It is 1934, and New York City is in the icy grip of the Great Depression. With enormous compassion, Dr. James Delaney tends to his hurt, sick, and ...
read full description
reviews
Aug 05, 2011
Elizabeth (Alaska)
rated it: 
I knew before I finished that I would score this one 5 stars. It's a love story, but so much more than a love story. Dr. Jim Delaney and Ruth Verga are people you would be proud to know. Not because they are such perfect people (they're not) but because deep down they are good, honest, and courageous people. There is a short interview with the author in the edition I read, and he says he made the Greenwich Village neighborhood one of the characters of the story. Aha, I thought, that's at least p
More...
6 comments
like
(5 people liked it)
Jul 08, 2008
Rose
rated it:
This book is a must read for any one who lived and loved in Brooklyn after the war.
Pete Hamill has a way of writing that makes you feel as if you are a part of the story.
Fantastic read.
Pete Hamill has a way of writing that makes you feel as if you are a part of the story.
Fantastic read.
2 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jul 30, 2008
RJ
rated it: 
Overall this was a good read with some minor annoyances.
A 40ish Irish doctor in the West Village in the Great Depression. His wife has gone missing for a year, their marriage was not blissful since WWI (some 18 years before), his daughter is flighty married to a Mexican revolutionary. The daughter dumps off her 3 year old son and journeys to Spain in search of her husband. The lonely doctor takes in the boy and hires a 30ish Italian woman to care for him. Of course they all bon More...
A 40ish Irish doctor in the West Village in the Great Depression. His wife has gone missing for a year, their marriage was not blissful since WWI (some 18 years before), his daughter is flighty married to a Mexican revolutionary. The daughter dumps off her 3 year old son and journeys to Spain in search of her husband. The lonely doctor takes in the boy and hires a 30ish Italian woman to care for him. Of course they all bon More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 17, 2009
Seth
rated it:
I enjoyed this book. It's not as good as "Forever", another of Hammill's books, but it is written in a similar style and does well at making the reader feel as if they are in New York in the 30s. The characters are rich and Hammill does a good job at moving the plot along at a quick pace. I lost track of the time in the book periodically and had trouble really understanding why Delaney was in this predicament. The true richness of this book, however, are the characters themselves. Hamm
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 20, 2011
Kerry
rated it:
Read my full review at <a href="http://www.entomologyofabookworm.com/2011/10/audiobook-review-north-river-by-pete.html"</a>.
Dr. James Delaney is our compassionate and kindly and downright likeable protagonist, spending his days caring for the sick of Manhattan's West Village--regardless of their ability to pay him for his services. At home, however, he is both lonely and alone, left by both his wife, who disappeared over two years earlier, and his daughter, who ran o More...
Dr. James Delaney is our compassionate and kindly and downright likeable protagonist, spending his days caring for the sick of Manhattan's West Village--regardless of their ability to pay him for his services. At home, however, he is both lonely and alone, left by both his wife, who disappeared over two years earlier, and his daughter, who ran o More...
Jan 11, 2012
Sheila
rated it: 
Doctor Delaney returns home one snowy day to find his 3 year old grandson inside the front door of his house. His daughter, Grace has left a message, she has gone off to Europe to try to find her Mexican husband. Jim Delaney is angry she has left with no prior warning. A friend finds a woman, Rose to help him look after Carlito. Jim's wife, Molly left without a word several years prior, she was last seen walking down a pier and it is suspected she committed suicide. Jim had enlisted in WW1 even
More...
Feb 28, 2011
bookczuk
rated it:
I read Pete Hamill books for many reasons, but one is because I love to see how he plays out his adoration for New York City. The city is more than a location for Hamill, it is a character in his writings. The man is in love with the place, its setting, history, people, quirks and sites. Through him, I get glimpses into the New York of the past, in the days before chain stores and globalization. It's one of the main things that keeps me reading Hamill -- he keeps declaring his love, and I ke
More...
Sep 29, 2011
Susan
rated it:
I can’t understand why no one has yet made this novel into a film. Though I checked, I can’t even find any information about the novel being optioned for a film. That’s a shame.
Set in New York City in the 1930s, "North River" tells the story of Dr. Delaney and his practice in the “old neighborhood,” including patients with mob connections. His demons include his voluntary service in World War I and the disappearance of his wife, the love of his life, and his daughter, who mys More...
Set in New York City in the 1930s, "North River" tells the story of Dr. Delaney and his practice in the “old neighborhood,” including patients with mob connections. His demons include his voluntary service in World War I and the disappearance of his wife, the love of his life, and his daughter, who mys More...
Jan 14, 2012
S.B.
rated it:
I really enjoyed "Snow in August" which I read many years ago. I think Pete Hamill is a wonderful writer. This book gives a real sense of the sights, smells and atmosphere of NY in the 1930s New York, as well as the interrelationships of the Irish, Italian and Jewish immigrants.
The plot was not as gripping as I would have liked. A middle-aged doctor, whose wife disappeared, is left with his 3 year old grandson, (temporarily abandoned by his 20 year old daughter who went to Europ More...
