Taylor CaldwellRezensionen

There are all kinds of historical novels. With some the intention is to give insight into history, some are intent on a plot that just needs an interesting backdrop, and some are intended to put forth specific ideas. Though I have not read any other books by Taylor Caldwell, I feel that this book falls into the last category. The medical history in this book is interesting. The intrigue in this presumably small town among the doctors and their families could easily pass for a modern day soap opera. However, there are underlying themes that, while maybe not so troublesome in 1968, they are more so now. The level of domestic violence, misogamy, and dismissiveness of women is quite unsettling. There didn't seem to be a single female character in this story that was given any sort of respect. The way that they are treated both in the doctor's office and in the parlor is completely unacceptable. Further, reinforcing this is the way in which are described by the men whether the women are present or not.

I did enjoy this book for what it is -- a measure of the times in which it was written when the roles of men and women in society were very much up for debate. Although set in the early 1900s, I think this was a thinly veiled attempt at preaching strong religious values and traditional gender roles. Any character fighting against that is doomed in one way or another.

I still gave this three stars but it is for the writing style not the plot. I am not sure if I would pick up another one of her books if given the chance.

Read this a long time ago. Still had it sitting on my bookshelf. Went to look at reviews and didn't even find it among the list of her many books. Didn't go back to try again.

Muito descritivo e as vezes cansativo por isto.

Third book I read in a row on a conflict between Heaven and Hell. Unlike the previous books goal here is not to show how fallout happened but how the fight proceeds between Heaven and Hell after the Fall.

Big L is not shown as a rebel who was misunderstood but as an activist who dedicates his full attention to destruction of man, being he sees as a creation that desecrates his very view of Heaven. What happens is that L starts sending mail to Big G and this soon gets relegated to M from Heaven's end. What starts as a correspondence between two brothers soon escalates into discussions about humankind, their role in the worlds, how easily they get manipulated and ultimately drawn onto the path of destruction.

This is not so much story about Heaven and Hell (although philosophical questions about origins of Evil and conflict with Good are present) but story of Humankind.

Author's thoughts would surely trigger today's PC public, especially adherents to the progressive movement in politics. When you think about it isn't it interesting that today, when we all talk about equality and rights and all those picky elements of modern social progressiveness, people are living in more divisive society than ever, individuals and groups get ostracized within hours if they are against the public opinion, latest development is that their financials (literary means of living) get frozen because of it.

It is as if majority feel need for something, for belonging to something greater, majority feels their lives have lost all meaning (as I said just look at destructive behavior of last few years that indicate complete loss of goals in life except destruction and accepting whatever is currently fashionable and just itching to push around people questioning the majority). Earlier all of these people would flock to religion, but today religion is a big no-no and as a consequence secular institutions and people are watched through the prism of religious zealotry.

Part of the book about Lencia had a greatest impact on me - planet that was destroyed through people being led and finally mentally destroyed through coerced and then voluntary isolation [because of need for absolute security] culminating for all means and purposes in total imprisonment of masses while elites live life of leisure. This rang so close to heart because of last few years.....chilling.

Interesting book. Whether reader rejects the book in its entirety or identifies with parts of the book you will definitely have to say something about it.

Highly recommended.

I found this book at the "Friends of the Library" book sale. "Answer As A Man", is the first book by Taylor Caldwell that I have read. The storyline follows the life of Jason Garrity, his family, business partners, and acquaintances. The timeline is the first decade of the twentieth century in the United States. Overall, the novel was pretty good. I enjoyed the history that was interwoven into this fictional novel. The Irish characters and plot were strong and believable. The plot had a lot of twists and turns (some predictable, some not) that kept the novel interesting. The reason for the 4-star versus 5-star rating, is the fact that I felt the novel dragged on at times.

"Ceremony of the Innocent" presents a multifaceted plot. First and foremost it is a historical romance. it appears to be a fairy tale come true of a poor house servant marrying into wealth and position. However, appearances are often deceiving. The ultimate question is, what happens when an innocent young woman loves unconditionally and blindly trusts everyone simply because she can’t comprehend the selfish, greedy nature of human beings and has no concept of evil?

The opening scene is in the midst of a church service as the Pastor preaches about “Love and Trust”. Certainly love and trust are desired in life, and a beautiful sentiment… if the recipients are worthy. However, Taylor Caldwell illustrates the tragic consequences of offering undeserved love and blind faith.

Layers of depth in the plot occur as Taylor Caldwell uses Ellen Watson Porter’s innocence and blind faith as an allegory for how the vast population of the United States in their naivety allowed their beloved country to tumble to the depths of despair. “There were times when Jeremy felt that his wife, Ellen, exemplified America herself, guileless, naive, and unwilling to believe in evil and plotters, unwilling to believe that man is imperfect, destructive, and malicious.”

