Winner of the David J. Langum, Sr., Prize in American Historical Fiction Named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post and “Required Reading” by the New York Post Edward Rutherfurd celebrates America’s greatest city in a rich, engrossing saga, weaving together tales of families rich and poor, native-born and immigrant—a cast of fictional and true characters whose fates rise and … fictional and true characters whose fates rise and fall and rise again with the city’s fortunes. From this intimate perspective we see New York’s humble beginnings as a tiny Indian fishing village, the arrival of Dutch and British merchants, the Revolutionary War, the emergence of the city as a great trading and financial center, the convulsions of the Civil War, the excesses of the Gilded Age, the explosion of immigration in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the trials of World War II, the near demise of New York in the 1970s and its roaring rebirth in the 1990s, and the attack on the World Trade Center. A stirring mix of battle, romance, family struggles, and personal triumphs, New York: The Novel gloriously captures the search for freedom and opportunity at the heart of our nation’s history.
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But very, very long.
Good historical fiction.
I love all of Rutherford’s books that I have read: London, Paris and finally New York. the way he brilliantly follows generations of a fictional family though the many generations from the inception of the city to its present day is truly marvelous! His books are quite long but a wonderful way to learn history!
Well written historical novel from the period of Dutch settlement to the terrorist attack on the twin towers. Rutherford covers the history of the city through the generations of several families and their crossing paths. Enjoyable quick read despite the page count. Some repitition of family situations but fun reading.
An interesting history of New York. Especially in the early days of the truth and then I’ll be English king forward and took it from the Dutch. If you want to learn about New York and it’s a long history I highly recommend this book
Provides a very readable narrative of the complex story of New York City. By using both familiar historical figures and fictional characters that realistically reflect different socio-economic groups, the author weaves a thoroughly engaging tapestry of life spanning more than 400 years. It’s the first 800-plus page book I’ve tackled, and it …
I especially liked the viewpoint of the “loyalist” during the American revolution. All eras were well represented but the examination of the reader’s celebration of amassing great wealth at the end was well done.
I read thia book years ago and have never forgotten it. The detail is amazing. I plan to re-read it soon.
Page turner
LIKED IT
informative about early New York, great story. well written
This author writes like James Michner and I really like Historical Fiction.I have a new understanding for New Yorkers.
This is an historical novel that could very well be an historical text book if it were less enthralling. As others have said, Edward Rutherfurd is the British James Michener, and I agree wholeheartedly.
Nice historical fiction
Wonderful history of New York City written with great characters portraying actual events.
Great way to learn the history of a great city.
Very much in the style of Michener, this was still an entertaining novel that takes you through the ages in New York from the Dutch period through to the modern age. Learned a lot. Rutherford’s books are marvelously informative. Perhaps not quite as good or gripping as some of his others but well worth the read
Easy to read with brief history of New York by following a family’s experiences over the generations from early settler to 911.
Excellent overview of New York City with a good story up til the end.
It was an interesting book with a nice tie to the history of NYC