4.5 Stars

”Oh, take it slowly, don't live too fast
Troubles will come, troubles will pass
You'll find a woman and you'll find love
Just remember my son, there is someone up above

“And be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can”
-- Simple Man, Lynyrd Skynyrd / Sawyer Fredericks, Songwriters: Songwriters: Gary Rossington / Ron Van Zandt


Morris Rabishevsky, his brothers Sol and Harry, and their older sisters Anna and Bess, lived on the Lower East Side, but when their father died, that meant someone had to provide for their family. Although Morris was then only twelve years old, he went to work in the garment industry, originally sweeping floors at the Majestic Garment Company. At the owner’s suggestion, he changes his last name to Raab.

Navigating the Lower East Side in 1915 wasn’t an easy walk home, having to avoid or negotiate with young wanna-be gangsters who make him fight in order to hold onto his money on payday.

It wasn’t long before Morris would find a way to work his way straight up the ladder to marker maker. An eye for detail and a strong determination to make something of himself, for himself, and for his family fed by the determination of a young boy with his eye on a better future.

By the age of twenty, Morris is running the company, and then he and brother Sol begin their own company, Raab Brothers. He’s determined to make this an even bigger business, and begins landing more business with bigger department stores with chains, and Sol keeps busy with the books.

As for their more sociable, easygoing brother Harold, he seems to attract a more dishonest, corrupt, crowd. Among them is Louis Buchalter, the wanna-be gangster who tried to convince Morris to hand over his money years ago. A man who has taken the liberty to rule the garment unions.

Based on author Andrew Gross’s grandfather’s life, this is a story that covers the immigration of Jewish families in the early 1900s, through the hardships of life in the 1920’s and 1930’s and beyond, those few men who stood strong against organized crime, who put their own lives on the line in order to see them brought to justice.

Andrew Gross made me feel as though I were walking beside Morris as these events unfolded, as this novel wound through the lives of the different characters, the different places, I felt as though I could see it all, feel every emotion, and I loved being drawn into his story.


Pub Date: 18 SEP 2018

Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books

Instead of providing a summary of the book plot, which can be read about in the in the Amazon, B&N and Goodreads Book Descriptions, I'll focus my review on what I liked and didn't like about it. Hopefully, this will be of help in deciding if Button Man is a book you'd be interested in reading.

Based on the first 80% of Button Man, the latest historical novel by Andrew Gross, I was fully expecting that my overall rating would be at least a solid four-star rating...but then I came to the last 50-60 pages which caused me to drop my overall rating to three stars.

On the plus side, I very much liked how Gross painted a mostly historically accurate, absorbing and interesting picture of immigrant life in NYC during the 1920's and 1930's, the garment industry and the mob's control over the unions in this industry. Further, another real strength of Gross is his presentation of a cast of both fictional and real-life characters that are richly developed, and to which the reader can quickly attach themselves. This is especially true of his many male characters -- especially Morris Rabishevsky (later changed to Raab, and who is based on the real-life experiences of one of the author's grandfathers), his brothers Sol and Harry, and some real-life Jewish mobsters such as Louis 'Lepke' Buchalter, Mendy Weiss, and Jake "Gurrah" Shapiro. And, I also liked that Gross unfolded his plot in such away that enables the reader to feel that he/she is 'right there' with these characters experiencing what they did.

As said above, based on these pluses, I was sure I'd be giving this book at least a four-star rating.

My rating dropped to three stars (i.e. Good but not Very Good) because I was very disappointed in how Gross chose to describe the main "action scene' between Morris and one of the mobsters towards the end of the book. Not only did I find this scene to be pretty preposterous, but the outcome of this scene was factually inaccurate. For me, this is largely inexcusable in a book -- albeit it a work of fiction -- that prides itself on its historical accuracy..

If you can overlook what disappointed me, I think you'll find Button Man to be an interesting, entertaining read.

#Button Man #Net Galley

Immigrants in the 20's and 30's, the Rabinowitz family was dealt two tragic blows in one day. Those tragic incidents would shape the future of the boys, Morris, Sol and Harry. They were already barely making ends meet and now with the death of their father, dreams must be put on hold as the boys must become wage earners while still children.

