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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Very long story that kept me wanting more! Loved the first part of the book felt the last 1/4 was a bit rushed.
This was my first Edward Rutherfurd novel and won’t be my last. Having lived in NY for 18 years I really appreciated the setting of NYC. Rutherford really filled in the big picture of the city from the 1600’s to current day. It’s quite the time commitment but definitely worth it.
For the most part I enjoyed this book. The first 70% - 80% was very interesting because historically I learned a lot that I wasn't aware of. Towards the very end the history of NY became too familiar so it wasn't as interesting. The multi generational approach Rutherfurd used helped keep your interest throughout most of the book. I would definitely recommend it - good read - learned a lot about New York City and its past.
One of the coolest books I've ever read: Rutherfurd blends fictional families into the meticulously research background of New York City from the 1600s all the way up to 2009 and, in doing so, provides an element of local color that really makes the history come alive. He introduces various families (e.g. a wealthy Dutch family, an enslaved family, a family of Italian immigrants, and a poor Irish family) as their lives intersect with historical currents and major figures; for example, Rutherfurd describes the Revolutionary War at length through characters on both the Loyalist and Patriot fronts. I wish he'd touched more on the World Wars, but as a whole, I'm incredibly impressed by this book, and I think it sets a high bar for what historical fiction can be.
I read Sarum ages ago during my bookseller apprentice- and was delighted to see that Mr. Rutherford has more of these historical fictions. This was ideal for a holiday read - more than 900 pages, yeah!
Interesting as well- was not aware about the Dutch history of New York so much, I think I will have to read more on that later. I immediately checked our library for further ebooks of Mr. Rutherfurd - and yes, they had "Paris" as well which I am reading now.
Interesting as well- was not aware about the Dutch history of New York so much, I think I will have to read more on that later. I immediately checked our library for further ebooks of Mr. Rutherfurd - and yes, they had "Paris" as well which I am reading now.
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
informative
slow-paced
If you like Ken Follett books, you will appreciate this book. Although a long read at around 840 pages, this story takes you for a great experience through the history of New York City and its inhabitants.
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racism, Antisemitism, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Child death, Gore, Sexual content, Slavery, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Cancer, Drug use, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Medical content, Abortion, Murder, War