City of Dreams: A Novel of Nieuw Amsterdam and Early Manhattan
by Beverly Swerling
Reading City of Dreams is like falling in love. At first, there’s attraction. The cover artwork is beautiful, like a painting centuries old. The title is intriguing, a preview of the historical accuracy to come.
As you turn the first few pages, you begin the long journey of getting to know your new love interest. You are introduced to the characters, some slowly, some suddenly. The setting is described in impeccable detail; just like the surroundings of your first date or first kiss, you’ll always remember the scenery.
By the time your first fight rolls around, it’s too late. You’ve already fallen in love; you won’t call it quits. No matter the hurts, the betrayals, the veers from the path you vowed you’d take, you’ll stay in the relationship. You’re in love. And, like most of us, you’ve been warned. You think you know exactly what you’re getting into, but your partner—and this book—continues to hurt, shock, and disappoint you. You stick it out, and at the end of the day, you know it’s all been worth it.
I don’t look at City of Dreams as a novel. It’s become part of me, like the books I read in childhood that first shaped my love of reading. Beverly Swerling has combined research with creative genius, resulting in a life-changing four-part history of New York City, starting with the first Dutch settlers in the 1600s, who named their colony “Nieuw Amsterdam”. This first installment lasts nearly two centuries; with all that occurred in the 592 pages, I can’t even imagine the dramas waiting to unfold in the remaining three books.
It would be impossible for me to provide a plot synopsis. The original characters who start the novel do not last through the end, but in an epic that journeys two hundred years, this is to be expected. The characters vary from the most revered members of society—lawyers, governors—to the less respected—doctors, also known as “barbers”, and shopkeepers—to the very dregs—prostitutes, brothel owners, and arms dealers. I liken this book to James Michener’s Centennial. I have yet to read his book, but I saw the miniseries, and it had a similar effect on my emotions. While Centennial tracks centuries of settlers who eventually travel and make Colorado their home, City of Dreams does the same for New York City. Both stories are incredibly engrossing, with characters you know you can’t live without; when they’re gone, you miss them terribly and will remember them always. Both early inhabitants have their battles with Native Americans; both writers not only create touching moments, but gruesome, unforgettable moments. Parts of Beverly Swerling’s novel scarred me, but since I was already in love with her book, I had to keep reading, no matter how vicious and how graphic the scenes became.
This might be too upsetting for some readers, particularly young readers or those who aren’t used to gruesome violence, extremely naughty sex scenes, and repulsively detailed medical diaries. This book chronicles the discovery, symptoms, and treatment of hideous diseases, as well as failed attempts to advance medical history. There is rape, mutilation, abortion, violence from and against slaves, violence from and against Native Americans, graphic sexual situations, and sickening descriptions of illnesses. You’ve had your warning. Now go fall in love.
As you turn the first few pages, you begin the long journey of getting to know your new love interest. You are introduced to the characters, some slowly, some suddenly. The setting is described in impeccable detail; just like the surroundings of your first date or first kiss, you’ll always remember the scenery.
By the time your first fight rolls around, it’s too late. You’ve already fallen in love; you won’t call it quits. No matter the hurts, the betrayals, the veers from the path you vowed you’d take, you’ll stay in the relationship. You’re in love. And, like most of us, you’ve been warned. You think you know exactly what you’re getting into, but your partner—and this book—continues to hurt, shock, and disappoint you. You stick it out, and at the end of the day, you know it’s all been worth it.
I don’t look at City of Dreams as a novel. It’s become part of me, like the books I read in childhood that first shaped my love of reading. Beverly Swerling has combined research with creative genius, resulting in a life-changing four-part history of New York City, starting with the first Dutch settlers in the 1600s, who named their colony “Nieuw Amsterdam”. This first installment lasts nearly two centuries; with all that occurred in the 592 pages, I can’t even imagine the dramas waiting to unfold in the remaining three books.
It would be impossible for me to provide a plot synopsis. The original characters who start the novel do not last through the end, but in an epic that journeys two hundred years, this is to be expected. The characters vary from the most revered members of society—lawyers, governors—to the less respected—doctors, also known as “barbers”, and shopkeepers—to the very dregs—prostitutes, brothel owners, and arms dealers. I liken this book to James Michener’s Centennial. I have yet to read his book, but I saw the miniseries, and it had a similar effect on my emotions. While Centennial tracks centuries of settlers who eventually travel and make Colorado their home, City of Dreams does the same for New York City. Both stories are incredibly engrossing, with characters you know you can’t live without; when they’re gone, you miss them terribly and will remember them always. Both early inhabitants have their battles with Native Americans; both writers not only create touching moments, but gruesome, unforgettable moments. Parts of Beverly Swerling’s novel scarred me, but since I was already in love with her book, I had to keep reading, no matter how vicious and how graphic the scenes became.
This might be too upsetting for some readers, particularly young readers or those who aren’t used to gruesome violence, extremely naughty sex scenes, and repulsively detailed medical diaries. This book chronicles the discovery, symptoms, and treatment of hideous diseases, as well as failed attempts to advance medical history. There is rape, mutilation, abortion, violence from and against slaves, violence from and against Native Americans, graphic sexual situations, and sickening descriptions of illnesses. You’ve had your warning. Now go fall in love.