Morris, became an apprentice in the garment industry at just 12 years old! Even at 12, he knew his worth. He was a quick learner and didn't back down to anyone. And this was a problem with the union bosses and mobs controlling every inch of the garment industry and to go up against them was deadly.

While Sol became an accountant, he eventually went into business with Morris. Harry would make a much different choice with his life. To join the mobsters. Harry likes money. And women and the big flashy life of the gangs working for Louis Buchalter.

But who will he stand with when the big boss comes for the garment industry and his brothers. Because Morris isn't backing down. Ever.

Based on his own family history, Gross tells the story so well. With great historical accuracy and characters that were inspiring.

Netgalley/September 18th 2018 by Minotaur Books

In turn of the century New York City, ten blocks separated two worlds. Rich. Poor. Privileged. Insignificant. To live below Houston in the Lower East Side usually meant you were Irish, Italian, or Jewish, an immigrant who had few options for advancement. Morris Rabishevsky and his five siblings grow up with their share of heartache. A brother killed and their father passed away. He's forced to find work at twelve to help support the family. The garment industry finds him or he finds the garment industry, who knows which, but it starts a contentious relationship that lasts a lifetime.

He and his brother Sol eventually become partners in a new operation and their accounts for new stylish coats are booming even in the depths of the depression. But the unions, infiltrated by the mob, come knocking. Morris is forced to make a decision: help the law bust the gangsters, become a union/ mob shop, or fight.

Andrew Gross's Button Man is the fictionalized story of his grandfather's life. It is the details of the city, the shakedowns of the wise guys, and the tightness of the family. Although Morris's story is always enjoyable and interesting, the is great strength in the shifting points of view. The special task force put together by Thomas Dewey. The hit squad to sever the reach of one mob family. The younger brother who has lost his way. Gross has a great talent of presenting a time, a place, and the people live in those confines.

Morris is a fighter. Working in the business since he was twelve and starting out on his own. Who will help him? His family, his friends, or only himself? The reader is in the dark until the fantastic ending. One I will not forget for a very long time.

Mr Gross has changed his emphasis slightly for his last 3 books including "Button Man" herein reviewed. The settings have been set in the past to make the novels more historical than present day. His ability as an author has not been changed in any way. He is a wordsmith and has a style and phraseology that make reading his books engrossing and his readers always searching for his latest novels. I had recently read "One Man", a masterful treatment of individuals incarcerated in concentration camps during World War II. I stated that this was Mr Gross's best novel. I have to revise my opinion to that "Button Man" now holds that place. But knowing his skills let's see what the next book he authors holds for his readers.
In an afterward to the present book the author indicates that the leading character is somewhat modeled after his grandfather. If so, he obviously has the advantage of remembering talks with the man as well as listening to a recording made describing his grandfather's days as a manufacturer of women's apparel. It brings the book's setting into the period after World War I and the rise of businesses dedicated to these product lines.
Morris Rabishevsky and his siblings grew up in the lower east side of New York City. They were thrust on their own when their father passed away leaving them to start earning money to help support the family. Morris was 12 years old and began a career by managing to convince a garment cutter to take him on as an apprentice ahead of older, more experienced men. He quickly proves himself adept in learning the business and at 21 years of age opens up a his own operation along with his brother Sol who had meanwhile been studying accounting. The business became successful Morris and Sol changed their last name to Raab and grew during the early 1920s and 1930s.This was a period during which organized crime also grew in order to prey on those successful. Names like Lepke and Dutch Schultz arose to look for the means to bring the gains made by successful businesses into their own pockets. Unions were formed by gangsters for sole purposes of extortion of both the firm and the worker and certainly not to help employees with work problems.

While Morris and his family had to exist with the threats of the phony unions coupled with politicians and police officers on the take Mr Gross paints a picture of Thomas E Dewey. Dewey in his career became a special prosecutor becoming the Elliot Ness of New York in order to take down the criminals he went after. Not getting any witnesses to testify against the criminals due to fear of gang retribution Dewey filed charges of monopoly in restraint of trade and other crimes not requiring witnesses to bring to court. In his lifetime he became governor of New York State and also ran for president unsuccessfully against Franklin Roosevelt and than Harry Truman. Andrew Gross paints Dewey in a very favorable light giving him and his assistants credit for helping rid New York of much of it's criminal element including an organized gang venture into murder for pay termed "Murder, Inc".
The businesses described in the book and the drive of their founders certainly can be equated with other organizations growing in a country that fostered the drive to make money. It is a favorable depiction of the capitalist system which makes pursuit of profit something desirable rather than a tawdry custom that detracts from the fairness that should exist between businessmen. "Button Man" is not a book that is looking to expose what is undesirable but a picture of men and women building an industry through doing the best they can for themselves. Competition is desirable and helps to insure progress in areas that can use it to expand.

