Title: ‘Tis
Author: Frank McCourt
First published January 1, 1999
495 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780006551812 (ISBN10: 0006551815)
Rating: 3.71
Overview
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angela’s Ashes comes the remarkable and heartwarming sequel, ‘Tis. Frank McCourt’s journey from impoverished immigrant to accomplished teacher and raconteur is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
With his signature wit and remarkable storytelling abilities, McCourt takes readers on a journey through his life in America, from working at the Biltmore Hotel to being drafted into the army and sent to Germany. Despite the challenges he faces as an Irish immigrant, Frank refuses to conform to societal norms and pursues his dream of getting an education.
Through his experiences as a teacher and writer, he discovers his place in the world and the power of storytelling to heal wounds and bring people together. A captivating and inspiring read, ‘Tis is a true masterpiece that will leave readers wanting more.
As one reviewer said: “McCourt proves himself one of the very best storytellers of our time.”
About the Author
Meet Francis McCourt, an Irish-American teacher and author who was born in Brooklyn but returned to his native Ireland with his family in 1934. McCourt’s memoir Angela’s Ashes, which vividly portrays his impoverished Catholic upbringing in Limerick, earned him both the Pulitzer Prize in 1997 and the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1996.
McCourt continued his life story in ‘Tis, which chronicles his experiences as a new immigrant in America. McCourt’s third book, Teacher Man (2005), recounts his struggles as a young, uncertain teacher who must inspire his students.
His works are frequently included in high school curricula. In 2002, the University of Western Ontario awarded him an honorary degree.
Sadly, McCourt passed away at the age of 78 from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, on Sunday, July 19, 2009.
Editoral Review
‘Tis by Frank McCourt: An Unflinching Memoir of the Immigrant Experience
Frank McCourt’s ‘Tis, published in 1999, is a powerful sequel to his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Angela’s Ashes. The book provides readers with an unflinching look at the harsh realities of the immigrant experience through the eyes of a young man who sees America as a land of opportunity, only to find that it comes with its own set of struggles.
McCourt’s poignant storytelling, insightful observations, and sharp wit make ‘Tis a must-read for anyone interested in the human condition, particularly those with ties to the American immigrant experience. McCourt’s memoir picks up where Angela’s Ashes left off, with a teenage Frank arriving in New York City in 1949, having left behind the poverty-ridden streets of Limerick, Ireland.
McCourt vividly depicts the struggles of a young immigrant trying to make his way in this new world: finding work, learning to navigate the subway, and adjusting to a new culture. Despite the many hardships he faces, McCourt remains optimistic and determined, determined to carve out a better life for himself.
Throughout the narrative, McCourt’s writing shines with an effortless balance of humor, heartbreak, and hope. He chronicles his experiences with a cast of colorful characters–including his mother, father, and siblings–as they try to navigate a new land with no familiarity.
The story captures the essence of the working-class life with humor and tenderness, painting a vivid picture of an America that is long gone. More than a memoir, ‘Tis offers a unique perspective on the complexities of the immigrant experience.
McCourt’s coming of age in America allows him to explore themes of identity, assimilation, isolation, and the desire for acceptance. McCourt demonstrates how immigrants are often forced to surrender their culture in order to assimilate, and how that can lead them to feeling homesick and disconnected from both the place they were forced to leave behind and the new land that never fully embraces them.
Perhaps the greatest strength of McCourt’s memoir is his ability to tell a deeply personal story that also has a universal appeal. Even readers who don’t have direct ties to the American immigrant experience will find themselves moved by McCourt’s stories of love, loss, and perseverance.
Readers may also find themselves contemplating their own family’s cultural histories, grappling with the idea of what it means to belong, and reflecting on the resilience of the human spirit. While McCourt’s work stands on its own, it is hard not to draw parallels between the plight of immigrants in mid-century America and the political and social realities currently unfolding in our own time.
‘Tis serves as a compelling reminder of how little things have changed in the world of immigration–and how urgently we need to address that fact. ‘Tis is not without its flaws; at times, the narrative drags a bit, and some readers may find McCourt’s pessimism about America’s class system a bit overwrought.
However, these flaws do little to detract from the overall quality of the memoir, which is a powerful, engaging, and absorbing read that deserves a place on every book lover’s shelf. In conclusion, ‘Tis is an impeccably crafted memoir that manages to be both deeply personal and universally relevant.
McCourt’s lyrical prose, evocative storytelling, and keen insight into the immigrant experience make this memoir a must-read. Anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, lonely, or inadequate will find solace in the pages of ‘Tis.
With its timely themes, emotional resonance, and masterful execution, ‘Tis is a book that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. In all, ‘Tis is a great read worth a 4.5 out of 5 rating.
