Legacy

Leonard Schonberg
Sunstone Press (2005)
ISBN 0865343578
Reviewed by Stephanie Rollins for Reader Views (10/06)

“Legacy” by Leonard Schonberg tells of three generation of women and their struggles to discover themselves.  The story begins as Hannah, a young child, watches her house and mother go up in flames.  To escape the grief, she and her father, Isaac, flee from Germany to America. 

America is not as glamorous as they had expected.  Work is harder than it was in Germany.  Employers are not as cooperative with their employees.  A strike breaks out.    Isaac’s friend is killed in a strike-related mob.  Isaac and Hannah flee to Montana to escape the memories of the strike and their friend’s death.

In Montana, Hannah becomes a woman.  She has to learn to deal with her changing body, sexuality, tragedy, and future.  Isaac tries to help her, but the physical changes he sees in her often embarrass him.  He, too, is struggling with his present and future.

The second woman that is introduced is Pearl.  She is of mixed race, but she is unsure of which races.  She is an orphan that grew up thinking of nuns as her family.  No one adopts her because she is of mixed heritage.  The nuns want her to join the convent.  She knows that she will be taken care of if she does so; however, her heart is not in it.  What shall she do?  Will she be strong enough to make her way outside the convent? 

Sarah is the third woman.  She is a child prodigy that has a talent for writing.  She leaves her dreams of writing for a high-paying job, marriage, and recognition.  Will she be happy with her sacrifices?  If she does quit her job in the rat-race, will her materialistic husband understand?

“Legacy” is emotionally wrenching.  I recommend reading it with tissues nearby.  Schonberg writes so well that the reader can actually feel the internal struggles of each character.  I am so amazed that a man can convey what females often feel as they mature through childhood and womanhood. 

The story starts somewhat slowly at first, but toward the end, it is impossible to put down.  I hope that Schonberg has started writing the screenplay, because this will make a wonderful chick flick.  If you are unfortunate enough to be stuck on a deserted island, you will want “Legacy” with you. 

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