The Cornerboys
A Novel
by
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About the Book
This is a heart warming story of a gang
of boys who grew up in 1940’s Montreal –
against the backdrop of a looming confl ict
in far away Korea :
The place is the largely Irish neighbourhood
of Point. St. Charles, the time : summer of
1947. Handsome,strong Pat Donovan and
“the guys” meet up as usual at “Rainbow’s
Corner” on a street like many others to
be found all over urban North America.
Carefully setting the stage for what
is to come, William B. Earle masterfully
introduces his characters who cluster
here exchanging stories of hopes, dreams,
romance and adventure all interwoven
with the strong element of sports, so
characteristic of this particular Montreal
neighbourhood. Casey, Griff, Ace Barney,
Ruby Nuts and other members of “the
gang” first take us through a sensuous
journey of Irish, swashbuckling Point
St. Charles complete with the “Shamrocks”
team and “lounges” such as “The Cavendish”
and “Westlakes” as well as famous hamburger
hang-out, “Baraby’s” Beautiful Alice Brodka
is Pat’s love interest and her entrance signals
that major changes are about to occur in
the lives of Pat and the Cornerboys.
The Cornerboys became men when
they headed the call of duty and went to
war in the summer of 1950 – some never
to return.
About the Author
William B. Earle, (Billy), was born and raised in the working class district of Point Saint Charles in Montreal. Billy loved “The Point” and was very active in sports both as a player and later as a coach. At the outbreak of the Korean War, Billy and four of his Cornerboy pals answered the call to arms and enlisted in the Canadian Army Special Force and served a full tour of duty in Japan and Korea. Following his return from overseas, he took up employment with Veterans Affairs Canada and devoted a life time of service to the well being of veterans and their families. His subsequent duties involved travels from coast to coast and, indeed, to many countries around the world. He is now happy to be back in Montreal and to have renewed old friendships. And he feels deeply honoured to have been inducted into the Point St. Charles Hall of Recognition.