the early 20th century, the story explores the struggles of Jewish immigrants through the eyes of Ben Ravage, an orphan sent to Harvard by Abraham Cahan, the conscience of the community. Upon his return, Ben chooses to become a detective for the Kehilla, confronting crime in his neighborhood rather than escaping it. Tasked with capturing a violent villain preying on local prostitutes, Ben's journey intertwines with the dark forces of his past, creating a gripping tale of revenge and identity.

Narrated by a starry-eyed reporter, Big Red reimagines the tragic career of Rita Hayworth and her indomitable husband, Orson Welles. An insightful, tender portrait of a seemingly halcyon age before blockbusters and film franchises, Big Red promises to consume both Hollywood cinephiles and neophytes alike....

Grounded in biographical fact and reimagined as only Charyn could, Sergeant Salinger is an astonishing portrait of a devastated young man on his way to becoming the mythical figure behind The Catcher in the Rye, a novel that has marked generations....

Set against the backdrop of 1940s Bronx during World War II, this memoir explores the life of Faigele, a captivating poker dealer, and her son, Jerome, known as Baby. As they navigate a world filled with political corruption and immigrant struggles, Jerome's childhood is intricately woven into the vibrant yet harsh environment of the poker hall, which serves as both his playground and school. The narrative delves into themes of beauty, innocence, and the complexities of growing up amid societal challenges, capturing the essence of a child's perspective in a tumultuous time.

Set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, a dedicated spy embarks on a perilous mission filled with treachery and danger. His objective is to rescue the woman he loves, forcing him to confront the dark realities of a regime marked by brutality. As he maneuvers through a web of deceit and peril, the story explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice in a time of great moral complexity.

Two brothers: one, a man of God; the other, a man of the Mob. In a city on the edge of chaos, they'll do anything to survive. The story begins in New York City... one hour into the future. Crime runs rampant, rogue cops patrol the rubble-strewn streets, predatory gangs steal anything that isn't nailed down, and the once powerful mafia Dons cower in fear in their tenement prisons. Someone is killing the mob chieftains one by one, and the last survivors call on Alonzo, the Family Man, to hunt down the murderer. But it won't be easy--not when Alonzo's own brother Charles, the gun-toting Monsignor of the corruption-ridden New York City police department, is a prime suspect. "Jerome Charyn is a master." -Warren Ellis "To finally have this collection between these two giants available in a single volume is a gift for which we can only hope to be worthy." -Howard Chaykin "The tension established between Joe's cartooning instincts and the bleak subject matter produces a finished product satisfying to anyone serious about comics art." -Phil Hester

Charyn, like Nabokov, is that most fiendish sort of writer-so seductive as to beg imitation, so singular as to make imitation impossible. -Tom Bissell

This lyrical autobiography consists of essays that pay tribute to outlier artists and the influential figures—both heroes and villains—who shaped the author's life and work. Through personal reflections, the celebrated author explores themes of creativity, inspiration, and the complexities of artistic influence, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his journey and the diverse personalities that have impacted his perspective.

The narrative explores the tumultuous life of a renowned author, deeply affected by the ravages of war. It delves into the complexities of his experiences, revealing a life marked by intrigue and scandal. As the story unfolds, it unravels the mysteries surrounding his personal and professional struggles, offering a poignant reflection on the impact of trauma and the quest for redemption.