Covering the years from 1900 to 1930, Ellen’s demise occurs in conjunction with the demise of America. As most Americans were loving patriots and trusting in the government leaders they elected, the elite powerful international bankers and financiers plotted evil to bring public disorder, chaos, revolutions, war, massacres, hatred and destruction. Their ultimate goal was to take control of a global government and subjugate humanity, thus intentionally orchestrating world events that resulted in World War I and the Depression. Love and trust, indeed!

Although the plot is ominous and extremely depressing Ceremony of the Innocent is a 5 Star book. Extensive research was required to present all the historical facts and create a realistic picture of life during those years. In addition, Caldwell imposes thoughts derived from Bible quotes (both Old and New Testaments), and various acclaimed philosophers and poets. She has enormous insight and intuition about human behavior. The characters come to life, and poor, poor Ellen - oh how she suffers. If the evil characteristics of cast members seems overly exaggerated perhaps that was intentional - intended to emphasize the negative side of indiscriminate “love and trust”.

In many ways the novel reminds me of Tolstoy’s "Anna Karenina". Ellen and Anna were from different continents, had totally different lives, and vastly different personalities - but both followed the same demise as the downward spiral of their respective countries.

Rated 5 Stars 2023

"Great Lion of God" is a historical novel about the life of Saul ben Hillel of Tarsus, better known to most people as Paul the Apostle or Saint Paul. Using a vast amount of sources including the Holy Bible, history books, works of the Catholic Encyclopedia, St, Paul’s Gospel, writings by Plato and Aristotle, and information attained at the Vatican Libraries and Museums of Athens and Israel, Taylor Caldwell pieces together the life story of Paul from his teenage years to his final journey back to Rome where he was executed around the time of 64 to 68 AD.

Authors that have the ability to write Biblical historical novels with absolute authenticity and evoke powerful emotions from the reader are few and far between. Taylor Caldwell was truly a gifted writer. She is brilliant at recreating the cultural environment, political atmosphere, emotional scenes, and likely dialogue of all characters.

It is fascinating to read an explanation of how Christianity evolved, starting with Jewish people accepting Jesus as the Christ, and at the onset this new phenomena was considered to be just another sect of Judaism - all praying together at the Jewish Temple. It wasn’t until Gentiles started to accept Christ and partake in the ritual of Baptism that Christian Churches were built. And all the while Rome was seething because this new religion was causing disruptions in Jerusalem’s society (which was under Roman control). The Romans did not want to hear about this new “King of the Jews”. That was treason. Caesar was the one and only King.

I’d like to share an interesting quote by Titus Milo, A Roman Statesman, about the condition of Rome around the year 25 AD, “Each day that passes sees more onerous taxes inflicted on the industrious and reverent and productive men, for the enhancement of a lavish court, subsidies for farmers, the looting of politicians, the free housing built for the idle, slothful, stupid and degenerate mobs, the free entertainment provided for those self-same mobs, the erection of grand government buildings to shelter the ever-growing and lustful armies of the bureaucrats and other petty officials, the granaries which dispense free food to the rabble… and the ambitious dreams… to remake the streets, the alleys, the roads, the houses and villas and the countryside of Rome… the wars to nourish the manufactories which make war materials… drain the public purse - now almost empty.” and his grandfather Aulus replied, “No nation took that path without perishing. So Rome must perish.” And it did! History repeats itself - Is the United States on a similar path to destruction?

Juxtaposed with Rome’s days of glory and rise to the peak of their power was Paul’s spiritual struggle. Saul, the devout Jewish Pharisee, was not an easy convert. He was an Orthodox Jew and considered the whole idea of Jesus being the Savior a blasphemy against God. "Great Loin Of God" follows Saul’s spiritual journey from non-believer to becoming Paul the Apostle, one of Jesus’ most faithful followers. While all the other Apostles were busy converting Jews to Christianity, Paul was the first and only Apostle to focus solely on converting Gentiles (non-Jewish Idol worshipers). He sacrificed everything in life to spread the word of God and help others find salvation.

This is an incredible story told by an extraordinary author.

Rated 5 Stars September 2023

I literally am enraged at every character in this book... absolutely infuriating.
Writing is amazing though. I read it in it's entirely in one day.

a novel

Reading Taylor Caldwell’s novels is like wading through a daisy field of land mines - the beauty of life destroyed by one explosive revelation after another. Perhaps it is all fiction, but so close to the truth it shatters one’s illusions and reveals the harsh realities of life. Nothing is simple about Caldwell’s writing, and "The Strong City" is no exception.

