The Edge of Lost by Kristina McMorrisMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I'm not sure what I expected when I chose this book, but as a fan of historical fiction it sounded intriguing. With twists and turns along the way, this is a story of Shan, a young boy struggling to get by in Ireland after his parents both die. Shan winds up with his angry uncle, and he uses his talents to earn money in Irish pubs as a gifted singer and entertainer. Shan finds himself alone on a boat to America and an Italian family takes him in. The author weaves a great deal of historical detail into the story, including the life of immigrants, the mobster gangs that controls sections of the city and the less than glamorous life of vaudeville stars. Shan finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, but his strong belief in loyalty prevents him from turning in the real criminals. Shan winds up alone and in prison, but he is able to hold on to his humanity and not only rescue himself, but he helps to reduce a young girl who needs him. For me, the low point of this story is the lack of believability at times, but the characters are interesting, and the settings of speakeasies and Alcatraz island add a novelty that make the story more interesting.
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