Frank McCourt

The author, Francis McCourt who relates the tale of his emigration from Ireland to New York in 1949 and the years that followed. McCourt had been born in New York, but moved back to Ireland with his parents as a young child. Growing up Frank dreams of returning to America and making his way in the world. Once he arrives in New York, Frank struggles with fitting into life in America, trying to find his place and earn enough money to support his mother and younger brothers in Ireland. Frank works in a hotel, and on the docks, constantly worrying about what others think of him and feeling like he is not quite good enough.

Frank escapes to the Korean War, unable to tell those around him that he is thankful for the chance to be something other than a glorified janitor. The war is no different for...