The plot was not as gripping as I would have liked. A middle-aged doctor, whose wife disappeared, is left with his 3 year old grandson, (temporarily abandoned by his 20 year old daughter who went to Europ More...
Jun 24, 2010
Dave
rated it:
This is the first time I read some of the other reviews before adding my own. Despite the influence, I still find it to be a three star book. In my first Hamill novel, I found that his delivery for the characters was very straightforward. They held a superficial depth (oxymoron?) for the most part, never quite getting to a point where the reader could condemn or sympathize. As I read, I found myself wanting to feel sorry for Dr. Delaney, and wanting to think of Grace as a horribly irresponsi
More...
Dec 28, 2008
Megan
rated it: 
This book was strange for me. It was interesting enough that I wanted to keep reading it, but when I finished I realized it wasn't really that good. I think the problem for me was that the book seemed like it was leading up to something really big. I kept waiting and waiting for it, but it turned out to be extremely anti-climatic.
0 comments
like
(4 people liked it)
Apr 11, 2010
Lindsay
rated it:
This is a story about a doctor during the Depression who helps everyone, regardless if they can pay him or not. He's a good guy who's wife disappeared, and his daughter dumps off his grandchild while she searches for the father. Since he can't take care of the child on his own, he hires a nanny-type person, only to find love again. It's a good story, I was very into it until about half way when I just wanted it to end because I couldn't really figure out the direction the writer was going in. I'
More...
Jul 15, 2010
Stanley's Mom
rated it:
I was looking for was typical Hamill: gritty and sharp.
And the first couple of chapters led me to believe I was going to get just that. But then the story devolved... almost to the point of being a Chick Book with nice, safe, predictable characters with an ending to match.
One thing even more off putting than the story's predictability was Hamill's obvious respect for the Tammany Hall machine that still had power in the early '30s. I don't think I've ever heard Tammany Hall More...
And the first couple of chapters led me to believe I was going to get just that. But then the story devolved... almost to the point of being a Chick Book with nice, safe, predictable characters with an ending to match.
One thing even more off putting than the story's predictability was Hamill's obvious respect for the Tammany Hall machine that still had power in the early '30s. I don't think I've ever heard Tammany Hall More...
Apr 30, 2009
George
rated it:
Pete Hamill's book, 'North River' is peopled by a cast of Runyonesque-type characters who should be both colorful and interesting, but, somehow, come across in this story a little flat. Perhaps that was a reflection of the times: the 1930's, at the height of the Depression.
I love New York City, and reading about its history. The only thing I seemed to learn about New York from this novel, however, is that Washington Square was once a potter's field. I didn't know that.
More...
I love New York City, and reading about its history. The only thing I seemed to learn about New York from this novel, however, is that Washington Square was once a potter's field. I didn't know that.
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Mar 03, 2011
Afton
rated it:
I really loved this book. One of the best I've read in a long time. I totally enjoyed the author's detail to the NYC neighborhoods. Manhattan seemed like it was another character in this beautiful WWII historical fiction novel. I was fascinated by the life of this doctor who made house calls, made peace with gangsters in the mob, and raised his 2-year-old grandson with the help of a feisty Italian woman. It had enough mystery and innocent romance to keep me hooked everyday. In fact, I could
More...
Jun 18, 2010
Cheryl
rated it:
Set in the early 1930's in New York, Dr. Jim Delany has returned to his medical practice after serving in and being wounded in World War I. But he feels empty and lonely. His wife has deserted him, and his daughter has eloped with her Mexican husband. His life suddenly changes when he finds his 3 year old grandson on his doorstep--his daughter has gone to find her missing husband. Delany hires an illegal Italian immigrant, Rosa, to act as the child's caregiver while he tends to his practice. Pr
More...
Jul 15, 2009
Lou
rated it:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is my second Pete Hamill book. After "Downtown" I promised myself to read more of his material but got sidetracked. Now I am so happy to have re discovered him. Some things just ring true with New Yorkers: going up town, lower east side, delis, the Met, the Train ( subway), crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, jumping off piers, playing in the "street", tough guys, good guys, food, the aroma of food...I remember his columns in the papers and the
More...
Oct 06, 2009
I liked the story and the characters. The author didn't want to commit to either the deep emotional drama nor into the action of New York gangsters but rather chose to balance between the two. The result was an interesting story with lots of potential but little punch. I kept waiting for something to happen, to bust the low tension wide open but in the end it fizzled out to something of a "whew, that was close! Good thing A,B,and C didn't happen!" As a reader, I would have liked A o
More...
Oct 07, 2011
Audrey
rated it:
This book was a cozy, best friend; I looked forward to reading it each night after a long day and a hot shower. It is a simple yet amazingly written story about a Doctor dealing with the disappearance of his wife, the sudden appearance of his grandson, gangsters and a new Italian love.
I felt lost a few nights after completing the book, trying to find a replacement for such a well-crafted tale. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading some good fiction which ele More...
I felt lost a few nights after completing the book, trying to find a replacement for such a well-crafted tale. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading some good fiction which ele More...
