Mr. Saunders steps out of the box and encircles a world of writing that you would like to see more of from writers today. His passion and honesty drawn from his own childhood experiences are transposed into this captivating tale. Actually, you'll find it hard to believe that the author was able to sit down and relive his horrible experiences of living in sheer poverty and constant fear of a father that showed no compassion or concern for the welfare of his wife and children.
This family was dirt poor and the author made no effort to give me the impression that I would not be paying a visit to the home of the Beaver Cleaver's family. Still, the author sprinkled a bit of humor here and there because it kept the story from being so depressing.
So, travel back to the year 1955 and become part of Helen Foreman's world. Be with this 35-year-old mother with eight children as she makes another lonely decision as she struggles to provide them with food and shelter. She knows that no sorcerer is going to wave a magic wand to make all her troubles disappear.
Besides the mother Mr. Saunders does a fantastic piece of work of transforming his mind down from the level of a mature adult to that innocent world of Helen's children. In "Tommytown", Mr. Saunders reveals the thinking of the 11 year old Barry, 9 year old Noah and 13 year old Karen. I don't know too many authors that can make that transformation and still create a story that is entertaining and well written.
In summary, this is a warm, wonderful story that deserves every reader's attention.
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Reviews for "Tommytown"
Reviewed by Lilly Parks
12/8/2010
Heartbreaking and humorous, A remarkable Story of Motherhood……Lilly Parks
A remarkable story set in a small hamlet of Tommytown, Maryland in the 1950’s. Saunders uses descriptions of the background of Tommytown and its inhabitants to have the reader feel the times. A time when there was no welfare system and the people were far more self-reliant than they are today. You can really feel the emotions of being a youngster growing up in poverty; feeling the disappointments as the girls try to fit in at their high school; the young boys, 11 year old Barry and his 10 year old brother, Noah, as they try to rationalize why they didn’t get anything for Christmas. If you grew up poor or your parents came from an age when people were extremely thrifty you could easily relate to this story. If you were blessed with a comfortable environment you’ll get a peek at how the other half lives.
"Tommytown” gave me mixed emotions. I felt sad at times and other times I couldn't help to smile, or let out a little laugh. Saunders has a way of pulling at your heart strings and I really like the way he connects with the reader.
Throughout the novel I kept wondering what escapades Barry and Noah were going to get into next. They reminded me of two Dennis the Menaces running around in this little village. They were mischievous but never malicious. And the mother, Helen, the novel ensured that you understood that she was rock of this family. Idolized by her children she played a balancing act as she tried to figure out where the money for next meal was coming from.
The book covers heartaches, love, disappointment, humor, motherhood, sibling rivalry, and it was still extremely interesting. It hard to believe the author wrote this story about his childhood, but I believe that after you finished this book you’ll love the characters and you will want to read more books by Saunders.
Reviewed by Sharon Sommers
12/7/2010
A book I couldn’t put down….Sharon
A moving true story of a mother trying desperately to hold onto her family; while at the same time allowing the reader to understand the mother’s struggles as seen through the eyes of her 11-year-old son, Barry. After I started reading the book I couldn’t put it down. And when I did there was a lump in my throat, a tear in my eye, thinking what a sad yet delightful story. Saunders excelled in conveying the human emotions of: love, hope, fear, and frustration in such a way that made sense in the story. Every chapter was not all gloom and doom because the author had a knack of inserting humor and joy throughout the story.
Saunders tells their tale with much affection and, if you can still read through your tears, you will believe that human persistence does exist in the real world. It's a wonderful story. Hope everyone gets the chance to read it.
Reviewed by Susan Strite
3/24/2005
Tommytown is a wonderful book with imagery that is as visually sharp as a movie; sensitive characterization; and a plot that keeps the reader enthralled right from the start. You just don’t want to put the book down; and you don’t want to leave the characters at the end of the story either. They are developed with an astute grasp of what inner conflicts they had to overcome as well as the tensions between characters that the author played out credibly in dialogue that reflects the time and historical setting as well as in narration. The author has a wonderful ability. He is able to transport his reader back to another time. Tommytown by Robert Saunders is a well-plotted historical adventure. Barry Foreman, the young boy in the story, escapes poverty when he is transported into his “dream world” of Cowboys and Indians; where he becomes the hero on the horse with the tin star on his vest. Thus begins the story which is a combination of drama and romance. The 1950’s are times of turmoil in Washington County when there was no public assistance for the poor. The author’s talent and diligent research have resulted in an exciting first novel. Robert’s ability to combine history with an intriguing story is first rate. Mr. Saunders offers his readers a picture of life in Washington County “as it was” for the poor in the rural countryside. Barry endures one adventure after another, refusing to give in to despair. These adventures draw him closer to his brothers and sisters and together their lives are changed for the better. Saunders’ narrative is a definite page-turner. The author moves his story forward with action and authentic dialogue. His characters are multi-dimensional and his writing is best seller quality.
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