Published in 1942, this lengthy saga takes place in Pennsylvania in the late 1800s and spans almost two decades in an era where a typical lifespan was a mere 40 years. It is the story of the son of German immigrants, Franz Stoessel. Living in poverty in the slums of Nazareth PA, with his aging parents Franz gets a job at the local steel mill and is determined to become rich and powerful. He is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed - no morals, no scruples, no integrity. With that approach, how could he fail?

Taylor Caldwell is a gifted story teller. She paints a vivid picture and leaves nothing to the imagination. Her character development is extraordinary. As each character enters a scene their psyche is laid naked - the reader learns of their physical appearance, down to the simplest detail of facial expressions, and more importantly, their deepest personal thoughts. She analyzes human behavior - the character’s motivations, fears, self defense mechanisms, methods of envious retaliation, sly hypocrisy, brutal force, and the effects of love and faith. Each character has a complex personality - just like in real life. Every emotion of each character is explored in full depth.

The story does not touch on German history, but many of the characters are 1st and 2nd generation immigrants - a mix of French, English, and German. The turmoil taking place in Germany and adjoining countries which caused many people to leave Europe obviously left a bitter taste. They came to America for a better life, and with open contempt and prejudice they stereotyped others, many times in a cruel negative way, expressing animosity, mis-trust, and hatred for each other. Even within the German immigrant community - the Bavarian and Saxony Germans had little regard for the Prussian Germans. Taylor Caldwell puts all this emotion into the plot through dialogue, and revealing the character’s most harsh personal thoughts. No author would dare write this way today.

"The Strong City" might have been rated a 5 Star book, but I could not bring myself to believe the extent of evil portrayed in so many of the characters was a representation of real life. Taylor Caldwell certainly saw the worst in mankind and expressed that throughout the story. She viewed all her characters with cynicism, leading them, body and soul, through a treacherous labyrinth to a depressing and disturbing conclusion.

Rated 4 Stars August 2023

Pillar of Iron by the master author Caldwell is unquestionably a work of genius. She covers a huge lot in between, beginning with the time of Cicero's birth and ending with his murder. In 106 BC, Cicero was born on his family's estate not far from Arpinum. His mother, Helvia, was from an aristocratic family, while his father, Marcus Tullius Cicero, who is also known as Tullius in the novel, belonged to the equestrian class. Cicero was regarded as a "new man" and a plebeian in Rome.½

Nacido en una pequeña y pobre tribu mongola, en pleno desierto de Gobi, acabó alcanzando la gloria gracias a su espíritu guerrero e indómito, dando origen a un dominio que se extendió sobre todo un continente. Taylor Caldwell nos brinda la oportunidad de conocer el entorno en el que creció, su familia, en particular su muy influyente tío Kurelen, sus amigos y su primer ámbito de conquista: las mujeres. En una sociedad salvaje y de tradiciones atávicas, sólo una personalidad tan arrebatadora como la de Genghis Khan podía llegar a las cimas de dominio y poder alcanzadas por el legendario mongol. La autora muestra el lado más humano de un personaje que destacaría más tarde por su inhumanidad, personaje lleno de contrastes cuando todavía se encuentra en la fase de definición de su personalidad. La reconstrucción histórica, como siempre en el caso de Taylor Caldwell, es impresionante y el retrato de los personajes magnífico.

El testimonio de la vida del gran sanador, Lucano, más conocido como San Lucas, el tercer evangelista.

Good novel of Luke the physician (from the New Testament).

Set in 1901 in a small town near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, protagonist Dr. Jon Ferrier has been acquitted of the murder of his wife but has been convicted in the “court of public opinion.” Her death involved a botched abortion. Due to the continued gossip, innuendo, and lies being spread about him, he has decided to sell his practice and move away. Dr. Robert Morgan has bought the practice and is accompanying Dr. Ferrier on his rounds to become acquainted with the patients. The plot revolves around the resolution to the death of Dr. Ferrier’s young wife, Mavis, as well as a new series of accusations against him.

The primary strength of this novel lies in the characterization. The author develops the core ensemble of main characters in depth. Jon is a disillusioned idealist. He is cynical, caustic, angry, outspoken, and, at times, violent, but treats his truly ill patients with the utmost kindness, generosity, and compassion. He is not particularly likeable. Jon’s brother, Harald, is an artist that values materialism and leads a life of conflict avoidance. When Robert arrives, he is naïve and trusting, believing the best of people, but he gradually becomes aware of the existence of powerful people with nefarious plans. Jenny is an object of affection for all three men. She has been the topic of gossip regarding her virtue. Jon and Harald’s mother, Marjorie, is a keeper of a secrets and is trying to protect both sons. The supporting characters are provided enough depth to understand their motives. Some are motivated by money and power; others by honor and justice. These people seem complex and true-to-life.

