Fierce People

by Dirk Wittenborn

Book Overview

A modern coming-of-age novel about a boy's struggle for survival in a lush and corrupting world that each day grows more seductive and more lethal. New York's Lower East Side, 1978. Fifteen-year-old... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0747561540
• ISBN13: 9780747561545
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Paperbacks
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 10.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Sociology Made Easy for the Commoner

Wittenborn portrays what happens when a lower socioeconomic class teen age boy and his recovering drug user mother are plucked from working class poor society and placed into Upper Class "blue blood" society. Wittenborn has a unique gift of capturing very real, very powerful concepts of class segregation with a sense of humor. This book was a sheer joy to read. I read this book cover to cover two times in row while amidst eleven other texts that I needed to finish. If there ever was a book that depicts U.S. social economic classism, family dysfunction of all classes, and a great story, this is it! Don't pass this book by and if you are a professor, this is a must read for any sociology, psychology, or English lit student. I anxiously awaited the movie that was adapted from Wittenborn's novel staring Donald Sutherland. While Sutherland's portrayal of the "old man" was beautifully constructed, the move left me sadden that they butchered the story so badly. Don't base the book off the movie, this is one of those books where the movie didn't even come close. Fierce People is a brilliant piece of work and it captures class consciousness as well as the inner workings of Upper Class. Highly recommend.

A great read!

This book had me captivated from start to finish--couldn't put it down! I was continously surprised at the twists and turns the author presented, yet found them all compelling and believable. It was intruiging, twisted, sexy, and fun. Loved the plot development, setting, and characters. It was juicy enough to be a great Beach Book, yet intelligent and sensitive and substantial, unlike some of the shallow and cheesy Chick Lit books I've been grabbing for the beach this summer!

A very Enjoyable read

There are two times when I feel compelled to write to other readers. One is if a book is a huge disappointment and I have felt mislead by the book review hype. The other time I feel compelled to write a review is when I absolutely love a book. And in the case of the Fierce People, i love the book! The characters are wacky but very believable and the plot is perfect for a summer read. It is the kind of book that you want to tote with you, sneaking in a chapter or two whenever or wherever possible. This book deserves notice...it has the perfect pitch for a summer sizzler!

Fiercely Fantastic!

Fierce People is one of the best books I have read in months. Finn, the main character, is a wildly funny, terribly naive, extremely trusting, and hopelessly brave 15-year-old. He finds himself in situations he can't control and comes out of each of them smelling like a rose. While reading this book, I thought I knew each and every character personally. But, the author threw a twist in every now and then, which increased my fascination with the entire population of Vlyvalle all the more.This book draws you in from page one and doesn't loosen its grip until the end. The climax of the book is a nailbiter! I couldn't put this one down. I REALLY hope there is a sequel!! I would love to read more about Finn and the entire "tribe"!

Funny but serious critique of American class system

This is a book that has been long overdue in recent American literature. While reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, this book is a very original and cool new take on the theme of class--and vast wealth--in America. The setting is unusual: New Jersey, of all places, the characters are totally seductive, and the story is bizarre and familiar at the same time. It is easy to identify with the protagonist, a kid of fifteen who is the outsider in this world and is--who wouldn't--being seduced into it. No need to go into the plot here (see ed. reviews). Bottom line: wildly entertaining, the best book I've read in years!!!