Rating: 
Summary: Forever - A Gift From a Friend
Review: I visited NY for the first time with a friend of Irish descent in December 2002. She travels to NY frequently and absolutely loves the city. We visited places I had only heard and read about and I was in awe of the city the entire time. My friend gave me Pete Hamill's novel at Christmas with an inscription referencing our backgrounds -Irish and African-American from Cortlandt to Harlem. This novel was not only entertaining as fiction but the way it weaved NY history into the story was informative as well as imaginative. I like the author's crisp writing style but the part of the book set in Ireland was more dramatic and easier to read. All in all - this was great reading. I recommend it for the whimisical way the story is told. What a wonderful gift to commemorate our trip!
Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely amazing
Review: I could not put this book down. I had one of those incredible experiences of wanting to read the entire thing -- fast -- so I'd find out what happens, but wanted to read it slowly because I didn't want it to end.
I understand Hamill re-wrote the ending (since he finished the book on Sept. 10) and his description of 9/11 is shattering. I loved every moment of this magnificent book, and will buy copies for everyone I know.
Rating: 
Summary: Hamill chisels
Review: Hamill chisels this story in sand with a politically correct hammer. The overall premise had promise, a young Irishman comes to New York in the 1740's and, through some magic mumbo jumbo, is granted eternal life as long as he remains on the island (and is given incentive to remain there). But the reader soon suffers headaches from eyerolling. The story is not only 'oh so' correct (the only decent white American male to be found in the book's quarter century tale is, hold on to your hat, Boss Tweed), but each character is written to Hollywood TV drama specifications. Early on the already dreary story takes a gut-wrenching down turn when our hero chases General George Washington into a tavern to deliver a lecture on race-relations. Please help me! But the reader slugs on through to the end only to learn, what? The reader isn't sure, only that the hero choses continued eternal life because..., well, we're still not sure. It should be noted, however, that this must be the first major piece of fiction to incorporate the September 11th tragedy into the plotline. While a simple car wreck would have served the story as well, the Twin Tower disaster must have seemed more dramatic. If this book doesn't turn a reader off fiction, nothing will.
Rating:
Summary: Uneven But Overall Winning Story
Review: This epic story of a Irish emigrant to colonial NYC who,thanks to an African Shaman's spell,is granted immortality(as long as he stays on Manhattan island)is like the gift itself,not always so great. In fact,the first part was almost a bit too graphic in its violent depictions of class war and revenge in Ireland and then New York. Also,The author seemed a bit unsure when writing about the 18th century so the people(as a result)are a bit too modern in their speech and somewhat stereotypical as well. But when the book shifts to the present day,the writing became more believable,the charactors much more multi-dimensional,in short a different,much improved story emerged. One that had me hooked until the final pages,although the ending was something of a let-down, even if a bit of a surprize. This is truly one of the more intriguing books I've read recently..
Rating:
Summary: The Gift of Immortality Reveals a Beloved City
Review: Award-winning novelist, Pete Hamill, has created a powerful and pleasing mythical tale of Celtic history, revenge, revolution and immortality. The tale begins in the Ireland of 1741 where being Catholic is a crime and Gaelic religious practices are carried out in secret. Cormac O'Conner, is introduced as the young son of Robert and Rebecca Carson whose names are changed to hide their Jewish and Gaelic pasts under which young Cormac has been carefully schooled. Both parents are killed at different times under different circumstances by the hand of the Earl of Warren. According to Gaelic tradition, Cormac, now a young man, must avenge the death of his father. On this quest, which takes him across the sea to far away New York City, Cormac takes only his sword that he and his father so lovingly made together at his father's forge. The sword becomes part of Cormac and his only link to his past life and family. While on the Atlantic crossing, he meets an African slave, held below the decks in irons. The two men form a bond of friendship. Kongo (who is his village's shaman) and Cormac reach their destinations together, but each one parts only to meet later during in uprising in the town. Cormac saves Kongo's life and as a reward for his good deed Kongo bestows the gift of immortality to him, providing he never leaves the boundaries of New York City. Cormac goes on to save the life of General George Washington during the Battle of Harlem Heights. He continues his long life lived through the history of the great town which continues to grow into a city of immigrants. He finds his way to a life of journalism and he chronicles the history of New York City as he lives his own long life on her streets. Cormac lives through typhoid, diptheria and cholera outbreaks in the days before sewers and garbage collection and the days before money and corruption were the gods. Cormac goes on reporting for the paper through Boss Tweed's era, the influx of immigrants from Europe and the transformation of a city of wood to one of granite, concrete and skyscrapers. He tries his hand at painting and sculpting and continues his quest to find his sword and avenge his family honor. He tries to balance his history of blood lust by living a life of compassion for the downtrodden and seeking justice for those least likely to find it. His gift of immortality, born of his compassion for others, also burdens him with bearing the deaths of many of his friends. The cost of love is too high for Cormac, although he does not see it. He finds true love in a most unusual girl. Once again, the history of the great city intrudes and their fate is sealed on 9/11. Pete Hamill spins an epic tale of mystery, magic and immortality that plays itself out from 1741 Ireland to post September 11 New York City.
