Product guide

The Old Neighborhood: A Novel

The Old Neighborhood is Avery Corman’s novel about Steven Robbins, a Bronx-raised advertising executive who returns to his childhood neighborhood as his marriage breaks down and he seeks greater contentment. The story looks back to a close-knit Bronx community during World War II and follows Robbins’ search for meaning in his roots.

At a glance

Centers on Steven Robbins, a Bronx native who has become a Madison Avenue adman and returns home amid a failing marriage.
Looks back to a Bronx neighborhood shaped by immigrant-community camaraderie during World War II.
The Kindle listing includes an illustrated Avery Corman biography with rare images from the author’s personal collection.

Price

$3.99Save 78%

Reference price: ~~$17.99~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

A family-centered story pairs nostalgia for the Bronx past with a protagonist confronting dissatisfaction in middle age.
Reader feedback describes the writing as lighthearted and the book as an engaging, quick read, while also noting emotional and sad moments.
Kindle accessibility and reading options listed include Screen Reader support, Word Wise, enhanced typesetting and Page Flip.

Technical specifications

11 specifications

Edition details
Publisher	Open Road Media
Publication date	February 5, 2013
Language	English
Print length	212 pages
File size	5.3 MB
ISBN-13	978-1453270585

Kindle features
Screen Reader	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	Enabled
X-Ray	Enabled
Word Wise	Enabled
Page Flip	Enabled

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in nostalgic stories of family, neighborhood life and growing up in New York City.
Readers who want a character-focused novel about returning to one’s roots and reassessing adult life.
Kindle readers who may benefit from Screen Reader support or Word Wise.

Less suited to

Readers looking for a plot-forward thriller or a story without emotional or sad elements.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.3 / 5 · 644 ratings

5 stars57%57%
4 stars27%27%
3 stars12%12%
2 stars3%3%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback highlights a nostalgic trip through the past, family rises and setbacks, readable writing and an engaging pace. Readers also describe emotional, sometimes sad material as satisfying. That response fits the listing’s focus on Robbins revisiting his Bronx roots, though the aggregate ratings still include a smaller share of low ratings and do not explain individual reasons.

Positive themes

Readers describe the story as nostalgic and enjoyable, with lighthearted writing and an easy, engaging pace.
Feedback appreciates its emotional dimension and its portrayal of family life and growing up in New York City.

Mixed feedback

The story is described as emotionally satisfying but can be sad at times.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Old Neighborhood about?

It follows Steven Robbins, a Bronx-raised Madison Avenue adman whose marriage is faltering and who returns to his childhood neighborhood seeking a deeper sense of happiness.

What kind of reading experience do customers describe?

Customer feedback characterizes it as a lighthearted, engaging and relatively quick read, while also mentioning that parts can be sad and emotionally affecting.

What Kindle features are listed?

The edition lists Screen Reader support, enhanced typesetting, X-Ray, Word Wise and Page Flip.

Does the Kindle edition include anything beyond the novel?

The listing says it includes an illustrated biography of Avery Corman featuring rare images from the author’s personal collection.