Customer Reviews

Legacy

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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!

. . . 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.

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.

Wonderfully quick historical fiction about early American History and the framing of the US Constitution. I use it as the class novel for my 10th grade American History class (I'm a teacher). It's relatively short, easy to follow and fun when you already know the history!

Written in the aftermath of the Oliver North hearings, this very short book digs into the U.S. Constitution as it applies in today's world. The entire U.S. Constitution, with amendments, is reprinted at the end of the book and makes very interesting reading in and of itself. Do YOU really know what the Constitution says?

Through seven different like stories I was able to see American history like I have never seen before.From the Constitution to womens rights I got the insights of some major movements. I thought that Michener did a great job of describing these peoples lives by tying in other well knowns like Alexander Hamilton and Kate Kedzie. Although, I do think that he could have had a better ending to the book. He builds up a great story but doesn't really finish it.

James A. Michener is a superb writer of history. After extensive research, he incorporates interesting and informative historical facts into a very readable work of fiction. His Hawaii and his Source are great examples. The first recalls the history of Hawaii and the second of Israel. This volume tells about eight fictional generations of American heroes, men and women, who helped mold the United States from its beginning until the time of the Iran Contra controversy.

A well decorated soldier, the scion of a marvelous group of ancestors, is accused by the US Congress for misbehavior regarding Iran. His friend, a lawyer, plans to defend him in several ways, including putting his family's history, the history of the United States, before Congress.

But there is a surprising ending brought about by a man from another country.

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.

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.

my son needed this out of print book for summer reading. it was received in the condition that was advertised.