49 pages • 1 hour read
Pietro Di DonatoChrist in Concrete
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1937A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Christ in Concrete by Pietro Di Donato follows Paul, a young boy who becomes the sole provider for his family after his immigrant bricklayer father dies in a work accident. Forced to join the grueling world of bricklaying, Paul experiences the camaraderie and hardships among Italian immigrant laborers in early 1900s New York. His initial faith in God is tested by the harsh realities of work and loss, culminating in his loss of faith. The book addresses themes of dangerous working conditions, poverty, and the conflicts between faith and labor. The book includes vivid descriptions of traumatic events and harsh working conditions.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Pietro Di Donato's Christ in Concrete receives acclaim for its vivid portrayal of immigrant life and the raw, emotional narrative reflecting labor struggles. Critics appreciate the novel's powerful prose and authenticity. However, some find its dense style and intense themes challenging. Overall, it stands out for its historical and cultural significance.
Who Should Read Christ in Concrete ?
Readers who would enjoy Pietro Di Donato's Christ in Concrete appreciate powerful immigrant stories and narratives exploring labor struggles during the Great Depression. Similar to John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, this novel appeals to those interested in socio-economic themes and gritty realism.