Title: Lost in Yonkers
Author: Neil Simon
First published January 21, 1992
128 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780452268838 (ISBN10: 0452268834)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon is a powerful play that explores the importance of love and family ties. Set in New York during 1942, the story follows the lives of two young brothers who are sent to live with their stern grandmother after the death of their mother.
Their grandmother is a refugee who has closed her heart to the world, and her coldness has affected her own children. Their father has no self-esteem, their Aunt Gert has a speech impediment, their Uncle Louie is a small-time gangster, and their Aunt Bella has the mentality of a child.
However, it is Bella’s hunger for affection and love that saves the boys, leading to an unforgettable confrontation with her mother. This heartwarming story is filled with laughter, tears, and insight, and is a true testament to Neil Simon’s remarkable talent.
The play won four Tony Awards, including Best Play, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
About the Author
Meet Marvin Neil Simon, a renowned American playwright and screenwriter who has written over 30 plays. His talent and skill earned him the highest number of combined Oscar and Tony nominations, setting him apart from other writers.
Marvin is well-known for his remarkable contributions to Broadway as he is one of the most reliable hitmakers in its history. His plays are performed worldwide, making him one of the most performed playwrights globally.
Although he primarily focuses on comedy, some of his exceptional works, including the Eugene Trilogy and The Sunshine Boys, delve into the Jewish-American experience of the 20th century.
Editoral Review
Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon is an intriguing novel that primarily delves into family dynamics and relationships, exploring the themes of abandonment, betrayal, and love. Neil Simon, a prolific American playwright, published the novel in 1992.
The book belongs to the genre of drama and contains both comedic and dramatic elements. Set in the early 1940s in Yonkers, New York, the story follows the lives of two brothers, 13-year-old Jay and 15-year-old Arty, who are forced to stay with their grandmother and aunt while their father travels to earn money to repay his debts.
The boys, who have never met their grandma, an austere German immigrant, and their mentally challenged aunt, Bella, soon realize that living with them is far from ideal. Throughout the book, Simon expertly crafts realistic characters, each with their quirks and complexities, making them relatable to the audience.
The boys’ tension and struggles with their family members are the novel’s primary conflict. Simon highlights the challenges of parents abandoning their children to pursue their financial woes and how this drastic decision profoundly affects the family members left behind.
The book also explores the harsh realities of the era, including anti-German sentiment in America during World War II and mental health issues, particularly in women. Simon delicately dwells on the uncertainty of the future while also highlighting the optimism of characters who hope for a better tomorrow.
The writing style in Lost in Yonkers is straightforward and concise, with a perfect balance between humor and tragedy. The pacing of the book is well-managed, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the story without feeling overwhelmed.
Simon’s attention to detail brings scenes to life, making the audience feel they are right in the middle of it all. Although the novel is well-written, it has some of its limitations.
Simon’s focus on the boys’ relationships with their family members means the story lacks the character’s thoughts and feelings, leaving the audience to rely only on dialogue to understand the characters. This can make the characters feel shallow at times, particularly those with mental health issues.
Overall, Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon is a captivating read that unveils the complexity of family relationships and historical issues. The book offers insight into the pain of abandonment, the struggle of mental illness, and the bonds of family love.
Simon’s witty writing, captivating characters, and careful attention to detail make it an excellent addition to any reader’s library. Therefore, this book is a must-read for fans of drama, historical fiction, and those interested in exploring the dynamics of family relationships.
Lost in Yonkers deserves a rating of 4.5/5, primarily because of Simon’s excellent storytelling, close attention to detail, and use of humor and tragedy to create a compelling and engaging narrative.
