Children of Liberty (The Bronze Horseman Trilogy)

For years I have heard historical fiction fans rave about Simon's The Bronze Horseman series. I have diligently purchased all three books, just haven't gotten around to reading them yet (piles and piles of books around here that need reading!). So when I saw that her newest novel, Children of Liberty, was actually a prequel to her well-received trilogy, I thought this was the perfect place to start. (Always start at the beginning, right?) As it turned out, the novel just didn't 'grab' me. I had difficulty with the protagonists - they never seems quite developed, just flat - and their love story wasn't anything special, probably because I never sensed any chemistry between them.

That said, I most certainly intend to read the Bronze Horseman trilogy. Thousands of historical fiction fans cannot be wrong....right? :)

Having read Paullina Simons "The Bronze Horseman (The Bronze Horseman Trilogy)" a few years ago and having enjoyed the romance and chemistry between the novel's two main characters, I imagined that as "Children of Liberty" is another of her brainchildren, the reading experience would be equally enjoyable and sustained with her inimical ability to transport the reader to another time and place. At first glance, the story of immigrant Gina from Sicily and wealthy Bostonian Harry seems to contain all the elements necessary to make for a great escapist read. However, Simons get bogged down with countless passages of exposition, meant, I suppose to solidly depict the era of the early twentieth century with regard to its politics, trends and event timelines. Instead of garnering more interest and providing a lush backdrop to the activities of her main characters, Simons comes off as merely didactic, trying to impress with a helter-skelter of factoids and political diatribe that bores rather than illuminates.

While reading this novel, I was totally unaware that `Children of Liberty' is a prequel to the Bronzed Horseman trilogy. Now after doing some background on the book, I can see that Simons needs to pave the way for main character Alexander's parents to renounce their American citizenship, giving future credence for Alexander as a Soviet officer in the first book of the trilogy. Perhaps if I had realized this, I would have understood the emphasis on communism and the worker's revolution as seen through the eyes of Gina and rich boy, Harvard graduate and would-be professor of political science, Harry. Unfortunately, Simons ends `Children of Liberty' in mid-air and the connection with Revolutionary Russia or its seemingly idealistic appeal, other than the characters attending a few lectures given by the anarchist Emma Goldman and becoming inflamed by other socially conscious groups in direct opposition to the Barrington method of accumulating wealth is nebulously and unsatisfactorily left for another book. Now armed with the after knowledge of where Harry and Gina will head geographically and politically, I wonder if Simons is replicating the filmReds with Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton starring as American activists John Reed and Louise Bryant as a quick and easy storyline to couple to her existing franchise.

If this is so, the point is not made clear as a standalone novel. Simons underscores only two things. Firstly, Gina is a headstrong young adolescent who from the get-go and the young age of fourteen, seems to know exactly what she wants and moves forward, full steam ahead, until she ploughs around and through her competition without any other thought in her head. Secondly, Harry Barrington struggles with his identity as the rich heir to his father's financial empire and in a series of weak moments excused by his wayward desire for Gina, puts himself out on a limb where none of his dreams can be supported. The reader may or may not cheer for Gina's ultimate success in securing him as the coveted feather for her cap. Surely, even the most Bronzed Horseman-savvy reader can feel nothing but confusion over Harry's disheartened situation at the novel's end, no matter his political leanings. He seems bewitched and incapable of making decisions worthy of his esteemed education. Even though the reader knows from the start that Harry and Gina are destined for each other, the lack of chemistry between the two for the first 300 odd pages--indeed it would seem pedophilic-- and the rambling argument of whether or not Gina needs schooling makes the eventual rush of snowballing emotion less than satisfying in the pages that bring the book to its conclusion.

Equally annoying and subtractive is Simons insistence on little teaching points about Italian culture that seem either impossible or unlikely to have taken place--brother Salvo from Sicily creates a bread with tomatoes, cheese and basil which he calls Pizza Magherita--after the Neapolitan chef crafted such a dish in honor of Queen Magherita's visit to Naples in 1889. Gina instructs Harry about a luscious dessert called Tiramisu--"A little pick-me up" that seems to have perhaps originated in the city of Siena--as far away from Sicily as any other place during that time period--but was only called by its name in cookbooks dating after 1969! Bloopers for sure!

Bottom line? "Children of Liberty" should be read as a prequel to Paullina Simons trilogy beginning with "The Bronzed Horseman." As a standalone novel, it is a tad long-winded, takes over 300 pages to get to its point of bringing Sicilian Gina and American Harry together with the type of emotional synergy expected by Simons' fans and gets bogged down with political discussions and debate meant to facilitate the couple's eventual abandonment of the United States to live in what they probably think of as an idealistic worker's state--this not even happening in this book but in the next prequel's sequel! Much ado about nothing! Simons should have used the last 100 pages as a preface for the next book in the series and left this one off the shelves. Not recommended.
Diana Faillace Von Behren
"reneofc"

This book provides absolutely fascinating insight into the background of Alexander's parents for fans of the Bronze Horseman series! I read this right after the second book of that series, in which we learn of his parents' later life, and feel this was the perfect time to do so. Timing it such added enormously to my enjoyment and appreciation of this book, and I found it to be an excellent read. I was unsure what to expect, as I had seen several negative reviews by readers disappointed that it was not another Bronze Horseman. Indeed it is not; however, taken on its own merits, I found it to be very insightful and enjoyable. If you approach it in the same manner, I think you may be pleasantly surprised as I was!

