51 pages • 1 hour read
All Souls: A Family Story From Southie
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Book Brief
296
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Boston, Massachusetts • 1970s-1980s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
All Souls by Michael Patrick MacDonald is a memoir recounting his upbringing in South Boston's Old Colony neighborhood. As an anti-violence activist giving a tour to a reporter, Michael reflects on his family's struggles with poverty, crime, and loss amid a backdrop of racism, xenophobia, and police corruption. The narrative emphasizes the close-knit yet tumultuous community of Southie, detailing significant events such as his brother Davey's schizophrenia, Kevin and Frankie's tragic deaths, and Stevie's wrongful conviction. Michael ultimately turns to activism, holding vigils for Southie's lost youth and seeking peace amid ongoing tragedies. The book explores themes of mental health, violence, and social justice.
Melancholic
Gritty
Challenging
Emotional
Dark
Reviews & Readership
15,055 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
All Souls by Michael Patrick MacDonald offers raw and affecting storytelling, capturing the struggles and resilience of a South Boston family. Reviews consistently highlight its emotional depth and vivid portrayal of poverty and violence. However, some critique the narrative for its occasional lack of cohesiveness. Overall, it's a compelling, though intense, memoir.
Who Should Read All Souls?
Readers who enjoy All Souls by Michael Patrick MacDonald are often captivated by gritty, true-life narratives set in urban landscapes. Similar to those who appreciate Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes or Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle, they seek powerful memoirs that explore themes of poverty, resilience, and family dynamics.
15,055 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ma/Helen King
Ma/Helen King
Michael’s mother, known for her bold personality and distinctive style, who struggles to protect her family while facing the harsh realities of Southie.
Frankie MacDonald
Frankie MacDonald
A respected Golden Gloves boxer and role model in the community, who serves as a father figure to many young boys in the neighborhood.
Kevin MacDonald
Kevin MacDonald
A charismatic con man and grifter with ties to the criminal underworld, who eventually marries and attempts to leave his past behind.
Steven MacDonald/“Stevie”
Steven MacDonald/“Stevie”
Michael's brother who becomes emblematic of the corruption in Boston after being wrongfully charged with a serious crime at a young age.
296
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Boston, Massachusetts • 1970s-1980s
1999
Adult
18+ years
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