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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Take A Step into the World of Michener, November 15, 2001
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!
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A moving and profound . . ., May 19, 2007
. . . look at American Constitutional history by one of the 20th century's premier storytellers.
I'll freely admit it. I've been a huge fan of James Michener for at least 25 years -- but, up until now, have never reviewed one of his novels.
When I picked up "Legacy", I honestly didn't know what to expect. Written in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Constitution of the United States, Michener uses a fictional American soldier, caught up in the very real politics of the 1980's, and uses that soldier's musings about his own distinguished ancestors -- and their participation in many key moments of American history -- especially those that relate to the formation and subsequent development of the Constitution. I found these reflections to be a moving and effective way for Michener to make his point.
And what is that point? That for all its flaws, the Constitution of the United States has stood the test of time as one of the greatest political documents ever conceived by mankind. Originally, I felt that the inclusion of the text of the Constitution at the end of the novella was "padding" -- and readers of my other reviews know how I feel about "padded" books!
But upon concluding the story, I found myself re-reading the text of the Constitution -- and spending time in reflection.
I suspect that Michener would have approved.
My highest recommendation.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Unlike his others, May 6, 2004
This is a short note in Michener's style of novels, it ties a family into their past back to the Constitution, but always just near to the main characters as we know our history. It also has the constitution at the end of the novelette and a preview of Alaska. All in all it could be said this was a writing for profit. I don't believe that to be fact. Looking deeply it tells a wonderful story of "could have been" based on true history. The constitution is very good reading for all in our country. I am sad to say that most of our young people have never read it. This would be a stellar book for a high school history class, sadly I don't beleive the interest would be there not only from students but the faculty themselves. there are always the exceptions to all in life so we hope the percentage that do read and understand what our forefathers did we may have to do also. The story depicts the honor we must all have for our country.
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