Brett, Lily: *1946
You Gotta Have Balls, 2006 - Information about the Book
- General Information | Facts | Author | Commentary | Reviews
- General Information
- Edek moves to New York and, with Zofia and Walentyna, two Polish women, sets up a meatball restaurant named You Gotta Have Balls that becomes a successful enterprise.
- Information from Wikipedia
- Lily Brett’s novel “You Gotta Have Balls” draws inspiration from her personal history as the child of Holocaust survivors. The book explores themes of identity, family, and the impact of the Holocaust on subsequent generations. The protagonist, Ruth Rothwax, reflects Brett’s own experiences and struggles with her family’s past. Brett uses humor and personal anecdotes to address serious subjects, such as the trauma inherited from her parents’ experiences during the Holocaust. The novel is deeply autobiographical, reflecting Brett’s life in New York and her efforts to reconcile her family’s history with her present.Developed by AI
- Facts
- The title is a play on the idiomatic expression "to have balls", which means to have courage or bravery. The phrase is considered vulgar slang and impolite by some, though it has lost much of its anatomical meaning and is sometimes used to refer to women as well as men. While the phrase is commonly used in informal conversation, it would be inappropriate in formal writing or with children. Some suggest using synonyms like "courage" or "strength" instead.
For Liily Brett there is no sexual allusion in the title; for her courage is what she wants to express. - Awards: The novel has not won any major literary awards.
- Reviewers frequently praise the novel's blend of humor and heart, noting that Brett's writing manages to be both funny and touching. The eccentric characters and their interactions provide much of the book's charm.
Lily Brett's writing style is noted for its simplicity and clarity, making the novel accessible and enjoyable. Her ability to weave serious themes with light-hearted storytelling is a frequently cited strength.
While generally well-received, some critics mention that the plot can be somewhat predictable. A few reviews suggest that the novel's pacing could be uneven at times.
Overall, "You Gotta Have Balls" is regarded as a delightful and thought-provoking read, particularly appealing to those interested in stories about family, heritage, and the immigrant experience.
Developed by AI
- Reader Rating:
- Author
- Interviews Lily Brett gave in Zurich. SwissEduc; November 8, 2006
Host: Bettina Spoerri
Host: Hans Fischer
- Lily Brett talks about (excerpts from the above talks)
- Interviews Lily Brett gave in Zurich. SwissEduc; November 8, 2006
- Commentary
- Lily Brett’s novel "You Gotta Have Balls" is a humorous and heartwarming story that explores themes of family, resilience, and cultural identity. Set in New York, the narrative revolves around Ruth Rothwax, a successful businesswoman, and her father Edek, a Holocaust survivor with an irrepressible zest for life. Edek’s decision to open a Polish restaurant with two eccentric friends leads to a series of comedic and touching events that test Ruth’s patience and highlight the complexities of their father-daughter relationship.
The novel skillfully blends humor with poignant reflections on trauma and survival, offering insight into how past experiences shape present lives. Brett’s writing captures the vibrancy of New York City and the richness of Polish-Jewish culture, while her characters’ quirks make them deeply relatable. Ultimately, "You Gotta Have Balls" is a celebration of embracing life’s challenges with humor, love, and an open heart.
Developed by AI
- Reviews