A very short (215 pages, which includes the Constitution itself) work for Mr. Michener, which compresses the 200 years of our history into brief vignettes in the family of Norman Starr, who is about to testify regarding Nicaragua and the contras and Ollie north and all that (it WAS written in 1987, after all...), with references to the framers of the Constitution, those implementing and affected by it, all in the Michenerian flair for character. While I didn't rate it higher because I'm more use to his sweeping, epic, multi-character works (the edition I have has a 30 page excerpt from "Alaska," which is incidentally on my "to read list), I also was a bit put off by the patriotic, conservative flair of the book. I must say, however, that I learned (re-learned?) some facts and aspects of the Constitution which I had forgotten, and I would also recommend reading the Consitution itself; of COURSE it's legalese, but it's a heck of a document, basis for our laws. OK, on to others, "Alaska" being 4th or 5th down the line.
This is my first Michener book, because I wanted to see if I cared for his style of writing. Maybe I should have started with another. Legacy is a quick read, and good for younger/less-advised readers who know little about American history. Each little bio of the Starr family covers an important event in our country's history, but does so very quickly and with nothing but praise for the more well-known participants in each era. So don't expect to learn anything. The main characters had so little "screen time" in the book I never really came to care for them or understand the purpose of this walk down memory lane, other than to be put together in a book for Michener to sell. It only covers a weekend of time, and the main problem faced by the main character is never explained or resolved. By the end of the book I knew two things: the Starr family was full of Patriots and were proud of it, and...oh wait, that's it. It's saving grace is that it is a short book and therefore not drawn out to mind-numbing lengths.
What do You think about Legacy (1996)?
This is a very short book which is an oxymoron for James Michener! But this is a book that is very right for the times. Michener explores a family's legacy through major critical events that shaped the United States -- the signing of the Declaraton of Independence, the signing of the Constitution, the Civil War, Women's Suffrage, the Roosevelt years. At each crossroads his ancestors would look at their decisions in light of what their ancestors, founding fathers of this nation, held dear. It made me think that we are at a crisis of liberty -- with so many trillions of debt and so much government intervention in our daily lives. At the end of the book is the United States Constitution, which I took the time to read. This would be a good book -- and document -- for Americans to read at this time.
—Jennifer
The book opens with Major Norman Starr troubled with the thought of having to appear before a congressional committee about one of his covert actions in serving his country in the Army. For most the book, Major Norman Starr pondered on the history of his family, 5-6 generations back, on each individual who had taken it on to see that the Constitution of the United States is being held up rightly. This book has a very patriotic voice, of keeping true to the Constitution and unity of the states. It encourages for action to be taken, if something has veered off from the spirit of the Constitution but also to utilise these laws that were put in place as they were meant to.
—Tien
Michener nailed it. Gradually, I learned this book was not as much about the Starr family as it was the Constitution! The stories of each descendent hooked me, led me through several centuries, and didn't let go until I found out what happened with the congressional hearing. As enamored as I was with Simon Starr and Jared Starr during the Constitutional Convention segment, I was astounded by Emily Starr's battle for women's suffrage. What a gutsy woman! This was a quick read that will give you a double dose of learning. Michener did not disappoint with this one.
—Uriah Young
