Al Capone Does My Shirts Book Review

One of my favorite examples of character development would be Al Capone Does My Shirts. The majority of the main cast shifts in noticeable ways that drive the story. Nat, in particular, grows a large amount for an integral part of the plot. Her character is so lovable that, despite not being relatable, she touches each reader. Her brother, Moose, interacts with other characters with that relatability expected, making up for anything she lacks. With him as the protagonist, the reader doesn’t miss the easy connection most people can’t make with Nat. All this would be for nought without the setting of Alcatraz. The name of the prison itself draws intrigue before any of the plot reveals itself; adding someone like Moose, a mischievous young boy struggling with problems thrice his age, twists previous knowledge of this prison on its head. The theme of truth, no matter the cost, resonates with a large crowd, especially when Nat is used as the focal point of it. Overall, the piece does a good job of highlighting the perspective of a twelve-year-old boy perpendicular to both trouble and triumph.

“It’s so strange, so awful, and so...normal. Natalie doesn’t look weird. She’s my older sister. A sixteen-year-old girl holding hands with a man not much older than she is. // This is terrible. // This is good.”

Recommended for anyone who wants historical fiction that feels modern.

-Grace Nask