Legacy

Rating:
Summary: Historical Novel
Review: 'Legacy' is a historical novel that follows the Starr family through history from 1726 - 1987. We read the notable actions of eight members of the Starr family. Norman, the narrator is to go on trial on Monday and he takes the weekend to think and talk about his ancestors. Through this process he is able to draw strength from them and learn from the trials they had experienced.

Norman's ancestors were involved with things such as The Declaration, the Civil War and the Women's Suffrage movement. 'Legacy' is filled with interesting historical facts intertwined with the legacy of the Starr family.

This book also includes a copy of The Constitution of the United States and an excerpt from Michener's novel, 'Alaska'. I was a bit disappointed that Michener did not include Norman's trial.

Overall, this is an interesting book, my first from James A. Michener. This novel is not on the 'A' list, though it did not turn me off. I will try a different Michener novel. 'Legacy' is worth reading, but not one I will keep in my personal library.

Rating:
Summary: A Major Disappointment
Review: A truly deceptive volume: the book itself runs about 170 pages (good for a Michener chapter, not for a Michener book!), followed by a long reprinting of the US Constitution, and then a lengthy excerpt from another Michener book. It's strictly a Reader's Digest review of US history with cardboard cutout characters.

Rating:
Summary: Time and Place
Review: I agree with the near unanimous vote - James Michener at his 'least'. Books subscibe to the 'time and place' theory of life. If you are looking for a short, easy-to-read, novelette this book comes at the right time and place. If you want something a little deeper and with foundation and formation, well, pick up 'Texas'. As written before me - I liked the short stories that followed the birth and growth of our country and the adoption of the Constitution and it's amendments. A major disappointment was the sudden and inconclusive ending - ok, so Norman Starr puts on a badly matched suit and then ... what? Jail time? Probation? A radio talk show? Does his wife get to work at that data processing job she spoke of at least two times throughout the book? If Norman is vindicated does the father-in-law, who shows up at breakfast time in the last pages of the book, get all the credit? I, too, appreciated the printing of the Constitution at the end. High school history is too far away and it is refreshing to reread the important stuff. Even living near the 'Cradle of Liberty' one forgets how much was given to shape the good things we have.

Rating:
Summary: Time and Place
Review: I agree with the near unanimous vote - James Michener at his 'least'. Books subscibe to the 'time and place' theory of life. If you are looking for a short, easy-to-read, novelette this book comes at the right time and place. If you want something a little deeper and with foundation and formation, well, pick up 'Texas'. As written before me - I liked the short stories that followed the birth and growth of our country and the adoption of the Constitution and it's amendments. A major disappointment was the sudden and inconclusive ending - ok, so Norman Starr puts on a badly matched suit and then ... what? Jail time? Probation? A radio talk show? Does his wife get to work at that data processing job she spoke of at least two times throughout the book? If Norman is vindicated does the father-in-law, who shows up at breakfast time in the last pages of the book, get all the credit? I, too, appreciated the printing of the Constitution at the end. High school history is too far away and it is refreshing to reread the important stuff. Even living near the 'Cradle of Liberty' one forgets how much was given to shape the good things we have.

Rating:
Summary: You can't lose with Michener
Review: I truly relished this book! This was my first Michener novel and I plan on reading many more. The book did an excellent job of portraying the events of history. One may think that a novel involving history would be very dry and uninteresting. This one will prove those people wrong. A lot of American history with a twist of a modern-day tale proves to be entertaining.
The introduction "The Starrs" acquaints the reader with the main problem at hand. Norman Starr, a decorated solider is to go to trial on Monday in front of a Senate committee. His lawyer recommends that he learn all about his ancestor's roles in American history. The novel then takes the reader through stories of seven of his ancestors. Through his searching records and discovering their attributes, Norman gains vigor to fight his own accusations.
The first narrative is of Jared Starr, a lively and intelligent man who signed the Declaration of Independence and helped to develop the idea of a strong, central government. His son, Simon took over his father's role at the Constitutional Convention. There are numerous notes and observations written by Simon during the convention. Simon's son, Edmund, earned the rank of major in the Revolutionary War and obtained a seat on the Supreme Court. He eventually became Justice Starr. Next in line was Hugh Starr. He attended West Point and was active in the military during the Civil War. Due to his keen mind and bravery, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Starr, Army of the Confederacy. So far the legacy has passed through the men of the family; however, the daughter of Hugh Starr is next in the family legacy. Emily Starr was a major participant in the Woman's Suffrage movement. The last male was Richard Starr, who was Norman's grandfather. He lived through the Great Depression and helped to develop programs to get the country out of that state. The second to last member of the legacy is Norman's mother, Rachel. She worked to have cities and rural areas possess balanced representation in voting.
These trips into the past help prepare and encourage Norman in his own troubles. The accuracy of the events in history draw the reader into the story and might even teach you a little. When reading this book, people will realize what exactly our ancestors have given us. Whether you are aware or not, they have provided us with everything we take for granted. Michener does an excellent job of tying together the facts and his own fiction. Two thumbs up!

