Kuro Waikato Waikato itibaren Žemaitkiemis, Lituania
This warm, family saga takes place in New York just prior to WWI. Roger Gale is a 60 year old with three daughters. His wife, Judith, died and he doesn't see much meaning to life although he remembers his wife's words. "Out life goes on in the lives of our children." Roger's eldest, Ethel, is expecting her 5th child, Deborah at age 29 is a school principal, and Laura is the youngest, and his favorite. Her zest for life amazes him. He says, "She even danced in restaurants." One day, Laura surprises Roger, announcing she's getting married. It saddens him to think that his baby is leaving hime but he also feels that she hasn't given this step much thought. Poole describes New York at this time of growth from the emergence of new high rises, to Roger's enjoyment of riding his horse through Central Park. We can consider how the world has changed in the last 90 years when Laura's suitor, Harold, tells Roger that he can make Laura happy. He boasts. "Twenty two thousand this year ... we can live on that..." Poole's writing is supurb. The story is well told and we follow the progress of the family. It is also enjoyable reading the descriptions of the carefree time prior to the war. The writer's phrases also are intelligent and memorable. When Roger is discussing Laura's wedding with Deborah, "Queer, how a man can neglect his children...when the thing he wants most in life is to see each one happy." Laura's wedding comes and goes, Ethel and her attorney husband have their child. Roger and Deborah have the house to themselves, each wondering how lonely things will be without Lauran's energetic presence. Roger wants to learn more of what Deborah does and visits her school. He meets Johnny Geer, an 18 year old with a crippeling ailment. Roger is impressed with Johnny's bravery and ambition and gives him a job and invites him to live at his home. Deborah becomes serious about Dr. Allain Baird and Roger asks Allain if anything can be done for Johnny. No, it's gone too far, Johnny may not have long to live and there is a time coming that people will have to guard their children even before they are born. (This seems like an early indication of the necessity of prenatal care.) Roger continues to support Johnny, Laura returns from Europe, without revealing an important part of the plot, something happens to a member of the family. When the war begins, Roger's business is hit hard, his children ask for more financial help but Roger finds that he is poor. Deborah has enough but gives much to support her poor students. The last quarter of the novel becomes sintimental. Johnny has a business idea that turns things around. The boy with a crippeling disease becoming a successful businessman adds a Dickinsian aspect to the story. Wonderful ending that leaves the reader fulfilled. Highly recommended.
Hartley does an interesting job weaving together his experiences as a journalist with those of previous generations of his family/family friends in East Africa and Arabia. His disturbing memories of African war zones, the depictions of the life of journalists in these places (the highs, lows, adrenaline, drugs, sex, and intense friendships) and other various stories of his alone are enough for a book. Really makes you appreciate what people go through to bring you news from these places every day. Highly recommended.