Roscoe

I have been a fan of William Kennedy ever since I read his non-fiction work "Oh, Albany" while in college. His Albany novels like "Ironweed", "Billy Phelan's Greatest Game" and others are so evocative of the times and scenes of Albany in mid-century.

I spotted "Roscoe" on my TBR shelf and I'm so glad I finally read it. "Roscoe" is the story of the Albany Democratic machine in the 1940's, with flashbacks to earlier decades. Roscoe is a masterful political operative who despite his fraud, deceit, and manipulation somehow is likeable. He is second in command to the boss "Patsy McCall", a thinly disguised version of Dan O'Connell, the long-time head of the machine. Roscoe knows the seemy sides of Albany -- its characters, gambling dens, show more whorehouses, bars, and wards. There is an interesting section on chicken fighting which was a major gambling activity in the town.

Roscoe is close friends with Elisha Fitzgibbons, a rich industrialist who was closely tied to the party, eventually becoming Lieutenant Governor. Roscoe is love with Elisha's wife, Veronica, his first love before she married Elisha. Their complex entangled relationship is a principal storyline. Veronica and Elisha's son, Alex, the mayor of Albany, is clearly modeled after Erastus Corning who was reelected until the 1970's. Other characters from history appear in the novel: FDR, Al Smith, and the bosses of Tammany Hall.

The political maneuverings of the machine politicians are richly described. Roscoe is the "go to" guy who keeps the gears of the machine running over the opposition of reformers, the press, and Republicans. Machine was wildly corrupt using such tactics as blatant voting fraud, payoffs, tax assessments, misuse of the police, and rampant patronage to secure loyalty. (It is said that Albany City Hall had over 60 janitors.)

What made this book especially interesting to me was Kennedy's use of place names that I knew from my years living in Albany: neighborhoods, streets, districts, and more. (Joe's Delicatessen on the corner of Ontario and Western Avenue - what wonderful newly-wed memories - the "Londoner" with two plates.)

In my time there, I was fascinated by the political machine - one of the last of the era. I recall that before the 1969 municipal election a visit from two ward heelers to make sure we knew how to vote!

As with Kennedy's other works, the texture of the times, the people and events are so well told. The characters and plot are quite fascinating. show less

The wonderful character of Roscoe adds to Kennedy's impressive array of heros of the Albany region. It is 1945, the war just ended and Roscue is the fixer of all things political and emotional. It seems the powerfcul democratic party could not survive without Roscoe behind the scenes. "He rigs elections and hands out innumerable bribes, covers up a suicide, whitewashes a murder and double-crosses a blackmailer. He also uncovers a terrible secret and tells it to no one, and then sacrifices himself for love. "(reviewer)
Just makes me want to read the rest of this series.
The men in this novel live in a time where they controled everything -the city, the money, the women they loved. Roscoe things he wants out of politics and he knows he show more loves his best friend's wife, but you can't always get what you want. Memorable scenes include a cock fighting match, a creative trial strategy and a reconnecting of old loves. Highly recommend to all show less

Kennedy's best, I think. A brilliantly-written look at New York machine politics.

Many years ago I happened upon Ironweed by William Kennedy (his Pulitzer Prize winner) but for some reason never finished it. While in Stratford a few weeks ago, I strolled down Ontario Street after finishing my coffee at Balzac's and on a sidewalk table in front of The Book Vault were a number of books priced at $3.99 (Canadian) or less. There actually was a remarkable collection - and I picked up a few by T.C. Boyle, Robertson Davies - and Roscoe by WK.

Upon my return from Stratford, I started Ironweed again - one of the early "Albany series" books. It is a remarkable portrayal of the life of down and out Francis Phelan - and his street friends. It may very well change your view of those living on the street, if nothing else - a show more wonderful book of redemption (in his own way).

I finished Ironweed in Savannah this week and started Roscoe during my return flight. It provides more on the Albany political scene in the 40's, with great characters that quickly come to life. show less

Good characters in this foray into political intrigue in upstate New York.

El día que Estados Unidos celebra la victoria sobre Japón, Roscoe Conway decide retirarse de la política tras haber regido, de manera particular y poco escrupulosa, el Partido Demócrata de Albany, capital del estado de Nueva York, durante más de medio siglo. Cuando está a punto de hacer pública su dimisión, recibe la noticia del suicidio de su amigo Elisha Fitzgibbon, ex alcalde demócrata de Albany y ex candidato a gobernador del estado. La muerte de Fitzgibbon desata todo tipo de rumores y a Conway no le quedará más remedio que repasar los últimos veinticinco años de su vida para comprender las razones que han llevado a su amigo al suicidio. La pérdida temprana de su verdadero amor, las luchas por el control del partido, show more sus relaciones con los gánsteres irlandeses, el amaño de distintas elecciones, el control del contrabando de alcohol y del juego, son parte de los recuerdos que van acudiendo a su memoria y que terminan conformando el retrato del poder político y económico en Albany durante la primera mitad del siglo XX. show less

Me ha gustado mucho, mucho. Y a medida que iba avanzado, más.
Con un protagonista absolutamente seductor para mí como lectora.