Nuns, Nazis, and Notre Dame
by Gerald Ambrose O'Reilly
"Stories of the Great Depression, WWII, and the Fighting Irish"
Popularity
3.78 / 5
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Nuns, Nazis, and Notre Dame by Gerald Ambrose O'Reilly
Details
War:
World War II
Perspective:
Civilian
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
Yes
Region:
North America
Page Count:
178
Published Date:
2017
ISBN13:
9780918339829
Description
Brief Summary
Nuns, Nazis, and Notre Dame by Gerald Ambrose O'Reilly offers a unique memoir of growing up in Brooklyn's Park Slope during the late 1920s and 1930s. The book delves into the author's childhood filled with engaging tales of local life, baseball devotion to the Dodgers, interactions with nuns, and the everyday adventures of streetball and trolley rides. As the son of a prominent Wall Street banker and the grandson of a U.S. ambassador, O'Reilly's life trajectory is one of fascination and eventual heroism. The memoir culminates in an account of the author's experiences as part of a specialized group of mountain warriors in World War II. They played a pivotal role in a critical battle against German forces in the Alpines of Italy.
Main Themes and Topics
The book captures the essence of an idyllic yet challenging childhood in a rapidly changing urban environment. Themes of family legacy and childhood innocence are interwoven with the harsh realities of world conflict and personal valor. The author highlights the contrast between a boy's carefree games in the streets of Brooklyn and the disciplined, life-altering experiences on the warfront. Community, perseverance, and growth are central themes as personal anecdotes are neatly layered over larger historical events.
Writing Style and Tone
Gerald Ambrose O'Reilly's writing is both nostalgic and vivid, transporting readers to the bustling streets of Brooklyn and the serene yet treacherous Italian Alps. His tone is introspective and imbued with admiration for the resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. The narrative weaves humor with gravity, crafting a memoir that is as heartwarming as it is enlightening.
Awards and Recognition
While specific accolades for Nuns, Nazis, and Notre Dame are not documented here, the book is noted for its contribution to both personal memoirs and historical literature. Readers and critics alike appreciate its authentic portrayal of childhood memories interlinked with significant historical contributions.
