Lorenzo Carcaterra's "Sleepers"

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that Lorenzo Carcaterra's "Sleepers" is a story of the savage stripping of the boys' innocence, their brutal revenge, and the calculating cover up. However, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to accept completely that "Sleepers" is a true story. The author believes that the novel's theme is simply a weak rehashing of much-tried themes of "innocence lost" and the effects of a bad environment on the individual. The paper concludes that, given these negative comments, the author still highly recommends the book because "Sleepers" still passes the ultimate test; it is a truly entertaining read.

From the Paper:

"Carcaterra's story seems to be largely created for dramatic effect, and has a ring of a "tall tale". In other words, it is almost too good to be true. As Carcaterra writes the story, his recollections seem to be tinged with a bit too much foreshadowing of the shocking and horrible events that are to come. Further, he seems to be too reluctant to reveal the names of those involved in the story, and this reluctance truly damages the credibility of his assertion that the story is entirely true. This is especially troubling when Carcaterra eventually reveals that the abuses at the former home for boys were eventually revealed, and the system was overhauled. If this assertion is correct, then why does Carcaterra feel the need to so completely hide the identities of those involved?"

More papers on Lorenzo Carcaterra's "Sleepers":

• Book Review # 55720 : "Sleepers" by Lorenzo Carcaterra"
• Film Review # 49008 : "Sleepers"
• Analytical Essay # 137010 : "The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa" by Gian Lorenzo Bernini"

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