Manhattan's Lower East Side was home to the Rabishevsky family from Minsk. Many new immigrants in the 1920's and 1930's lived in ramshackle tenements with poor lighting and non-working furnaces. Various gangs of thugs bullied the "newest" immigrants. Upon the death of Jacob Rabishevsky, Bella and her six children were at a crossroads. Morris, the youngest, left school determined to learn a trade. Sol gave up his dream of accounting school. Harry, feeling he was held responsible for his twin brother's death, started to mix with hoodlums.

Morris Rabishevsky aka Morris Raab was a feisty twelve year old. He convinced Mr. Kaufman, owner of the Majestic Garment Company to hire him to sweep floors and perform odd jobs. However, Kaufman's advise was "keep your eyes open and learn". Morris learned! He watched the marker maker lay out pattern pieces for the best yield and least wastage. He watched the fabric cutter's shears and observed the notching of pattern pieces. At age twenty, Morris was running the company until it was sold after Kaufman's death.

Walking home from work was much more of a challenge. With paycheck in hand, carrying a bag of onions and turnips, Morris was accosted by Louis Buchalter, newly released from reform school. Buchalter and his "toughs" told Morris it would cost one dollar to pass them in the alley. Morris chose to fight for the right to pass. Punches were exchanged. Morris Raab and Louis Buchalter would meet again years later.

Morris had accumulated enough expertise to start his own garment enterprise. Rabb Brothers, a fledgling business, was co-founded with brother, Sol. Morris had a tough business reputation. His goal was to produce quality women's fur-collared coats by purchasing supplies from hand selected, tried and true suppliers. In the late 1920's, gangsters started to take over trade unions. Companies had to pay up and play by the rules or be forced out of business. Intimidation and fear tactics were used to collect union dues, a veritable "license to steal". While Harry Rabb hobnobbed with the gangster set, highly principled Morris was determined to buck the stranglehold imposed by gangsters.

"Button Man" by Andrew Gross was an excellent historical novel that painted a picture of immigrant life in 1920's and 1930's New York, the garment industry of the Lower East Side, and the mob's control over unions. Many Russian and Eastern European immigrants found work in the garment district. My great-grandfather became a dressmaker and my great-uncle, a blouse pattern maker. This novel was especially noteworthy for me. Thank you, Andrew Gross!

In the spirit of Morris Rabb, the unwavering main protagonist, I have included the lyrics to a song penned by country music recording artist, Aaron Tippin. The message of this "American working class" song is to stand up for your beliefs.

YOU'VE GOT TO STAND FOR SOMETHING

LYRICS by AARON TIPPIN

Now Daddy didn't like trouble, but if it came along
Everyone that knew him knew which side that he'd be on
He never was a hero, or this county's shinin' light
But you could always find him standing up
For what he thought was right
He'd say you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything
You've got to be your own man not a puppet on a string
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything

Thank you St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Button Man".

Another fabulous historically based story from Andrew Gross. This time we are in NYC during the rise of the unions. The Raab brothers grow up with some challenges, face some of them together as adults, yet always return to family. Fantastic insight into the creation of the unions (and mobs!) I always read Andrew Gross's books as soon as they are released! I think he has found his niche with historical literary fiction! Keep 'em coming!

Another winner from the author. This was an exciting and fun read. This is a book that I would recommend to all who like historical novels as well as those who like a good mystery read.

