The Longshoremen

The narrative explores the struggles of three generations of the McGowan family as they navigate the harsh realities of working on the Boston waterfront. Central to their experiences is the outdated shape-up or pick-up system, which dictated daily employment opportunities and was plagued by favoritism. Through interconnected stories, the book delves into the personal battles and resilience of the characters as they strive for stability and dignity in their challenging environment.