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Rick Carlson, abandoned at a young age, is skeptical of life’s absurdities, lies, and deception. Feeling hoodwinked by fate’s lucky shysters, battered by bad relationships, wandering through regrets and fate, he finally finds the security he seeks.
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EXCERPT
PROLOGUE
-1-
July 1, 1945
At sunset, a hot and muggy July evening in Biloxi, Mississippi; Leo Mancuso––twenty-three, tall, tanned, muscular, white T-shirt, faded levies, no belt, white K Swiss tennis shoes––finished helping his father Primo close his families’ popular Italian delicatessen, PRIMO’s, for the evening.
Primo with some bookkeeping to do, Leo said, “I’m gonna walk home dad, see you later.”
Leo left the deli and headed down the sidewalk toward the home he had been born in and where his mother, Josephine, would be making his favorite supper, veal parmigiana, for his twenty-third birthday.
Walking along, Leo saw coming toward him a sassy young female––light brown hair, tight white T-shirt, orange skirt, barefoot–– her softball size breasts bounced as she hummed to a tune.
Getting closer, her green eyes taking in Leonardo’s up and down, they both stopped, and Leo said, “Hi.”
She said, “Hi yourself.”
Leo said, “It’s my birthday.”
“Well happy birthday. How old ya?”
“Twenty-three. How about you?”
“What?”
“Birthday.”
“Next month, be seventeen.”
They began walking together and Leo said “I haven’t seen you around here before, you from Biloxi?”
“No, we moved here from Hattiesburg, my dad got a job at a hotel.”
“What’s your name?”
“Carmella, Carmella DeAngelo, what’s yours?”
“Leo Mancuso.”
The sun almost set, as they approached a nearby wooded park, Leo said, “Wanna see the park?”
“Cool.”
They walked for a few minutes, stopped at a tree, and Carmella pulled Leo to her and began sucking his lips.
After a few seconds, she said, “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”
“Sure.”
Carmella lifted her skirt, showed him hers, unzipped Leo’s trousers, took him in hand, knelt and began devouring him.
Moments later, Carmella on her back, Leo mounted her, and soft moans filled the night air.
-2-
July 15, 1945
A bright Friday morning Leo at work at his father’s Deli, picked up the phone, “Primo’s.”
“Leo, this is Carmella, I missed my period.”
-3-
Biloxi Sun Herald Missing Person Alert July 17, 1945, Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop K, reports that a missing man from Biloxi is being sought. Troopers said Leonardo Mancuso, 23, was last seen by his mother as he was leaving home to go to work at his father’s delicatessen.
His mother, reporting that Leonardo suffers from confusion, told state police that he left his cell phone at home. Anyone with information about Leonardo Mancuso’s whereabouts is asked to call the Mississippi State Police at 228-300-7030.
-4-
Two year later…
May 1947
A gloomy Tuesday morning in Biloxi, Lottie DeAngelo along with Bethel Church of God organist, Beulah Ott, sit at the DeAngelo kitchen table sipping coffee. They chatted about how the Lord works in strange and miraculous ways.
Lottie: “One thing ain’t no mystery.” Beulah: “What’s that?”
Lottie: “When that scoundrel Leo Mancuso found out Carmella was pregnant, he just took off somewheres.”
Beulah: “That’s the devil and his ways.”
Lottie: “Devil or no, my Donato got the State Police to track that Leo down.”
Beulah: “Did they find him?”
Lottie: “Yes, ways out west some wheres, dragged him back to Biloxi, my Donato met them, and you know Donato, he cursed aplenty, escorted Mancuso and Carmella to justice of the peace Fat Thomas and old Fat did a shot gun marriage.” Beulah: “My my.”
Lottie: “Afterwards, them two came to living with me and Donato.”
Beulah: “Musta been crowded.”
Lottie: “Then wouldn’t you know, December 7, 1941, Japan goes and bombs Pearl Harbor…and that no-good Leo goes and runs off again joined the Army.” Beulah: “Heaven ta Betsy.”
