The Boy from Nowhere

A boy named Richard Robison moved from town to town with his parents in search of the American Dream. This memoir depicts his life, including forgiveness, empathy, music, and pain. It explores the importance of teachers, friends, girlfriends, and forgiveness and how activities like baseball, skiing, and bicycling can provide positive experiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Blackwater Press

A captivating memoir that delves into the life of Richard Robison, a young boy who traversed towns in pursuit of his parents' American Dream. With a rich narrative style, the book weaves together moments of humor, darkness, and profound empathy, exploring themes of forgiveness, understanding, and the power of music.

The story begins with Robison's entrance into fourth grade at a Rochester, New York, school, where he faces the challenge of being the new kid once again. However, this time, he meets Matthias, a German American boy whose father served as an American G.I. in the aftermath of World War II, aiding in the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp. Alongside Matthias, Robison forms an unlikely bond with Hannah, a Jewish girl from his neighborhood, who introduces him to her family and culture.

Over the course of the school year, the alliance between Robison, Matthias, and Hannah strengthens, providing a sense of stability amidst the constant upheaval of moving and attending new schools. However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Robison is uprooted once again, this time to Buffalo, in the wake of his father's relentless pursuit of material success and social status. Driven by his father's ambition, Robison's family experiences a series of challenges, including alcoholism, violence, and the shroud of family secrets that ensues.

As Robison navigates through the turbulence of adolescence, he grapples with feelings of disconnection and isolation from his friends, classmates, and even his parents. The constant moves and transitions further exacerbate his sense of instability, leaving him feeling lost and adrift. His father's relentless pursuit of wealth and status leads him down a path of alcoholism and violence, which further damages his relationship with his family.

In the midst of this tumultuous journey, the memoir offers moments of levity and resilience. Robison engages in various activities such as baseball, skiing, and bicycling, which serve as outlets for his angst and provide positive experiences and healthy responses to the challenges of teenage life. Through these activities, he discovers the importance of teachers, both good and bad, as well as the value of genuine friendships gained and lost.

The memoir also delves into the realm of romantic relationships, with Robison's experiences with girlfriends and longings for love. He explores the complexities of teenage crushes and the emotional turmoil that accompanies them. He sheds light on the need for empathy, both expressed and shared, and the power of music to provide solace and healing.

Despite the hardships and challenges faced by Robison and his family, the memoir remains hopeful and uplifting. Robison's journey of self-discovery and growth is portrayed with honesty and authenticity, and his ability to find solace in music and embrace empathy serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, "The New Kid" is a captivating period piece memoir that offers a profound exploration of the life of Richard Robison. Through his experiences of displacement, disconnection, and the pursuit of the American Dream, Robison learns the importance of forgiveness, empathy, and resilience. The book's rich narrative style, combined with moments of humor and profound insight, makes it a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9798987007525