Gentlehands

Oh, boy. The thing I find truly useful about this book is its exploration of the heavy themes of the Holocaust without being a "Holocaust book." Written at a time (1978) when one's grandfather could have been a Nazi strongman in a concentration camp, the story doesn't center on the terrible things Buddy's grandfather might have done -- instead, the focus is on Buddy, trying to find his way as a blue-collared "townie" in love with a super-rich girl outside of Montauk, New York.

Without spoiling, I'll ask -- Can humans change? Is redemption possible? Are there crimes so godawfully heinous that they cannot be forgiven?

This book shows its age only because tape decks, polyester, and Barbra Streisand are no longer de rigeur -- otherwise, the show more eternal themes of love, loss, and betrayal are poignantly rendered in this early offering from a master of teen literature. show less

Wow! An incredible story highlighting a perspective I had not yet encountered in my Holocaust readings - a SS Nazi guard, Gentlehands, who had escaped Germany after World War II and his hidden identity living in Seaside, NY. I found the main character, Buddy Boyle, relatable and endearing. He is fiercely protective of those he cares for but has a strong conviction to do what is right. It has enough love story/teen angst to capture teenage readers but also introduces an important historical figure AND major issues of racial prejudice.

Notes:
Coming of age story about a young man branching out from his conservative family. Falling in love outside of his social class and rekindling ties with his estranged maternal grandfather. The Long Island community reels when news develops that his grandfather was a Nazi.

The narrator, "Buddy", concludes with the last words: "I just wanted to leave everything about that summer behind me." By the time I finished the book, I felt somewhat the same way.