Cry, Brother, Cry

Not a lot is known about pulp writer and novelist Jack Karney (1911-?). He worked in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, wrote shorts for magazines like Argosy and Short Stories, and completed at least 11 paperback originals. Most of his literary work concerns juvenile delinquents or boxers struggling with criminality on New York's Lower East Side. In the opening pages of Cry, Brother, Cry, a 1959 Popular Library paperback, there's a note about the author that states Karney was a member of a teenage gang, which is fitting considering that's the subject of the book. 

Two years ago, Joey Koslo was an up-and-coming welterweight boxer. He threw the leather while working his way up to a Final Boss named Ox, a fighter groomed by the Mob to be the next world champ. When Joey refused to take the dive, and beat Ox, the Mob nearly pummeled him to death in an alley. After a lengthy hospital stay, Joey was released and immediately tracked Ox down. After a brutal beating with a cue stick the police arrested Joey for attempted murder. Two years in the pen.

Back home and hoping for a calmer life, Joey attempts to reconnect with his younger brother Duke. But, he realizes a harsh reality when he discovers expensive attire and a pistol in Duke's closet – Duke's involved with the Mob. Joey attempts to persuade Duke, a high school kid, to go clean before it's too late. Joey's positive encouragement helps, but eventually the money is just too darn good to turn down – Duke goes dirty.

Cry, Brother, Cry is saturated in the teen gangster tropes used by mid 20th century crime-fiction authors like Benjamin Appel, Edward S. Aarons, and W.R. Burnett - the cops need informers, the parents urge discipline, and the boys need maturity. But, Karney's writing, while often deadpan grim, brings to the surface a relationship journey for the main character and his prior girlfriend. How they reconnect, long for each other, and battle turbulent forces in their lives is a subplot that nearly surpasses the teen criminality angle. It was such an entertaining part of this violent, touching, and unforgettable novel. Highly recommended. Get it HERE.