An eleven-year-old boy struggles after the death of his mother, an Irish Catholic woman whose life revolved around her love of the rosary, drinking beers at Wrigley Field on Ladies Day, and showing courage when faced with danger.

The devolution of his father, who used alcohol to assuage the death of his wife, provides more challenges, forcing him to grow up early in the depths of despair. Later, the added difficulty of experiencing physical abuse in a disciplinary private high school leads to such a level of loss of hope that he contemplates suicide.

A short story, The Brown Brink offers insight into the life of one troubled child at ages five and ten and at several other stages in his journey. Compelling and entertaining, it reminds one that morning, after the darkest night, will eventually appear on the horizon, and one needs to persevere through the darkness.