Lottie: “Couple months later, Carmella’s water broke.”
Beulah: “What’d ya do?”
Lottie: “Took her upstairs, back bedroom, her screaming something awful, I took an eight pound boy out a her, cut the cord, she named
him, Rick.”
Beulah, “Where is little Rick now?”
“Upstairs asleep.”
“Where’s his mother?”
“She working, waitress at One Up Dinner.”
Lottie: “Leo gone and run off; Donato said the boy’s name was gonna be Rick DeAngelo.”
Beulah: “Good for Donato.”
Lottie: “Then, Carmella working, wouldn’t you know, the old devil working overtime, year of so later, Leo ended up in New Orleans. Guess he was an Army recruiter something or other . . . he contacted Carmella.”
Beulah: “Oh for heaven’s sake.”
Lottie: “Carmella never at ease with waitress work, tips, minimum wage… memories of that scoundrel Leo Mancuso…you know…first for her…leaving Rick behind, she hopped a bus to New Orleans.”
Beulah: “Heaven to Betsy.”
Lottie: “Guess when Carmella got to New Orleans, she and Leo…well you know.”
Beulah: “Dear me.”
Lottie: “They found an apartment somewhere, agreed to bring Rick to live with them.”
Beulah: “Blessed be the Lord.”
Lottie: “So Carmella took a bus came back to Biloxi to get Rick but when she got back to New Orleans, Leo was nowhere to be found.”
Beulah: “Oh, for heaven’s sake.”
Lottie: “She came back to Biloxi all cried out and said the first and last month rent was paid on the apartment, and she had to go back to New Orleans. Left Rick with me.”
Beulah: “Satan at work.”
Lottie: “And don’t ya know, I found out from Carmella why that scallywag Leo took off again.”
Beulah (eyes wide): “Why?”
Lottie: “He met some floozy named Naomi at a swimming pool.”
Beulah (deep breathe): “Lord’s sake…what’d Carmella do?”
Lottie: “Stuck in New Orleans, saw an ad for a waitress at some fish restaurant, went there and got a job.
PART ONE
CHAPTER 1
Nine Years Later…
Things going along in the ‘now’, living in the DeAngelo shack in Biloxi with my grandparents, my mother’s two sisters, two brothers, just before my tenth birthday, I noticed excitement in the house–smiles, whispers, cleaning, wall papered walls, new carpeting in the living room, new sofa, end tables, lamps, drapes.
I asked my grandmother, Lottie DeAngelo, “What’s going on, Mum?”
She said, “Oh Rick honey, your mother hit the jackpot…coming home, bringing a big shot who owns the New Orleans restaurant your mother works at”
I later found out my mom, making big tips at some fancy joint in New Orleans had sent money to my grandparents for the redo.
Anyway, the shack upgraded, still had only three small bedrooms, closet tuned into a bathroom, tub/shower, toilet, all that.
By the way, way it’s told, after my sperm father Leo Mancuso took off when he learned my mother was pregnant, my grandfather, Denardo, declared that my last name was gonna be DeAngelo. So here we be, Rick DeAngelo. Long story.
Anyway, the date of my mother and this big shot’s arrival blabbed everywhere, my mother and this big shot, in a big red Cadillac convertible, pulled smack in front of our Biloxi shack. After greetings and cheesy smiles, the couple came in the house. Everybody blabbing like it was some holiday, the big shot was introduced––Sid Carlson.
Sunday dinner, adults drinking, yakking, Sid, my mother and everybody said goodnight. I went to bed and in the morning, downstairs, looking around, Mum said “They went back to New Orleans to the restaurant.” Anyway, this went on for a year or so and I guess, my mother, dating the big shot, became his steady, got a key to the joint he owned, THE FISH HOUSE.
Sometime later, after my mother divorced my sperm father, Leo Mancuso, the big day was blabbed all over Biloxi, even in the Biloxi Newspaper: my mother and the big shot were tying the knot, going to take place in New Orleans.
