The outstanding attributes of Our Eddie are its uncompromising, but not belabored, depiction of reality; its lifelike portrayal of characters; and its sensitive treatment of the common problems faced by the Raphel family. Families are hurt when one parent refuses to accept responsibilities, and Ish-Kishor explores the complex reasons that prompt Mr. Raphel's distressing behavior toward his wife and children. She reveals the subtle interactions between cause and effect, right and wrong, and religion and psychology that lie beneath the family conflicts.

Ish-Kishor portrays Eddie as a victim of naturalistic forces. Mr. Raphel's mental illness and his dedication to a lowpaying job condemn Eddie to poverty and keep the boy from realizing his intellectual potential. Eddie's genetically inherited multiple sclerosis forces him out of a job and ultimately leads to his death. Ish-Kishor suggests that Eddie has no choices in life; when, finally, he is faced...