The Hustler

The Hustler by John Henry Mackay deals with homeless boys who try to survive on the streets in Berlin in the 1920's. Jobs are hard to find, especially for fourteen year olds. The easiest path for these boys is to fall into the hustler life style, satisfying the sexual desires and fantasies of older men, some of them not that much older than the boys. Unfortunately the boys soon fall into the pattern of aimless lives without purpose or direction. They squander what they earn on alcohol and gambling. Hardened by their exploitation, they don't relate to the men who would show them affection. Gunther, the fourteen year old center of the story is rather dull witted, but attractive to some men who prefer passive boys. Hermann, the nineteen year old who loves him, is baffled by Gunther's behavior, but continues to pursue him, endangering himself.