Rating:
Summary: Take A Step into the World of Michener
Review: I truly relished this book! This was my first Michener novel and I plan on reading many more. The book did an excellent job of portraying the events of history. One may think that a novel involving history would be very dry and uninteresting. This one will prove those people wrong. A lot of American history with a twist of a modern-day tale proves to be entertaining.
The introduction "The Starrs" acquaints the reader with the main problem at hand. Norman Starr, a decorated solider is to go to trial on Monday in front of a Senate committee. His lawyer recommends that he learn all about his ancestor's roles in American history. The novel then takes the reader through stories of seven of his ancestors. Through his searching records and discovering their attributes, Norman gains vigor to fight his own accusations.
The first narrative is of Jared Starr, a lively and intelligent man who signed the Declaration of Independence and helped to develop the idea of a strong, central government. His son, Simon took over his father's role at the Constitutional Convention. There are numerous notes and observations written by Simon during the convention. Simon's son, Edmund, earned the rank of major in the Revolutionary War and obtained a seat on the Supreme Court. He eventually became Justice Starr. Next in line was Hugh Starr. He attended West Point and was active in the military during the Civil War. Due to his keen mind and bravery, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Starr, Army of the Confederacy. So far the legacy has passed through the men of the family; however, the daughter of Hugh Starr is next in the family legacy. Emily Starr was a major participant in the Woman's Suffrage movement. The last male was Richard Starr, who was Norman's grandfather. He lived through the Great Depression and helped to develop programs to get the country out of that state. The second to last member of the legacy is Norman's mother, Rachel. She worked to have cities and rural areas possess balanced representation in voting.
These trips into the past help prepare and encourage Norman in his own troubles. The accuracy of the events in history draw the reader into the story and might even teach you a little. When reading this book, people will realize what exactly our ancestors have given us. Whether you are aware or not, they have provided us with everything we take for granted. Michener does an excellent job of tying together the facts and his own fiction. Two thumbs up!

Rating:
Summary: An inferior part of Michener's legacy
Review: James Michener, a master of the epic historical novel, took a break in more ways than one when he wrote Legacy. For an author with more than his fair share of 1000+ page books, this is little more than a novelette: less than 200 pages of relatively big print (plus a copy of the Constitution and in my edition, a forty page preview of Alaska).

Written in the bicentennial year of the Constitution, Legacy is Michener's weak ode to the venerable document. In the mid-1980s, Major Norman Starr faces a crisis when called to face a Senate committee for his role in the Iran-Contra affair; as he prepares his defense, he reminisces on the roles his ancestors have played in history. This creates a series of banal biographies of fictional characters.

Good historical novels work one of two ways; either telling the story of a real historical figure or telling the tale of a purely fictional character who may meet real people, but whose own historical influence is minor. Michener goes a third, rather flawed way by having his fictional characters creating history.

I'm not sure who Michener was aiming this book towards. His usual fans would be put off by the bad history, complete with anachronistic speech (such as when an 18th century character uses the 19th century word, "millionaire"). As a tribute to the Constitution, it is rather tepid. For younger readers, the narrative is too slow and actionless to sustain interest. In short, this is a book for Michener completists only.

Rating:
Summary: An inferior part of Michener's legacy
Review: James Michener, a master of the epic historical novel, took a break in more ways than one when he wrote Legacy. For an author with more than his fair share of 1000+ page books, this is little more than a novelette: less than 200 pages of relatively big print (plus a copy of the Constitution and in my edition, a forty page preview of Alaska).

Written in the bicentennial year of the Constitution, Legacy is Michener's weak ode to the venerable document. In the mid-1980s, Major Norman Starr faces a crisis when called to face a Senate committee for his role in the Iran-Contra affair; as he prepares his defense, he reminisces on the roles his ancestors have played in history. This creates a series of banal biographies of fictional characters.

Good historical novels work one of two ways; either telling the story of a real historical figure or telling the tale of a purely fictional character who may meet real people, but whose own historical influence is minor. Michener goes a third, rather flawed way by having his fictional characters creating history.

I'm not sure who Michener was aiming this book towards. His usual fans would be put off by the bad history, complete with anachronistic speech (such as when an 18th century character uses the 19th century word, "millionaire"). As a tribute to the Constitution, it is rather tepid. For younger readers, the narrative is too slow and actionless to sustain interest. In short, this is a book for Michener completists only.

Rating:
Summary: You can't lose with Michener
Review: Legacy is a well-written book that tells the story of a family and their involvement in the making of this country. The whole book is centered on our completely original and truly wonderful constitution, and how it governs our country.
I'll admit this is not Michener at his very best, but don't let that stop you from reading the book. It is well worth it.The description on the insert describes the book as "a powerful story to be read in an evening and remembered for a lifetime."
Most of Michener's books that are more than worth reading and this is one is no exception. As for the ending, I think that it is proper because it stays in tune with the entire novel.

Rating:
Summary: THE LEGACY... My Point of View
Review: Legacy, written by James A. Michener, was a good fictional novel based on historical events. Even if the reader is the type of reader that does not enjoy reading historical stories, he will definitely like this one. Michener does a fantastic job of keeping the facts and events in order.

Legacy is a very factual book and an interesting book that will keep the reader on edge. Many people have heard about the gentlemen that signed the Constitution, but this gives Michener's audience a fictional account of things that could have happened at the meetings. The main character Norman Starr portrays the historical figures in this book. He tells his wife all there is to know about the Starr family.

Michener goes in order of the first Starr to serve America, Jared, and ends up telling about what Norman does in his life as a military major. Considering that there are not many facts documented on the Starrs, Michener ties facts and fiction together well.

Michener is an extraordinary writer. He is the kind of writer that uses many descriptive words. He tries to "drag" his readers into history. If Michener did not use as many descriptive phrases, he would not touch his audience in the same way. He pulls the reader into the book even when he is not interested in history. He makes the reader feel as if he is part of the Starr family history. Other writers of history, drag things out and make history dull, but not Michener. He wants people to enjoy his writing. He tries to tell them everything there is to know in one paragraph, though he does not do it in a way that will bore his readers.

When reading this book, Michener's audience will realize what our ancestors have really done and given for our country. People, just everyday citizens, have changed our lives dramatically. If you are ever in the mood to read about out country's history, definitely pick up a novel written by James A. Michener because everything he writes about stays true to the way history was played out.