Steven A. Segal

I've given this book just three stars ..tho it is a really good story, and well written, it needed to be split into a series...or perhaps Book 1 & 2 ?
The story is fictional non-fiction lol....the author writes of his family, and fills in the holes with what likely did happen. It begins in Boston... what is now, the mostly Italian North End...and was,at the turn of the century a predominantly a Jewish enclave. It's a fascinating combination of looking at the authors ancestors as well as historical events, the changes in both over time.
The story does take place in different places around the country but centers around the matriach, IDA and her tribulations in raising her children as a single mother. Her sadness, her strength, her indomitable spirit. Well-worth the time spent reading but because it IS a lot in one book- like i sad, needs to be told in two.
FAVORITE PASSAGE: " Life takes its toll, whisking away precious loved ones with a whim - leaving behind its emptiness....It offers no remorse, only shattered peices to be picked up and carefully put back on a shelf as best they can. It leaves behind only remnants of what existed before- FRAGMENTS TO BE STORED IN MEOIRES."… (més)

This is very well written, has great depth of description and is an intense story. He feeds you the perfect detail at the right time. Segal did a very good job of creating characters that were relatable and interesting. You will feel all your emotions while reading this book, have some tissue nearby. This book will grab your attention and won't let it go. Fast paced.

This compelling book moves with the relentlessness of the greatest novels of our time. Ida will make you care about her and empathize with her. She is a very strong woman that beats the odds. Inspirational! At times heart-wrenching, at times funny, always engaging, it has everything I look for in a book, and I can't recommend it highly enough.… (més)