Long before Charlestown became one of Boston’s most desirable residential neighborhoods, it was a close-knit working-class community where generations of families lived, worked, and raised their children along the same streets.
In his debut memoir, ‘On The One Road, Memoir of a Charlestown Townie,’ author Edward J. O’Connell takes readers on a nostalgic, often humorous, and heartfelt coming-of-age journey through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
Growing up in the shadow of the Bunker Hill Monument, O’Connell witnessed the tail end of the Irish Gang War, forced busing, bank robberies, the “code of silence” and the IRA.
O’Connell brings readers along “On The One Road,” as he and his band of friends spend exciting nights “doing nothing” while hanging out on the corner, getting into sometimes crazy antics, and narrowly escaping more than a few close calls. Along the way, they forge lifelong friendships before their shared road eventually splits, taking them in different directions into adulthood.
Beneath the humor and mischief lies a more personal story about family, particularly the author’s relationship with his father.
“When my father passed away, I realized it marked the end of an era and a particular way of life in Charlestown,” O’Connell said. “I wanted to preserve those memories and honor the people who made our neighborhood special.”
“Although my story takes place in Charlestown, I believe Bostonians, and ‘Townies’ from other neighborhoods and communities will recognize something of their own childhood in these pages,” O’Connell said.
“But, in the end, I wrote this book for selfish reasons,” O’Connell said. “I wrote it for myself, to remember with love the family and friends who are no longer with us, and to put a smile on my face by recalling the memories we shared.”
The memoir features an illustrated map of Charlestown, and 49 photographs and graphics, that offers readers a visual glimpse into the people and places that shaped his journey.
New York Times bestselling author Casey Sherman praises the book in his cover endorsement: “This penetrating memoir hits first, and hits hard.”
About the Author
Edward J. O’Connell was born and raised in Charlestown, a block away from the Bunker Hill Monument. Ed spent much of his professional career in public service and law enforcement. He now lives in Marshfield, Massachusetts, with his wife, Darlene. On The One Road: Memoir of a Charlestown Townie is his first book.
Amazon Link https://a.co/d/0b3xDmeu
Outskirts Press ontheoneroad