The DeAngelo women all in a tizzy, grandfather Donato a couple shots of Jack Daniels down the hatch, grandmother with a new fuzzed up hairdo looked like cotton candy, my mother’s younger sister, Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe all dressed up, me in a first-time suit and tie, we traveled to New Orleans in Uncle Joe’s Chevy. Arrived the big easy, Uncle Joe found his way to THE FISH HOUSE where, along with Sid’s Aunt Fruma and her husband, some fat guy name, Anthony “Big Toe” Minneti and a bunch of Sid’s Clan all crammed into an upstairs apartment above his joint, and some U.S. Navy commander guy preformed the marriage ceremony.
The Sid and Carmella knot tying a done deal, families of all sides mingling, seemed, far as I could tell, happy, with most everyone blabbing that it was a blessed something or other.
For what it’s worth, I could never figure out why Aunt Fruma’s fat husband was called, “Big Toe.” Probably had something to do with his feet.
REVIEWS
5 of 5 – Review by Hy Be
[Following is a volunteer review of “The Fish House” by G L Rockey.]
Against an interesting weave of fiction that points to the resilience of the human spirit against all forces of adversity, “The Fish House” by G L Rockey sets its own unique spot. The story of Rick unfolds as a man whose life is a poignant irony to the perennial struggle against financial worries and human relationship complexities. A turning point in his life comes when his stepfather dies, leaving him the business of a family-owned restaurant.
This inheritance is not only an inheritance of possessions but undergirds itself with highly grave challenges and possible opportunities for the most profound sort of individual development. Will Rick rise and breathe new life into The Fish House, making it an iconic resurgence for his resilience and vision?
Will the burdens of the past and the presents on his desk be the challenges through which Rick must overcome in order to find a successful tomorrow and also perhaps gain a little more insight into who he is and his place in the world?
Review: A Reflection on “The Fish House” “The Fish House” is an ambiguous reflection of life’s caprices and the perfection of man’s will to break through the storm of fate.
G.L. Rockey has created a world in which personal demons and external pressures have conspired to bring about a Rick character that speaks volumes in its richness of depth and change. The story is as much about running the restaurant as it is about navigating the treacherous waters between legacy, responsibility, and the search for identity in the maelstrom.
Great attention to small details, applied in creation with the characters and in colorfully vivid description to The Fish House, are a sort of uniqueness found in this book. Moreover, it was not simply a restaurant; rather, The Fish House became a symbol of the crucible within which Rick transformed. The telling is masterful, the story told both inviting and thought-provoking. Rockey’s command of language and grammar in this story certainly brings out with some fairly clear, sharp meaning every sentence and scene. Perhaps the most impressively effective aspect of Rockey’s writing is how effortlessly he weds the internal conflict and purpose with the external challenge Rick faces. The journey is symbolic of so much of the universal struggle taking place to beat all odds, which is why the story reaches so many levels. The characters that people Rick’s world are realistic, with each contributing a part to the emotional layering of the story and the development of the hero.
Still, “The Fish House” is not lacking reflection, and it lets readers ponder over human fight and strength. It really raises questions not just to the inheritance of material things but to the personal and emotional legacies one might have, and how does one go through the process of healing and growth. Rick’s story thus becomes the beacon of hope, exemplified through how personal reinjson is possible in the wake of life’s storms.
“The Fish House” by G L Rockey is, in a nutshell, a brilliantly written story for which the author deserves every bit of respect—be it for the depth of the plot, the seriousness with which character-building is undertaken, or its presentation, which is nothing short of flawless. It earns a five out of five-star rating for its exceptional editing and the impactful narrative that leaves a lasting impression. There was no part of the book that I disliked; rather, it was a very resourceful journey through the life of a man who can change his tribulations in the past into stepping stones for a prospective future. More than a story, ‘The Fish House’ is a work of literature standing much like a looking glass into the soul, daring its readers to find their strength in adversity much like Rick does. In doing so, it not only entertains but enlightens, offering a narrative that is as moving as it is memorable.
