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49 pages 1 hour read

Pietro Di Donato

Christ in Concrete

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1937

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Christ in Concrete by Pietro Di Donato follows Paul, a young boy who becomes the sole provider for his family after his immigrant bricklayer father dies in a work accident. Forced to join the grueling world of bricklaying, Paul experiences the camaraderie and hardships among Italian immigrant laborers in early 1900s New York. His initial faith in God is tested by the harsh realities of work and loss, culminating in his loss of faith. The book addresses themes of dangerous working conditions, poverty, and the conflicts between faith and labor. The book includes vivid descriptions of traumatic events and harsh working conditions.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Pietro Di Donato's Christ in Concrete receives acclaim for its vivid portrayal of immigrant life and the raw, emotional narrative reflecting labor struggles. Critics appreciate the novel's powerful prose and authenticity. However, some find its dense style and intense themes challenging. Overall, it stands out for its historical and cultural significance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Christ in Concrete ?

Readers who would enjoy Pietro Di Donato's Christ in Concrete appreciate powerful immigrant stories and narratives exploring labor struggles during the Great Depression. Similar to John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, this novel appeals to those interested in socio-economic themes and gritty realism.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1920s

Publication Year

1937

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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