Unbelievably sad true story (Sleepers - Lorenzo Carcaterra)

Member Name: UK1981_female

Product:	Sleepers - Lorenzo Carcaterra
Date:	20/03/09 (250 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Powerfully written, excellent character descriptions

Disadvantages: Distressing at times

I have not actually seen the movie Sleepers, but have had the book floating around my house for some time. It was given by a friend of a sibling, as a gift. Needing new reading material I thought I would give this a go.


-----The book-----


Sleepers is a true account of what happened to 4 young boys when they were sent to a reformatory school after playing a prank that went wrong. These were 4 boys that were the best of friends and had grown up together in a violent neighbourhood in New York. They found escapism and laughter in each others company and managed to ignore and forget the problems at home of poverty and domestic violence when they were together.

Most of the time, the 4 boys - Lorenzo, Michael, John and Tommy, played pranks on people in their neighbourhood which were harmless and helped them to pass the time and entertain themselves.

One day, a prank went horribly wrong. As punishment all four were sentenced to spending approximately one year at the reformatory school - a prison for young male offenders.

They had no idea at that time that their lives would be changed forever as a result of the abuse they would suffer during their sentence - physical, mental and sexual. The four young boys left the reformatory as hardened men, far removed from their child-like ways.

Years later, a chance encounter brings the boys back together. What happens next... well you'll have to read the book.


-----What did I think?-----


I felt compelled to write a review on this book, as it was quite an intense experience to read it.

First of all, the story is incredibly sad, moving and distressing at times to read. And when you take into account that it is true, it really touches you.

The book is written incredibly well. Lorenzo, Michael, John and Tommy are characters that you will get to know so well. We are informed of their physical appearance, their family backgrounds and character traits so well that you really do get a sense of 'knowing' them. This was an essential part of this book as when we learn of the abuse the boys suffer during their sentences, the empathy we feel is quite deep.


The book is actually separated into three sections, each of which is told from the viewpoint of Lorenzo. The first follows the antics of these 4 friends, describing what they get up to and teaches us about their friendship. The second section details their time at the reformatory whilst the third and final section is an account of what happens after (some 11 years later). I feel that this structure was good to have in place as each book served to tell the story of very different parts of the boys' lives.

I have not seen the movie therefore I cannot compare the two. But I have spoken to friends that have, and the impression that I get is that the book depicts the torment and suffering of the boys in much more graphic detail than in the movie. To be honest, this doesn't surprise me as I was truly horrified at many of the accounts which described in detail the abuse that Lorenzo, Michael, John and Tommy all suffered. I think that many parts of this story would have made unsuitable viewing not only for those under 18, but for many that are over 18 too.

All in all, this is a very powerful book, which tells us the reality of what may be happening in some of these 'reformatory' centres for young children (or certainly what was happening in this particular one back in the 1960s). Whilst the content is certainly disturbing to read at times, I would not urge those over the age of 18 to shy away from it - it is a true story and highlights problems which need to be recognised and dealt with.


Buy at Amazon £5.99 (RRP for a new copy) or £0.01 (used)

Summary: A book which is sure to touch your heart