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The Iron Will of Shoeshine Cats
334 pages, 2009
fiction
1382 booksFrom the author of the short fiction collection based on a True Story comes a vibrant, hilarious addition to the genre of mob tragicomedy. Twenty-year-old Russell Newhouse, a quick-witted scholar, and skirt-chaser have New York’s organized crime scene thrust upon him by a man called Shushan “Shoeshine” Cats, who interrupts a meeting of a Brooklyn Jewish men’s society where Russell is serving as secretary. Shushan needs a favor and promptly takes Russell under his wing.
What ensues is a classic boy-meets-mob story: part noir, part comedy, part epic. Kestin’s richly layered characters—a monstrously obese German organized crime attorney named Frit von Zeppelin, a Jewish Texan who speaks in malapropisms, a dentist who anglicizes or Yiddishizes his name depending on his mood—are straight out of Dickens; his vivid attention to the details of place, New York, and time, 1963, is like poetic journalism; and his snappy, concise prose and dialogue is on par with Raymond Chandler.
In The Iron Will of Shoeshine Cats, Hesh Kestin explores the theme of ambition. The protagonist, Russell Newhouse, is a young man with big dreams. He's not afraid to take risks and make bold moves to achieve his goals. This book will inspire you to chase your dreams, no matter how big they are.
Kestin digs deep into the intricacies of human relationships. He shows us how our connections with others can shape our lives, for better or worse. You'll find yourself reflecting on your own relationships as you read this book.
Success isn't always as glamorous as it seems. The Iron Will of Shoeshine Cats shows us the darker side of achieving your dreams. It's a reminder that success can come with a price, and it's important to stay grounded.
If you're a fan of historical fiction, you'll love how Kestin brings 1960s New York to life. He paints a vivid picture of the city's underworld, making you feel like you're right there in the middle of it all.
One of the key takeaways from The Iron Will of Shoeshine Cats is the importance of resilience. The protagonist faces numerous challenges and setbacks, but he never gives up. This book will inspire you to keep going, no matter what life throws at you.
