A Brooklyn Saga
ACTION ADVENTURE BIOGRAPHICAL CRIME DETECTIVE DRAMA FAMILY MYSTERY HISTORICAL FICTION SUSPENSE/THRILLER
19th Century,Earlier 20th Century,1920s & '30s,1940s & '50s,1960s & '70s,Across Centuries
Carolyn Angiolillo & Ronald Joseph Kule
Submision Type
book
Logline
This coming-of-age story set in the 1950s-60s-70s traces the steps of Angelina Carpello as she navigates her life from sitting on her stoop in the Italian section of Williamsburg Brooklyn. Her life will dramatically change when she meets Wengchan Liang, a hitman from mainland China.
Genre
Action,Adventure,Biographical,Crime,Detective,Drama,Family,Mystery,Historical Fiction,Suspense/Thriller
Short Summary
A history of the founding of Williamsburg, Brooklyn in New York City focusing on the immigrant migration (late 19th and early 20th century) and introducing the four families from Italy who give birth to the main character, Angelina Carpello.
Setting
Williamsburg Brooklyn, New York City
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Quest,Rebellion Against 'The One',Internal Journey/Rebirth,Tragedy
Plot - Other Elements
Coming of Age,Twist,Happy Ending
Mature Audience Themes
Language/Profanity
Main Character Details
Name: Angelina Carpello
Age: 12 years - 18 years
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring,Complex,Obedient,Empathetic,Engaging,Faithful,Educated,Religious,Outspoken,Skillful,Funny,Secretive,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Wengchan Liang
Age: 10 years - 35 years
Gender: Male
Role: Emotional
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aspiring,Badass,Aggressive,Complex,Confident,Criminal,Decisive,Empathetic,Masculine,Villainous,Obedient,Uneducated,Heroic,Honorable,Skillful,Secretive,Strong Moral Code,Unapologetic
Additional Character Details
Name: Caterina Carpello
Age: 40 years
Gender: Female
Role: mentor
Key Traits: Aspiring,Confident,Uneducated,Religious,Empathetic,Engaging,Gracious,Leader,Sophisticated,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Joey Gap
Age: 50 years
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring,Badass,Aggressive,Charming,Confident,Criminal,Masculine,Villainous,Narcisstic,Power Hungry,Skillful,Secretive,Sophisticated,Strong Moral Code,Unapologetic,Leader,Engaging
Genre
HISTORICAL FICTION, ACTION, DRAMA, RELIGION
Brief
This book tells the story of Angelina Carpello, whose biography is entangled with the story of Williamsburg Brooklyn in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and its delightful background involving immigrant families and the struggles nowadays that seem to be far lost in the neighborhood.
Overall Rating
EXCELLENT
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: EXCELLENT
Characterization: EXCELLENT
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: GOOD
Pace: GOOD
Premise: EXCELLENT
Structure: GOOD
Theme: EXCELLENT
Accuracy of Book Profile
It is accurate.
Draw of Story
What drew me into this story immediately was that it is way different from other stories set up in New York city. Far from the glamour and the ‘cool’ atmosphere that surrounds new yorker narratives, this one goes to the roots of the neighborhood: it brings immigration struggles, crime, violence and also the vivacity and cultural richness of early Brooklyn.
Possible Drawbacks
Nothing made me want to put the book down. It is dynamic and easy to read.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
I would watch this movie because the theme and premise are not commonly explored in narratives, and Brooklyn is a neighborhood that is famous worldwide, however very few people are aware of how it was decades ago. A type of Gangs of New York for the 20th century.
Fanbase Potential
It could have a large fanbase because the characters are charismatic and the theme – gangs, mafia and Italian immigration in New York, through the perspective of a girl coming of age – are sure to be very interesting for new generations.
Awards Potential
This adaptation has awards potential because it is a period movie and as such, requires great work from costume, scenarios and actors.
Envisioned Budget
LARGE BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
GANGS OF NEW YORK
What’s New About the Story
The original thing about this story is that when the author recalls the life of Angie and the neighborhood she grew up in, even when there are violent passages, the narrative reaches a tone that is honest but still able to get the spirit of vivacity, joy and connection between people of the time.
Lead Characters
Angelina is an obedient and strong young woman who is very close to her family. She is charismatic, loving, vivacious with a hint of naive and is a great lead for this story.
Uniqueness of Story
It is a rare gem.
Possible Formats
Film: Studio, Indie, Streaming TV Series: Network, Cable, Limited Run / Mini-Series, Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
RECOMMEND
Justification
I recommend this story, especially as an adaptation for film, because it is witty, fun, has an interesting story arch and, of course, a great protagonist.