Similar to the Franklins, the Master family was divided between a loyalist father and a patriot son, leading up to the Revolutionary War. I loved revisiting a time when Andrew Hamilton graced the courthouse with his sharp intelligence and discovering the tension between Benjamin Franklin and his loyalist son William. Part history lesson, part fictional tale, Edward Rutherford mixes facts with the Van Dyke-Master narrative. Once again, Rutherfurd (Sarum, London, The Rebels of Ireland) comes out of the gate with an ambitious novel, in this case tackling three hundred and fifty years of New York’s colorful city, the cornerstone of the evolution of the United States and a critical element in defining this country. Edward Rutherfurd celebrates America’s greatest city in a rich, engrossing saga, weaving together tales of families rich and poor, native-born and immigranta cast of fictional and true characters whose fates rise and fall and rise again with the city’s fortunes.

It was interesting to see New Amsterdam slowly transform over the years to the sweeping city that is modern New York. Book review: Edward Rutherfurds New York Once again, Rutherfurd ( Sarum, London, The Rebels of Ireland) comes out of the gate with an ambitious novel, in this case tackling three hundred and fifty years of New York’s colorful city, the cornerstone of the evolution of the United States and a critical element in defining this country. At this time, the British Master family enters the saga and young Tom Master marrys Dirk's daughter, combining the families and expanding the plot. We learn of Dirk's uncomfortable marriage to his strong-willed wife and the troubles they face. NEW YORK by Edward Rutherfurd bookshelf 1 SUMMER SISTERS by Judy Blume RELEASE DATE: The years pass by at a fast and steamy clip in Blume’s latest adult novel (Wifey, not reviewed Smart Women, 1984) as two friends find loyalties and affections tested as they grow into young women. The novel opens with Dirk Van Dyke and his family (including an illegitimate Indian daughter). The Van Dyke-Master family were Dutch settlers that arrived centuries ago to New Amsterdam as merchants and traders. Partly because I was reading in short bursts during the holiday season and partly because it's freaking long! Beginning in the 17th century and ending in the summer of 2009, this novel follows the lives of one family through the decades. It took me some time to finish reading Edward Rutherford's New York.

Book review new york edward rutherfurd