With "Children of Liberty" Paullina Simons restores her best writing, measuring up to the standard of "The Bronze Horseman". I was very excited to see this new novel, a prequel to "The Bronze Horseman", which promised to tell the story of Alexander's parents.

Enough was hinted upon in the three Tatiana and Alexander novels to boost the curiosity about Alexander's background. The readers knew that Jane and Harry Barringtons emigrated from New England to the Soviet Union, where they were severely disappointed by the system they so much believed in. "Children of Liberty" contains the explanation of how and why they arrived at the communist viewpoint. But, of course, their love story is central to the plot.

The new novel opens with the beginning of the 20th century, when young Gina Attaviano arrives in Boston on the immigrant ship diverted from the usual Ellis Island course. She, her mother and her brother Salvatore are planning to start a new life in America, a life envisioned by Gina and Salvo's father before his premature death. Already in the port they meet two entrepreneurial youths, Ben and Harry, who offer them accommodation in one of the rental houses they manage. Although the Attavianos refuse to stay longer than one night before going off to Lawrence, where they want to join their relatives - Pippa and Angela, the short acquaintance is enough to leave the American men smitten with Gina's beauty. Not surprisingly, there are many more and less accidental meetings afterwards, and the romance develops despite class differences, family problems on both sides and other obstacles.

The novel spans several years and gives a good historical background of American history (building of the Panama Canal, feminist issues, many famous Bostonians). The author did a good amount of research and skillfully wove the tidbits of information into the superb plot. She also maintained a good balance of the love story and other plot elements, not allowing her novel to become only a cheap romance, which was a concern for the sequels to "The Bronze Horseman". This time Simons avoided it and created a really good novel, impossible to put down and leaving the reader at the end longing for more.

I enjoyed this novel. I came to understand that there is a trilogy from the author that continues the story of the next generation. Not having read any novels by the author I had no expectations. Historical fiction is my preferred genre so this story was right for me.

Yes, the story of Harry & Gina is a bit far fetched but if you suspend your preconceptions the story will payoff for you. I only wish I could expect them to have the happily ever after they so richly deserve.

Maybe one day I will pick up the trilogy, having read summaries of the books the second generation had an exhausting and fraught life. Better them than me.

The Bronze Horseman... an amazing novel. Thetwo novels that followed.. amazing as well. I so wanted to love this novel too. I like character driven books. In this novel she introduces so many new characters the reader can't possibly get attached to any of them. At least that was the problem that I had with this book personally.
In addition to not being able to really care about the characters, this book is just too long. The entire novel just feels detached from anything that was going on in the other three books. A stand-alone novel with less characters please!

This dramatic love story of two people torn by opposing backgrounds follows a predictable storyline. The characters are likeable, but have standard backgrounds, complete with the usual problems. The story's true charm is in the blending of historic fact and fictional elements that show amazing attention to detail, not to mention an eye for bringing history to life.

Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

The Italian immigrant family landed in Boston and were accosted by two men who promised them housing and a job. The two men belonged to the rich landlords of Boston who lived in old Boston like modern big tycoons. One of the sons, Harry, fell in love with the lovely Italian Gia and was confronted with having to marry Alice in one of the most published weddings of the century. This was a most enjoyable bedside or leisure reading.

Having lived in Boston environs much of my life and craving a trip down history lane, I stuck with this book longer than I should have. I find the history very very weak as are Simon's characters which all lack development. Finally where is the plot? Don't waste your time and your money.

As expected the writing was outstanding. The story, however, to my disappointment left me wanting. Wanting to like the characters more. Wanting to know what awaits these characters given the less than desirable ending. In fairness I read somewhere there will be a follow up book which I will certainly read in hopes of finding what was lacking for me in this one.

The story didn't have the same endearing qualities as the trilogy. In fact, I didn't like the characters as much. The story was too politic driven for my taste. While it was not the worst, I just felt that the characters were boring and the story too slow.

I read the Bronze Horseman series a few years ago and found it to be fascinating writing by Simons, keeping me glued to my chair, eagerly expecting the unfolding plot in succeeding chapters. I have even thought of reading the trilogy again. However, I must say that Children of Liberty never grabbed me. I stopped at page forty-two. The question I kept asking myself was, "Where is the hook?" Books on writing tell authors to make sure they grab their audience with a hook in the first couple of pages. Nothing of significance has happened after forty-two pages. No twist, no discernible plot. Most disappointing.

Nothing in this story makes sense -- an "impoverished" immigrant heroine in silk dresses, a wealthy Harvard student who frequently "flips the bird" to others, and characters so shallow the author is forced to have them invent pizza to add interest. Add in some philosophical preaching and a dull, predictable plot line and you've got 400 pages you can't wait to stop reading. Not recommended.