The Dropper

Gutsy 17-year-old Albert "Shoe" Horn is an apprentice plumber and part-time boxer whose story takes place in England in 1922. When his mother dies, he finds himself responsible for an abusive, alcoholic father and a younger brother with special needs. McLarty performs his marvelous novel about the indomitable Shoe's day-to-day survival with poetic grit, cynical genius, respect, and deep affection. McLarty's memorable characters include Shoe's best friend, the gentle giant McAvy, his slave-driving boss, the Irish louts that resurrect his temper, the tempting ladies who seek him out, his hilarious plumbing clients, and the formidable "Dropper," who Shoe fears will take away the most true thing in his life, his brother. Listeners will laugh and cry as Shoe makes his way in his world. B.J.P. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine