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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
I would actually give this a 3.5 if goodreads allowed it. I would call this a "poor man's Ken Follett." It did not have nearly the depth of the Century Trilogy or or Pillars of the Earth, but it was still an interesting read nonetheless. Don't expect to get attached to any of the characters because they go through the decades quickly. It is worth viewing this book as several short stories loosely interwoven with one and other through the history of New York City.
The best part of this book was the Ellis Island chapter. The tragedies surrounding the Caruso family are heart wrenching, from the second Anna Caruso gets her job at the Triangle Factory through Salvatore stepping on to the Empire State Building, tragedy surrounded the family. But it was fascinating. The way their story was mixed into the ongoing thread of the Master family was also extremely well done.
On the whole, it was a good read, but superficial without a great deal of character development which is due to the amount of time covered in the 860 pages.
The best part of this book was the Ellis Island chapter. The tragedies surrounding the Caruso family are heart wrenching, from the second Anna Caruso gets her job at the Triangle Factory through Salvatore stepping on to the Empire State Building, tragedy surrounded the family. But it was fascinating. The way their story was mixed into the ongoing thread of the Master family was also extremely well done.
On the whole, it was a good read, but superficial without a great deal of character development which is due to the amount of time covered in the 860 pages.
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is so far beyond anything I’d usually read, but when I saw it I knew I needed to try it, and try it I did. I loved this. I WILL be picking up Rutherfurd’s other work, and soon.
I’m always impressed that a person can connect all the dots of a lengthy tale. This story, er, stories, is/are exceptional, given the length and years it spans. Beginning in 1664, Rutherford weaves the stories of multiple generations and families together, ending in 2009. Reading is learning, and this book taught me about true history as well as relevant themes for today.
While I’ve always been a traveler and a dreamer, the pandemic has of course, stunted the physicality of travel for a time. My bulletin board in my HS English classroom has a map of novels we study marked with the places represented from each book. Yes, reading is learning, but reading is also travel. I asked my students at the start of the year: where did you “travel” to recently through literature?
I am thankful to have “traveled” to New York this year, one of the greatest cities in the world in a time where NY was hit hard, yet again. Not only was I able to “visit,” but I was transported into history and to the foundation of our country. New York helped me grow and learn and dream. As Rutherford so aptly writes at the conclusion of his novel, “Dream and do it. But first, you must dream it.” Sounds about right.
While I’ve always been a traveler and a dreamer, the pandemic has of course, stunted the physicality of travel for a time. My bulletin board in my HS English classroom has a map of novels we study marked with the places represented from each book. Yes, reading is learning, but reading is also travel. I asked my students at the start of the year: where did you “travel” to recently through literature?
I am thankful to have “traveled” to New York this year, one of the greatest cities in the world in a time where NY was hit hard, yet again. Not only was I able to “visit,” but I was transported into history and to the foundation of our country. New York helped me grow and learn and dream. As Rutherford so aptly writes at the conclusion of his novel, “Dream and do it. But first, you must dream it.” Sounds about right.
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved this book because, as a person who spent lots of time in New York, especially the city, learning the history in an entertaining way was exceptional. The novel begins from the earlies settlers to NYC's hoteliers and other big players who shaped and formed what became 'The Big Apple', and so much more. Overall, fascinating and told in a way that brings characters to life and keeps the entire historical novel interesting. This is a book I liked so much I will read again and again because of the immense detail and unforgettable history of New York.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I enjoyed reading "New York" by Edward Rutherfurd. It felt like I was in one of my high school American History classes. I loved that the story was fiction but also provided facts and details about events that have occurred throughout our history.
I loved how Rutherfurd followed the Master family. It was amazing to see the family grow throughout history. There were a couple of families that Rutherford created that I would have loved to learn more about - the Native American Tribe and the Hudson family. We learn about the Hudson family in the beginning of the book but I wish he would have seen this family to the very end. I was attached to them!
Overall, it was an excellent novel!
I loved how Rutherfurd followed the Master family. It was amazing to see the family grow throughout history. There were a couple of families that Rutherford created that I would have loved to learn more about - the Native American Tribe and the Hudson family. We learn about the Hudson family in the beginning of the book but I wish he would have seen this family to the very end. I was attached to them!
Overall, it was an excellent novel!