Summaries of 3 books by Irving Shulman, available in English, French and German. Read AI-generated key ideas and takeaways, or generate your own.
3 SummariesBorn 1913 · Died 1995 · American
Irving Shulman was an American novelist and screenwriter recognized for his gritty, realistic portrayals of urban life and juvenile delinquency. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1913, he often drew upon his experiences growing up in working-class neighborhoods for his narratives. His writing style was direct and unsparing, exploring themes of social alienation, crime, and the struggles of young people in post-war America. Shulman's most famous novel, *The Amboy Dukes* (1946), depicted a Brooklyn street gang and was adapted into the film *City Across the River*. He also wrote the novelization for the 1961 film *West Side Story*, based on Ernest Lehman's screenplay. Throughout his career, Shulman authored numerous other novels, screenplays, and biographies, contributing to a body of work that captured the darker aspects of mid-20th century American society and explored the complexities of human behavior within challenging environments.
Notable works: The Amboy Dukes, West Side Story, Cry Tough!, The Square Trap, Valentino
“The street was their kingdom, their battleground, their only home.”Describing the gang's territorial claim and sense of belonging.
“He had never seen anything so beautiful, so utterly perfect, as Maria.”Tony's immediate and profound reaction upon seeing Maria for the first time.
“Hate was a fire, burning in their guts, consuming everything in its path.”Narrative description of the intense animosity between the Jets and Sharks.
“The rumble was inevitable, a storm gathering force, ready to break.”Foreshadowing the climactic gang fight and its unavoidable nature.