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The Fish House
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5 of 5 – Review by Sylvester Luviru »
[Following is a volunteer review of “The Fish House” by G L Rockey.]
The Fish House by G.L. Rockey is not just a book; it’s an epic journey through the life of Rick, starting in the vibrant backdrop of mid-20th century Biloxi, Mississippi. As the narrative unfolds, it transports readers to a myriad of settings, each shaped by the inexorable winds of change that define Rick’s existence. The novel intricately explores Rick’s complex familial relationships, his entanglements with various women, career transformations, and the existential dilemmas that guide the course of his life. At the epicenter of Rick’s world is The Fish House, a quaint family-run restaurant that serves as a steadfast beacon amidst the ebbs and flows of his life, symbolizing both a haven of stability and a crucible of turmoil.
Rockey’s narrative is a deep dive into the themes of resilience against adversity and the unending quest for redemption. These universal themes resonate throughout the novel, underscored by the meticulously detailed descriptions of settings that range from the sultry ambiance of the South to the pulsating energy of urban centers. This richly painted backdrop not only enhances the immersive quality of the story but also serves as a testament to Rockey’s prowess in setting a vivid stage for the unfolding drama.
The plot itself is an emotional rollercoaster, skillfully crafted to keep readers glued to the pages from beginning to end. Rockey excels in the art of character development, particularly with Rick, whose life’s narrative is a compelling study of human vulnerability and strength. The character’s relatability and depth underscore the complexity of human nature and the inevitable highs and lows that come with it.
In conclusion, The Fish House is an exceptionally well-edited book without errors, a flawless narrative that I would rate 5 out of 5 stars. The novel is a masterclass in storytelling, with its strengths in character development, thematic exploration, and setting description, making it a must-read for aficionados of character-driven narratives and the exploration of life’s unpredictable nature. It is, undoubtedly, a memorable addition to contemporary literature, resonating with readers long after the last page is turned. I didn’t encounter any negative aspects of the book.
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The Fish House
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5 of 5 Review by Rebecca De Figueiredo »
[Following is a volunteer review of “The Fish House” by G L Rockey.]
From the moment Rick was conceived (albeit in a moment of passion between two hormone-driven teenagers) until the end of the story, he has an emotional and somewhat poignant existence. Before I opened the book, I was impressed by the lovely painting used as the cover; it suited the book somehow. Leo and Carmella met in 1945; almost immediately after this, they conceived Rick. Leo wasn’t interested in marriage, so after a few years, Carmella married Sid, who adopted Rick as his son. Young Rick had problems in his childhood, such as constantly getting low marks at school (perhaps these days, he would have been diagnosed with ADHD disorder). After he left school, he showed an interest in writing, so he went to college with Sid as his benefactor (The Fish House was doing well). Various women flitted in and out of his life.
‘The Fish House’ is written by Rick and shows him as an emotionally and spiritually floundering individual. He had a rocky start in life and seemed to have on-and-off relationships with the people in his life, and he probably had a deep feeling of being abandoned by his father. He lacks support and love in his endeavours. Issues with his stepfather’s drinking, womanising, and generally messy life annoy him. Despite this, I couldn’t help but be amused often: There was a sense of fun running through the book, not the subject matter, but the flippancy, comical outlook and humorous paraphrases he uses. Rick is likeable, and the reader hopes that he will find happiness. His psychologist (who, like the reader, finds him an attractive personality) tries to help him.
I enjoyed this book, especially the tone of G.L. Rockey’s prose. There were no grammatical errors, and there was nothing that I disliked about the book, so I am awarding it a 5-out-of-5 rating. It is suitable for all genres, from young adults onward.
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The Fish House
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5 of 5 Review by Somtochukwu O Ezeme »
[Following is a volunteer review of “The Fish House” by G L Rockey.]
