Forever

Wonderful historical treatment. Vivid picture of NYC through the ages. Ending to sudden and vague. A disappointing last page.

I felt I really had to stretttttch to give this novel a 4star rating. The layers upon layers upon layers of NYC history, people, buildings, smells, fires, opportunities for years and years of people were wonderfully written, but so much mush amongst it. That is better off left to the writers of historical bodice rippers. Hamill is one of my favorite non-fiction writers but this novel doesn't show him at his best. Not even close. He's a life-long newspaper man by trade--what happened to the gift for editing. The novel has a great concept but goes on too long. Just one example of what bothered me. Thunder, the wonder stallion who appears ever hundred years or so to save the day. I couldn't get My Friend Flicka out of my mind. Another note to city writers; Geraniums smell worse than the stink of a water starved city.

I was hesitant when I read the description of this book, but I was converted as soon as I started reading the lush descriptions and phenomenal storytelling. I cared deeply for all of the characters. My heart ached for them, and for the strength of the city that I love so much. I must admit that my fascination with New York grows stronger daily, and books like this help keep my love affair with the city alive. Highly, highly recommended. It's an epic, well worth the time. My only problem is choosing what to read next.

loved this book, a true history of New York. Felt like I was there with Cormac walking and living the times. A must read!

This is a haunting story both picturesque and magical as you time trip through the history of New York. One man who lives on and on takes the reader back in time and let's you walk the streets of ny over many centuries. You will never walk down a cobbled street in NYC without thinking about the history of those who lived years ago.

Loved this book and have passed it forward. A grand tour through the rich history of earliest New York (and Ireland) to present times, experienced on a very personal and passionate scale and elevated by touches of magic.

Brilliant story. A real page turner,