David Kruh

On June 11, 1962 three men made history when they escaped from Alcatraz, John Anglin and his brother Clarence, along with fellow prison mate, Frank Morris. After extensive research, author David Kruh has woven historical events and people with fictional characters into an enjoyable story and presented his theory as to their fate.
Months of preparation have paid off for the Anglin brothers and Frank Morris. They are finally out! But their fate is tied to that of 13 year old Tommy and his mother Molly. The school year has ended and Tommy has big plans for summer holidays. But things change, when he sees the two brothers huddled on a beach and in trouble. Although he sees through their story, their plight moves him and he decides to help them, even though it means hiding the truth from his mother, Molly and especially her friend, Chief of Police of Sausalito, Tony Marianetti, a man Tommy doesn't like. Molly, widowed in WWII, has turned her wartime job of welding into a hobby and struggles to raise her son, by working as a waitress, for a local celebrity restaurant owner. Meanwhile, Frank Morris has revenge on his mind, after he is separated from the brothers when their raft capsizes during the inmates' escape to freedom. In a dramatic conclusion, Tommy, his mother and Chief Marianetti all learn a valuable lesson about life, love, humanity, forgiveness, reconciliation and reformation from the Anglin brothers.
I especially liked how the author weaves memorable real historical characters into the story and evokes a nostalgia for past times in San Francisco. Molly embodies the spirit of women, who entered the workplace during WWII and fights for the rights of women and equality for blacks. We learn about the poor of San Francisco, who lived in a house boat colony on the bay, considered the "other side of the tracks" by those, who were better off. Who wins the contest for most colourful character, Sally Stanford, the former Mabel Busby, a bordello owner come fine dining owner and well known philanthropist, or Juanita Musson, the muumuu wearing restaurant owner who would tell complaining customers, "Eat it or Wear it!" and literally follow through with her threat? The latter personage brought back fond childhood memories to me of an elderly relative who said the same thing to a younger family member and did carry through with the threat one summer dinner time! Oh, to go back in time and ask that long dead relative if they were following the mantra of Juanita or if it was a common threat of the times to get children to eat!… (meer)