Informal Essay on Angela's Ashes Angela's Ashes is a moving book full of
             poverty, suffering, and death that shows that no matter how difficult
             things seem, the hard tines can always be overcome. Angela and Malachy
             McCourt, both Irish, were married in America after a passionate night
             together that ended up producing their first son, Francis(or Frank as
             introduced to the reader). Later, the couple had another son, twins, and
             a daughter while living in a small apartment in New York. Margaret soon
             died and the family moved to Ireland where their lives were only
             worsened. Angela had two more children that lived, but the young twins
             died. Malachy was an alcoholic who rarely held a job and spent his wages
             at the pub instead of on his family. They were forced to beg for food
             and other necessities because relatives were cruel and selfish. This
             novel tells the tell of young Frank having to endure extreme poverty,
             starvation, and a broken family with strength and courage. He eventually
             raises enough money to go to America and break free from his depressing
             childhood. In my opinion, the theme of this book is that no matter how
             bad things seem to be, anyone can survive and become successful through
             perseverance and determination. For example, Frank grew up in just about
             the worst environment possible but was determined enough to get himself
             to America and eventually become the author of a Pulitzer Prize winning
             novel! Frank achieved his goals by taking any extra jobs that he could
             find and saving every penny possible until he could finally afford his
             passage to America. Because his father never brought home any money,
             Frank supported the family with what little wages he earned at his job
             and was determined to make a good life for himself, his brothers, and
             his poor mother. Frank learned to depend upon no one but himself and his
             determination to succeed won him ...