The Fish House by G L Rockey is a compelling story that comprises 68 chapters. The book revolves around the life of Rick, who was born to Leo Mancuso. Rick went through different changes of names because of his mother’s many relationships and marriages and finally settled on the surname Carlson.
Rick is a complex character on a journey of self-improvement, trying to come to terms with his past and hoping for a better future. Throughout the book, he struggles with personality indifference; this makes it challenging for him to connect with others. Left by his mother at a young age, he develops a deep sense of abandonment, which haunts him throughout his life.
The Fish House is a poignant story that narrates the events of Rick’s life, from his childhood to his adulthood. It delves into the different phases of his life, including his struggles with relationships, academics, family, and mental health. The book portrays Rick’s relentless pursuit of significance, which becomes his driving force in life. The book is educational and informative. The message of the author is relatable.
I like how life blessed Rick with ownership of the Fish House, teaching that blessings can come unexpectedly. Rick has lived through unsuccessful relationships; his attitude of not giving up drove him on to the next. This attitude may prove to be his savior. Did he find his perfect match? Did he turn bitter and quit? What was his end point? Readers will find answers to these questions in the book.
The writing style is a positive aspect of the book. I do not dislike the book. There are no negative aspects to the book. The editing is perfect. I rate the book The Fish House by G L Rockey 5 out of 5 stars. The reasons for my rating are above.
I recommend the book to young adults. Single mothers will learn from the beginning aspect of the book.
The Fish House
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5 of 5 – Review by RomanceBound T »
[Following is a volunteer review of “The Fish House” by G L Rockey.]
The Fish House by GL Rockey offers a poignant exploration of life’s uncertainties and the resilience required to navigate its challenges. Rick DeAngelo, abandoned early in life, confronts a world rife with absurdities, deceit, and disappointment. Rockey skillfully delves into Rick’s journey from skepticism to a sense of security, illustrating how childhood experiences shape adult identity.
The narrative commences in July 1945 with a pivotal encounter between Rick’s parents, Carmella and Leo, wherein her mother gets pregnant with Rick. Raised by his grandparents, Rick’s life takes unexpected turns when his mother returns with a new husband, a restaurant owner from New Orleans. Following his stepfather’s passing, Rick inherits the restaurant, setting the course for his own journey of self-discovery.
Rockey’s portrayal of Rick’s childhood is both vivid and evocative, highlighting the profound impact of early experiences on one’s worldview. As Rick navigates the complexities of adulthood, readers witness his struggles with relationships, identity, and the weight of past regrets.
One of the book’s strengths lies in Rick’s exploration of therapy as a tool for healing following tragedy. This adds depth to the narrative, offering insights into the complexities of grief and resilience. Its accessible language, which allows readers to seamlessly immerse themselves in Rick’s world, is another thing that made it all the more enticing to me.
Overall, it was a captivating exploration of the human experience, weaving together themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring impact of childhood. Through Rick’s journey, Rockey reminds us of the transformative power of resilience in the face of life’s uncertainties.
I rate this star five out of five stars for the reasons stated above. The initial meeting between Rick’s parents, when her mother was just 16 and his father was 23, troubled me; however, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the narrative, which is why I am awarding this a perfect score. Other than the one mistake I discovered, the book’s competent editing is readily apparent. I think you should read this if you enjoy reading fiction.
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The Fish House
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5 of 5 Review by Tejas Koli »
[Following is a volunteer review of “The Fish House” by G L Rockey.]
“The Fish House” by G.L. Rockey provides a compelling glimpse into life in 1950s Biloxi and New Orleans through the eyes of young Rick DeAngelo. Rockey skillfully uses Rick’s perspective to immerse the reader in this bygone era and explore complex themes of family, identity, and belonging.
