GOOD-BYE, BILLY RADISH

In a sequel to The Tempering (1983) that can stand alone, friends Hank Kerner and Bazyli Radichevych (alias ``Billy Radish'') are growing up in the steel town of Duquesne, Pennsylvania (here called ``Canaan''), during WW I. Each chapter explores a theme—the rigors of work in the mills (beginning as early as 14); the mix of immigrant cultures; Hank's bewilderment and jealousy as Billy (two years older) begins to move into adulthood; the intense emotions engendered by the war; Billy's death in the 1918 influenza epidemic; Hank's discovery of his life's ambition. Always, the dirt, noise, and danger of the mills are a constant, dominating presence. Not for the squeamish (scenes of a gruesome mill accident and a home birth) but first-rate historical fiction. B&w period photos. (Fiction. 10+)