I am a tremendous fan of Andrew Gross, but this is a new step for him. He is normally a suspense writer but Button Man is a historical account of a New York family, the Rabishevskys. The story focuses around the three brothers, Morris, Sol, and Harry, who grew up poor on the Lower East Side. The death of their father causes them to become men quickly and help support their large family. Morris, the youngest, dropped out of school and apprenticed himself to a clothing factory; Sol attended accounting school; but Harry, marked by the death of his twin brother, fell in with a rough bunch of young gangsters. Morris and Sol eventually own their own clothing factory but Harry can't be lured away from the mobsters he associates with. Louis Buchalter, whom Harry associates with and Morris has run ins with, rises to become one of the most ruthless mobster in New York. Buchalter decides to put the squeeze on the garment industry by forcing them to join unions and lose all of their profits to Buchalter. Harry finally joins the family garment industry but makes a costly mistake and Morris refuses to forgive Harry. The book chronicles the Rabishevskys and also New York in the 1920s and 1930s, complete with the gangsters and mobs that made history. I didn't think I would like this new style of writing by Gross but I was quickly caught up in the story and ended up loving it.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the Button Man by Andrew Gross. I have been a fan of Andrew Gross' novels for along time. His departure from current to the 1930's is something that I wasn't sure I would like - but surprisingly, I do.
Gross manages to integrate his own family history into a novel that involves family drama, intrigue, and lots more with a flair.
This is a solid novel that I suggest Gross fans should indulge. Good book.

The Button Man is an historical family saga set in the lower east side of New York City during the 20's and 30's. It's a story of the Rabishevsky brothers, (Morris, Sol and Harry) and how they learned a new trade to help support their family. They became garment workers but had to fight the Italian mob who forced them to pay high union fees and only buy their materials from certain vendors. Add to this the corrupt police and you have a plot that moves quickly and painfully for the Rabishevsky family. The characters are very realistic as the story is based on the author's grandfather's story and is essentially a good vs. evil tale that Andrew Gross is well adept at telling. I have read some of Gross' thrillers but I like his historical novels the best. This is one that will live in your memory long after you turn the last page. I would highly recommend it to those who like to read about New York and the Italian mob. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to review this book.

I think I have found another author that will be making his way to my favourites list. A well written storyline, an engaging family saga and a thrilling read. I could feel the authors passion while reading his word and this had me engrossed in this story throughout

Andrew Gross knows how to tell a story. And in The Button Man he spins a wonderful yarn based on his own grandfather’s colorful story, well described in the abstract above. Although some of our main character’s feats seem a bit too exaggerated, we know that life often is stranger than fiction. Gross has such a nice way with words, conveying action while moving the story along at a reasonable, not breathless, pace. And although he has a harder time depicting emotion, this story is far from devoid of love, regret, anger, and empathy. There are characters who pass through the story, often to little purpose, such as Morris’s sister, but that doesn’t detract from the book. The title carries at least two meanings, one from the garment industry and another from the Mob, and it’s that interplay and its important story in U.S. labor history that elevate this family tale to one that paints a picture of those times now lost to all but ardent students of that era. This book will appeal to anyone looking for a good read with much more depth than a light beach read or an adventurous tale.

This is the best Andrew Gross I’ve read. Fast paced, historically accurate, a page turner from first to last. I highly recommend.

This book ranks among one of the top I've read this year. Fantastic!! From start to finish, I was completely enthralled. This is one novel you definitely want to read this year!!!

Thank you #netgalley and #stmartinspress for the eARC.

This book deserves 10+ stars!! Thank you Andrew Gross for once again blending your family history, nonfiction & fiction into one fantastic book! Like his book The One Man, Gross is a master storyteller!!

I like it when an author changes tack mid career and Andrew Gross seems to have rediscovered himself and found a new niche writing historical thrillers.

I enjoyed this book from the start as the story immediately drew me in and it developed into a wonderful family saga featuring Morris, a young man of drive and determination who refused to give in to the pressure of gangsters and corrupt police and union officials and eventually made it in the garment business.

Not without cost as he lost one brother at a young age and needlessly became estranged from another.

I often compared this book to Dennis Lehane’s trilogy of New York gangster novels and this bears comparison which is high praise indeed.

This book was written from the heart as it is based on one of the author’s forebears and I am sure he’d be proud of this offering if he could read it as it is a novel of real power and literary quality.

Highly recommended.

What do you get when you mix a world-class novelist/storyteller with the excitement of life in New York City in the 1930’s? The answer is “Button Man” by Andrew Gross, a great story that brings history to life with characters you love, hate, love-to-hate, and hate-to-love..