Rating:
Summary: Great everyman writer
Review: I was a bit hesitant to give this 5 stars as this is not, by conventional standards, great literature. However, Pete Hamill is, at core, a journalist who tells fantastic stories and, in this regard, a great writer. I recently saw Hamill on C-SPAN discussing the novel and was amazed that the first version of the novel was finished on 9/10/01. The themes, that I thought were a direct reaction to 9/11, were apparently in place down to the detail of a major female character working on the WTC 84th floor. A re-write of the ending followed, but the fact that the whole set-up was so relevant is astonishing in retrospect. I have to admit that I've been a big Hamill fan for a while. Regardless of my bias and taking into account my disdain of critics, at least consider my amateur analysis that reeks of critic pablum: The historical canvas of this novel is unique and begs us to think where we came from and what lies ahead beyond the immediate. It's fun to read, it's relevant, you'll get some history and think a bit. You may even be moved. Well worth the time.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down....
Review: I have always loved a long novel. I immerse myself in the story and always feel sad when the final pages appear. I miss the characters and the excitement of simply reading the book. This book was no exception. "Forever" combines all of the elements that I enjoy, history, romance, drama and pathos and well as introducing a new element, Irish lore. I could not put it down. Hamill moves us through the history of Manhattan in a way that is both informative and moving. His descriptions are vivid and I was able to close my eyes and envision the scenes. Cormac ages and yet physically he remains young. The city ages and yet frequently renews itself. Life goes on and on. I was spellbound. I don't feel that including the events of 9/11 are exploitive in any way. That day is now history and, just like all the other tragic events of the story, is an important part of the life of the city. That the characters experience 9/11 becomes a crucial and necessary part of the story - not just of Cormac but of New York itself. The city will rebuild and go on, despite the losses just as it has since Cormac arrived. I can't imagine it ending any other way. The story ends with hope and love and life and that is why I awarded the book five stars. It has been too long since I have read a novel that I felt deserved the highest rating. This one surely does. I finished the book feeling satisfied but still wanting more. I think that is the mark of a truly great piece of fiction.
Rating: 
Summary: Ambitious
Review: 3.5 Stars
Author Pete Hamill has proven more than once he is an extremely talented writer. This book may appeal more to native New Yorkers than those of us who just very much enjoy the city. However, as a book, "Forever", attempts far too much even though it uses over 600 pages to tell its tale. The author mentions some books that he used as references for this work. One of them is part one of a multi-volume history of NYC and it does not even reach the 20th Century. This book attempts to cover far more history with broad strokes and shallow descriptions. It may be fiction but it is historical fiction and must be held to a higher standard. If the book is broken in to thirds the first of the three is completed before Comic receives his "gift". The second part covers years measured in triple digits, and by the beginning of the third and final section you know the event that will end the book. And I did not read the review that gave the ending event away. The author mentions the subject so many times, the final event is impossible to misjudge. The actual ending of the book I found to be poor and in contradiction to everything the author had lead the reader to believe was important to Cormac. The main character fails to do much of what the centuries of confinement in Manhattan are intended to provide for him. After over 600 pages I like a resolution of some sort as opposed to perhaps there will be a sequel, or perhaps there will not. If there is a part two I will not read it. To be fair part of the frustration I felt with this book was the familiarity I felt as I had seen the film, "Gangs of New York", recently. I think the film mentioned The Dead Rabbits and The Five Points less than this book did. I was also annoyed by the gentle portrayal of historical figures like Boss Tweed. To suggest this person was a jolly old soused soul who deserved pity at the end of his life is simply absurd. And do not expect to experience NYC as Cormac is alleged to have experienced it for much of what the author will give you are short memories of working steel on the Woolworth Building, laying track, or blasting for subways. The detail is little and far too infrequent. There is no question that the event the author chose as the culminating point for his book was as large as any in NYC's history, but unlike many of the book's events this final one has repercussions far wider than that of NYC. It actually renders the city a player in larger events, as opposed to the center of history that the author reserves for it throughout the vast majority of the book. This novel was heavily promoted and created very high expectations. And that may have been the problem. Had the book come out and been left alone it may have had many more reviews and readers that thought much more highly of it. But the reality is this book does not live up to its sweeping premise of a two and one half century epic. And I found the final great event, placed the close of this book in to the category of cliché, for Pete Hamill is far too good a writer to use what he did to close out his book.
Rating: 
Summary: Unfulfilled expectations
Review: Being familiar with this author's work, I immediately bought this book. I was hoping for an extraordinary piece of fiction set against the rich historical background on NYC. But I was severely disappointed. While I enjoyed the upfront part of the book and the story of the character's life in Ireland and the ongoing religious struggle, this kind of depth did not continue when the book shifted to New York. Furthermore, I found it distasteful that 9-11 was used as a device to bring on the book's denouement. Not only was it insensitive, in my opinion, but the set up was so transparent that one could see it coming a mile away.
Rating:
Summary: This is a terrific book...
Review: ...interesting, thought provoking and hard to put down. The characters are meaningful, and New York, itself, becomes a character in the story. The fanciful, mystical qualities may be suprising, but they, in no way, detract from the wonder of the story's theme. If anything, I appreciated the diversity of cultures in 'sharing' the magic. That said, the reason I gave this book 4 stars, as opposed to 5, is simple: the writing style changed too abruptly between the "past" and "present". The beauty of language in the first half of the book is completely lost in the second half. The use of present tense may make sense from a storytelling standpoint, but the writing itself loses cohesiveness. It's almost as if two different authors worked on this book, as a result. The story would have had no less impact if the writing style had remained consistent through the book. I felt that the characters became more difficult to understand and it became more difficult to read. Additionally, it would have been great fun to have included reproductions of maps as an appendix. I know NY fairly well, but would have found the story easier to follow (especially in NY's early days) had I known where now-forgotten streets and areas were. All that aside, "Forever" is still a remarkable book. It's a captivating tale that celebrates the diversity of a truly American city and makes the reader celebrate the melting pot of our nation.
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