Arthur: The Beginning

This story stole my life for a day as I read on and on and on. I immediately became immersed in the life of Arthur.. Walter Stoffel, the author, has penned a novel about a young boy’s life that reads as a work of non-fiction. I am hoping for a sequel as I want to know how Arthur’s life progresses.
Young Arthur Berndt is finding ways to survive his turbulent childhood but it seems at every turn the odds are stacked against him. Arthur’s father has a violent and unpredictable temper. His sanctuary is school where he excels academically. He does gets into trouble in the attempt to gain acceptance at any cost. As a teacher, I have witnessed this scenario first hand. Arthur finds himself drawn to older boys who cause him to have a police record at a very young age resulting in a reputation in the community as hoodlum and troublemaker. Every day of Arthur’s life is plagued by his father and mortal enemy—August Berndt. He is a cruel and abusive man. Arthur thinking that his peers probably live a life like his, keeps his fears to himself. He spends as much time away from his house as possible, but if not home by 5:00 the result is a severe and painful beating. On the street he becomes a follower in his desperate effort to be accepted by someone, well anyone. Arthur is alienated in his own neighborhood. Only a beloved dog named Rex for companionship. Prepare to be captivated by Arthur, the epitome of the human struggle to survive.