Coney

by Amram Ducovny

On the eve of World War II, a Brooklyn boy finds fellowship among the freaks and "low-lifes" of Coney Island as he considers the nature of art, philosophy, and life. A first novel. 20,000 first printing.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, New York

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Joyce]

Avram Ducovny who became a novelist at the age of 73 and died in Paris at the age of 75 is a gifted and magical writer. I had never heard of him before, but by chance found this book in a used book store. What a pleasant surprise! One can almost taste the life of the people of Coney Island of the 1930s; the misery of the Jews who survived the pogroms in Poland; the "freaks" who are treated with such disdain; the ruthless mafia freaks who are only interested in their own gain; all the dispossessed underdogs. In an absurd and exaggerated way Ducovny depicts the extreme solitude and insignificance of humans. But there is also love and redemption at the very end of the novel.

[Beth]

I knew the author personally but never realized what a fantastic writer he was...he has passed on but I think he is happy knowing how much I enjoyed this book...a wonderful look at the lives of Jews on Coney Island in the late 30's and early 40's...thank you Ami....

[Ezra]

I found this while wandering in the library stacks. written by the father of david ducovny from the x-files, and it's about coney island, freaks, Jews, WW2... it's really good but upsetting. interesting to realize that david ducovny is Jewish and also interesting how amram ducovny uses yiddish phrases but in english so often, like "go shit in the ocean" which is more fun to say "gey kakn afn yam" and doesn't totally make sense in translation. still - good book.

[Michala Ann]

Wasn't sure what to expect, but was immediately drawn into the world of an immigrant child losing his innocence in more senses than one during the grim war times on the freaky Coney Island. Having been an immigrant myself, it struck a cord with me. Loved the character of Harry. And even though I did not expect a happy ending, I was still shocked at how fast things spiraled down. A very atmospheric and at times quite touching read.

[Amy Oechsner]

I read the whole book, but I can’t tell you anything about it.

[Diane Verdi]

didn't finish

[Amy]

I actually tried and failed twice to read this one. I'm not sure why I couldn't finish it; it looked like it would be so great. I think the characters were really interesting, I guess the story just didn't go anywhere for me.

[Elisa Brienza]

Awesome book!

[Jennifer]

At times, I felt for the characters in this novel, but the storyline felt very disjointed. I often felt lost. I did like the Coney Island setting.

[Daniel Berger]

A great semi-autobiographical novel.