Rockey structures the story as a series of vignettes from Rick’s childhood and teenage years. This allows him to economically convey pivotal life events while also capturing fleeting everyday moments. Readers are treated to rich sensory details that transport them to scenes like the cramped DeAngelo household or the Fish House restaurant. Rockey invites the reader to slowly piece together the tangled relationships and backstories that shape Rick. Perhaps the most compelling element is Rick’s quest to understand his shifting family dynamics and identity. He goes from DeAngelo to Carlson as his mother’s and stepfather’s lives intersect. But Rockey ensures Rick remains an uncertain, perceptive outsider somewhat detached from the adults. This grants nuance to his perspective on the caprices of parents and the paternal figures who fail to truly know or accept him.
The editing is well-done. With economy and attention to period detail, Rockey brings 1950s Biloxi and New Orleans to life. Readers are treated to colorful vignettes that convey the rhythms of these Gulf Coast communities. With the mix of cultures along the Mississippi, Rockey’s descriptions are vivid without unnecessary flourish. This grounded sense of place and time supports the intimate portrayal of Rick’s coming-of-age. There is a grammatical mistake that I found.
While “The Fish House” focuses on one boy’s story, it offers wider insights into family and identity during the 1950s. Rick’s experiences navigating his changing name and never quite feeling at home with any paternal figure will resonate with readers. Rockey tells a deeply human story with warmth and empathy for the people populating his intriguing, bygone world. “The Fish House” is a sharp, perceptive read that will delight both fans of character-driven historical fiction and anyone seeking to understand life in mid-20th-century America. I would rate it 5 out of 5.
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The Fish House
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4 of 5 – Review by Chris Alex Powell »
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of “The Fish House” by G L Rockey.]
The Fish House is a fictional novel by G. L. Rockey. The book consists of sixty-eight chapters that follow the life of Rick Carlson, a man with a tumultuous past and a constant search for meaning in his life.
The story begins in Biloxi, Mississippi, where Leo Mancuso, Rick’s biological father, disappears after a brief encounter with Carmella DeAngelo, Rick’s mother. Left to raise Rick alone, Carmella later marries Sid Carlson, who adopts Rick and renames him. The story progresses through Rick’s childhood and adulthood, delving into his pursuit of a writing career. Rick faces various challenges, from troubled relationships to financial struggles. After his stepfather’s passing, Rick inherits the restaurant, and with his new partner, Julie Valach, they attempt to revive the business. However, tragedy strikes, and the story takes a philosophical turn as Rick embarks on therapy sessions with Dr. Sami Prothero, a psychologist, exploring his deepest emotions, fears, and complexities of existence. Will he find the light at the end of this winding tunnel? Readers will be enthralled as they follow Rick’s pursuit of meaning in this engaging and thought-provoking book.
There’s so much to love about this book. One aspect that stood out to me was the author’s captivating writing style. The use of simple and easily understandable language and the occasional incorporation of slang created an atmosphere reminiscent of an old mafioso recounting events from his past. This narrative approach was engaging and often injected with humor, making the reading experience enjoyable. The interactions between the characters were another highlight. The therapy sessions between Rick and Sami provided a fascinating exploration of various topics, ranging from the nature of existence to discussions about God, religion, and human nature. It was intriguing to witness how the doctor derived her insights into Rick’s character simply by attentively listening to him vent. The advice she offered in Chapter 55 was particularly thought-provoking. The book’s moderate length was also appreciated, allowing for comprehensive plot exploration without becoming overly long.
However, there were a few aspects that I found less enjoyable. My least favorite aspect was the abrupt change in style from a charming and light narrative to deep philosophical insights into the protagonist’s mind. It almost seemed like the book was divided into two separate parts. While both parts of the narrative were interesting, the transition between them felt somewhat jarring. Additionally, there were some formatting issues, especially with the Table of Contents, which impacted the overall reading experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, it was still an interesting and engaging read.
I did find a host of errors in this book. It was not professionally edited. For this reason, I deduct a single star and rate this book four out of five stars. I genuinely enjoyed this book, despite the issues I had with it; hence, I could not rate it lower. I recommend this book to lovers of fictional dramas seeking an engaging and compelling first-person narration.
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The Fish House
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