Silk Legacy

Richard Brawer
Hidden Treasure Books (2006)
ISBN 1589614690
Reviewed by A. J. Cooper for Reader Views (11/06)

“Silk Legacy” is a book based on the production of silk in the early 1900's and the people, rich and poor, involved in the production and ownership of the silk. The book weaves a tale around the main character, Abe, and his family. The silk industry in New Jersey relied completely from immigrants from all over Europe. Needless to say the workers were not paid good wages and worked extremely long hours. For families to survive, even the children were subjected to the long hours and little pay for back-breaking and dangerous work in the factories. Even with all of the family working in the factories families found it extremely difficult to buy even the most basics. A small few were able, like Abe, to make a better life for himself and his family. Abe was able to better himself, by taking the seconds from the factories and reselling the silk in other markets. Abe had previously owned a bar and was very happy with that endeavor until he met a girl named Sarah. Her parents would not let the two marry until he was able to find a different way of making a living.

I was not aware that circumstances similar to this book really occurred in New Jersey. Even though "Silk Legacy" is fictional the book was written so well that I felt all of the characters were real. I could not wait to get to the next chapter to find out what Abe was up to next. He struggled with his brother Solomon who worked in the factory and was fighting for the rights of the factory workers. This book really illustrates the struggles that immigrants had to survive in America. The danger these people faced daily is just horrifying and during this time period in history there was no concern for the worker just the end product the processed and dyed silk. The wealthy made the rules and ran the town, and the immigrants just hoped they could survive another day in the factory without injury or even death. I really felt disappointed when the book was over.  I wanted to know all about Abe and Sarah’s travels in the world.

It would have been fun to see what happened to Abe's family as the silk industry evolved. The book also gives a glimpse of how the immigrants made neighborhoods and communities with immigrants from their own countries and even their own religions. “Silk Legacy” thought-provoking and offers glimpses into the lives of the rich and poor during this time period. It was very interesting to me and I was really glad that I had the opportunity to read the book. I would recommend this book to any of my friends or family.

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