Reviews

Im Rausch der Freiheit by Edward Rutherfurd

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domicspinnwand's review against another edition

5.0

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.

chuckri's review against another edition

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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

4.25

bramsay55's review against another edition

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emotional informative slow-paced

3.5

betseyboo's review against another edition

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5.0

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.

redheadorganist's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

4.5

Content Warnings

sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition

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4.0

Honestly I didn't find "New York" as enjoyable as many of Rutherfurd's other novels. The story seemed rather more forced and lacked the intricacies of intertwining generations that is present in "The New Forest" or "London." Instead there was only one family - The Dutch/English Masters - that made appearences through a majority of the book, with other families present for two generations at most. Was also somewhat surprised by the lack of American Indian characters or influence, the novel starting well into European settlement. Many of Rutherfurd's other novels begin much earlier than permanent settlement and Indian settlements did exist in the New York area. Major African American characters also only appeared through the generations of slavery and disappear from the novel thereafter - it would have been interesting to see that story continue as well as/instead of the domination of the merchant-banker 'old money' family.