Bruiser - by Ian Chorao (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

After spending another morning hiding in the clothes hamper eavesdropping on his miserable parents, Bruiser realizes it's time to change his life. It's New York City during the late 1970s, and in the middle of a chilly autumn night he takes to the open road with Darla, a kindred spirit who lives across the alleyway. Their flight from the mounting tensions of home -- an adventure dotted with frightening episodes and surprising revelations -- is a journey in search of liberation and emotional truth.

This is Bruiser's tale in his own words, captured by first-time novelist Ian Chorão with uncanny precision and an ear for the staccato rhythms of childhood consciousness. Refreshingly free of sentimentality, Bruiser confronts the darkness and violence of life even as it illuminates its wonder and sweetness.

Review Quotes

Andrew Winer author of "The Color Midnight Made" With this auspicious debut, Ian Chorao affords us a disquieting yet tender glimpse into the mind of a very special ten-year-old boy who is forced to confront the vicissitudes of the adult world. As his nickname suggests, Bruiser is susceptible to the blows of life; even beauty strikes his sensitive soul as painful. In prose both haunting and revelatory, Chorao reminds us of all the heartache and wonder that attend childhood's end. I will not soon forget this poignant first novel.

Cindy Eppes author of "South of Reason" With prose both fairy-tale simple and brutally true, Ian Chorao creates Bruiser, a boy whose courage, wit, and humor grabbed my heart and tugged it along on his uproarious heartbreaking journey.

Jennifer Lauck author of "Blackbird" and "Still Waters" Ian Chorao shows a wonderful gift for capturing the inner dynamic of a child trying to find his way in the adult world. He is an exceptional writer who held me captive.

"Booklist," starred review

Exquisite evocations of...pain and wonder....Profoundly transporting.

"Booklist"

Chorao, an extraordinarily gifted first-time novelist, achieves a lyrical intensity and psychological acuity akin to that of Henry Roth.

"Library Journal"

Gripping....Exciting...convincingly depicts the inner landscape of children's fantasies and nightmares.

"Time Out New York"

[A] remarkable debut....An unusually vivid snapshot of a child at the end of childhood, "Bruiser" marks Chorao as a major new talent.

"Booklist"

Chor& #227; o, an extraordinarily gifted first-time novelist, achieves a lyrical intensity and psychological acuity akin to that of Henry Roth.

About the Author

Ian Chorão grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, like his main character. He lives in New York City with his wife and son.