Jun 05, 2011
Zachary
rated it:
I find this book to have the same feeling that I got from reading the book Angela's Ashes last year. It has that very brisk and ominous old style New york city tone that sets up perfect and ample mental visualizations for the reader. The plot is also very interesting because most of the books I read don't usually set up a doctor to be the protagonist, especially a doctor in the 1930s where there was very little medicine. The author also includes great aspects of characterization, giving Doctor D
More...
Mar 23, 2011
JoAnne
rated it:
New York City in 1934 is frozen in the grip of the Great Depression. So is Dr. James Delaney, whose wife recently deserted him and whose daughter left her three-year-old son on his doorstep. Having lost his money in a bank that folded, Dr. Delaney, wounded in World War I, soldiers on, taking care of the Greenwich Village poor whether they can pay or not. Out of necessity, he hires Rose, a Sicilian, to take care of his grandson Carlito and the house, and gradually Dr. Delaney begins to respond to
More...
Jul 06, 2009
Maria
rated it:
I've never read anything by this man before. My father was born in Hell's Kitchen, I myself grew up on the NY streets, and I was curious to see how Hamill portrays this very interesting depression era. From what I can glean, it's historically accurate, and while I don't particularly care for this guy's style I have to admit I got a thrill reading about "my territory." In fact, I wanted more -- like, WHERE on 18th Street? It's a good, fast-paced novel, and Hamill makes his reader ca
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Aug 11, 2011
North River is another great book by Pete Hamill that once again showcases his knowledge of and familiarity with New York and its history. It also showcases his easy writing style that makes it enjoyable to totally lose yourself in the story he's telling. The one problem I had with North River is that I never really liked or connected with Rose. I feel it's important to connect with the main characters, but I found myself doubting the wisdom of Dr. Delany and connecting more with receptionist Mo
More...
Nov 25, 2009
Kathryn
rated it:
OK, I count it as "reading" if I'm listening in the car. Have to make use of that time - it's at least 60 min/day. So...I have no idea what "page" I'm on. It's one of those minibook player things, so I don't even know how much is left, like I would if it were a CD. It's interesting not knowing when the end is coming!
Overall, I liked the story. He writes with great detail - sometimes, it's as if he's so proud of his research about what was on the radio, showin More...
Overall, I liked the story. He writes with great detail - sometimes, it's as if he's so proud of his research about what was on the radio, showin More...
Jul 29, 2010
Pamela
rated it:
This was a very gentle story set in the Depression years in New York City where a physician in a poor neighborhood finds his small grandson left at his door. Through caring for the child and with the help of the child's caretaker Rose, Delaney comes to life again, for the first time since his wife's disappearance almost two years before. The novel covers the gang wars that erupt and the meager existence of city dwellers during the Depression. There is no big climactic moment but rather a gr
More...
Jul 29, 2009
Donna Jo
rated it:
Set in the middle of the Great Depression, North River draws a convincing picture of doctor James Delaney who lives and works in New York City among of mix of the laboring class. He had survived the Great War of 1917-1919, but a a great cost to emotional health.
Now he is dealing with the disappearance of his wife and the unexpected appearance of his three-year old grandson.
This is not a book to read in a hurry. The characters demand time to get to know them and in return reward y More...
Now he is dealing with the disappearance of his wife and the unexpected appearance of his three-year old grandson.
This is not a book to read in a hurry. The characters demand time to get to know them and in return reward y More...
Apr 09, 2010
Paige [eastIndies.]
rated it:
This is such a beautiful story. Pete Hamill has a wonderful way of story-telling. He did it with Forever, and he did it again with North River, being more conventional however still maintaining his distinct style. Clearly, Pete is a god among men when it comes to story telling.
This novel, about a older Doctor who finds himself much more fortunate,in terms of wealth, in the midst of the Depression. However, before the main conflict comes to life, he's quite lonely (both his wife and daught More...
This novel, about a older Doctor who finds himself much more fortunate,in terms of wealth, in the midst of the Depression. However, before the main conflict comes to life, he's quite lonely (both his wife and daught More...
Jan 22, 2009
Kendra
rated it:
This is the epitome of what a bookclub pick should be, really. Hamill's "North River" is not anything I would have picked up on my own. The first few pages, sporting a storyline of gangster gun wounds and Depression era America oppression, had me wondering, "Am I even going to want to finish a chapter, let alone this whole book?" And then something clicked, and I couldn't. Stop. Reading.
Exceptionally engaging story. And I typically don't like historical fiction; e More...
Exceptionally engaging story. And I typically don't like historical fiction; e More...
Nov 15, 2008
Kay
rated it:
The library Book Club's November book, this centers on a neighborhood of Irish immigrants in New York City in 1934--the Great Depression. It was a great read--a story about a doctor and his daily life, really, with the Depression just a faintish backdrop. So many levels of the gritty New York, the Irish settlers, Tammany roots, Italian immigrants, the Mob, Chinese prostitutes (visited regularly by the good doctor), WWI veterans--so the layers of people and their experiences form one rich part of
More...
