Book set in America about a young boy

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Book set in America about a young boy

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1AWicke
Mai 23, 2016, 9:03 am

Hi,

Sadly, I'm not sure which city or state, but maybe it was California, possibly during the first or second world war. It's a 'coming of age' story about a boy who needed to get a job, so firstly was hired (I think!) as a delivery/telegram boy. Then a customer, an old lady that no one liked, took 'a liking' to him, and asked him to do her accounts. There was something about the war, as well, and how he couldn't go, but maybe his brother did and died? And a girl, too, that he also delivered to, and experienced sexual interest for and fell in love with. Maybe she was slightly crippled? He also ended up stealing a bit off the top of the lady's accounts to pay for something; maybe an education? She was an ornery old lady, but liked him for some reason. He felt guilty, and tried to make it up to her...

Can anyone help?

2Cecrow
Mai 24, 2016, 11:09 am

This sounds vaguely like The Human Comedy by William Saroyan. The kid works in the telegram office, his older brother goes to the war. But I don't remember a love interest or a lady he steals from.

3AWicke
Mai 25, 2016, 4:55 am

That's it!!

I probably mixed some details from another story. But I looked up the story, and he def has a love interest (of sorts). Precious book. Thank you so much for identifying it for me. My late husband introduced me to it when we first met (as well as so many other books). But when we got married, and I left America to be with him in England, it got lost in the shuffle of life. And I never knew there was a 1948 film made of it, with Mickey Rooney, etc. Saw some clips on Youtube. Looks excellent. Might have to purchase a copy (unless I can find it on Netflix or Amazon prime).

Thanks again,

Ang

4Cecrow
Bearbeitet: Mai 25, 2016, 9:44 am

You're welcome! It's possible I don't remember the details you mentioned and they're in it. I mostly remember the younger brother, Ulysses. I discovered it when it made the list of 501 Must-Read Books.

5AWicke
Mai 27, 2016, 3:25 am

I've just ordered the book. The DVD seems to be only region one. Not as easily played in the UK. My silly Blue ray player doesn't play region one. But my mini-DVD player does. Gosh, the film does look good, though, on Youtube! Mickey Rooney. What a guy!! So happy you helped me with this.

All the best!