The narrative transports the reader to the early twentieth century through vivid descriptions of the architecture, interior design, and fashions of the era. Some of these descriptive passages are rather lengthy. The storyline is particularly effective in showing the challenges to those in the medical profession during a time of significant change, highlighting the difficulties in transitioning from traditional to scientific methods in the medical profession. The traditional doctors did not wash their hands between patients, or when delivering babies, and many people died of infection. This is a time when asepsis was becoming the norm but had not yet been adopted by all medical professionals.

The author explores the nature of humankind, good and evil, and whether a person is capable of significant change. It shows the power of words to injure people. Testimony of Two Men uses the evolution of modern medicine as a backdrop for a story about human failings, disillusionment, faith, power, desire, jealousy, love, and betrayal. It is not a traditional romance or mystery, but contains elements of each. It was published in 1968, but the themes are timeless.

I get Wednesday mornings off and I almost always start the day by going for a walk at the park. On one such day in March, I went for my walk and an unexpected shower came up and ran me back to my car. On the way there, I passed the Little Library box, and knowing I had nothing to read in the car, I grabbed this Taylor Caldwell book and sat out the storm reading it. I got several chapters in and decided to leave the book in the car for times when I needed reading material when I was out. Since then, I have gone back to it almost weekly, between errands, waiting for doctors, waiting for my hair appointment.

I remembered Taylor Caldwell from my distant youth, someone I had read then and totally forgotten since. I’m unsure which of her books I might have read, certainly not this one, because I don’t think Dan Hendricks is a character you would ever completely forget. He is unique and the book is a study in the narrow-mindedness of small towns in early 20th Century America and the strength of character that makes a man stand by his own convictions and refuse to cave to crowd pressure. There is some of that still in us, is there not. I see people all the time who want everyone to be like them, think like them, and applaud them, and if they are not, if they do not, they are excluded. It is just harder to completely isolate a person in today’s big city, moving population world, than it would have been in a town where everyone knew you, nobody ever left, and dividing lines were decided at birth, as we find in this pre-depression era world.

Dan Hendricks is such a man. As a boy he is deemed not as good by the reigning adults. His father is a mere blacksmith and his mother is dead. He is somehow different and the children who attempt to torment him become the adults who shun him…until of course his fortunes change and they want to have his ear. But Hendricks is a man of honor and strength; he cannot be cajoled or bought. He has gone his own way, quietly, because it is the right way, and they resent that superiority in him that they recognize and wish to destroy. He can never be one of them, and they will never let him exist in their world in peace.

I found this book fascinating, because, while I would not say it was a great book, I kept going back to it readily and never once wondered where I had left off or what was going on in the last chapter I had read. It stuck to my mind like glue, even in this very weird (for me) and protracted reading situation.

The book is peppered with astute thoughts, particularly from the narrator as he attempts to determine what makes Dan Hendricks different.

He had lived among us but not with us. He had been a stranger who had made no effort to learn our language, not from superior contempt, but from utter indifference. Because he really had not seen us. Yes, perhaps that was it. Mankind can endure any affront except not being noticed.

And to digest his own growth process,

In the spring my father died of apoplexy. As I looked at him in his casket, I had the strange thought that I had never really known him, that he had died in mystery…To me it is the greatest grief of all; that we never in reality see those who are closest to us. Perhaps seeing them after death, we would not recognize them.

This past Wednesday, I finished the last chapter and slid the book back into the Little Library box from which it came. It was a little strange to know that I would not have it to turn to next week, and I will need to supply a replacement.

I’m not sure I will ever seek out another Caldwell. Her writing is dated and her style is somehow slightly unsatisfactory, never quite engaging you with her characters, and yet, I want to give her her due for writing a book that I know I am not ever going to forget…or at least one character for which that is so.

Esta novela inspirada en la vida de San Pablo nos acerca al lado menos notorio de este hombre, al ser humano, al Saulo de Tarso que había antes del apóstol, un personaje lleno de claroscuros, de dudas y de contradicciones al que la autora trata con la mayor delicadeza, pero también con todo el rigor histórico. En efecto, frente a la tradicional visión de los Apóstoles como seres irreprochables, Taylor Caldwell nos desvela que podían llegar a ser intolerantes en su afán proselitista. De hecho, las dudas que albergaba Pablo en su interior le llevaron a perseguir a los primeros cristianos, antes de quedar él mismo iluminado. Entonces, tras la revelación de su destino, y arrepentido por su comportamiento pasado, dedicó su vida a Dios, convirtiéndose en el Apóstol de los Gentiles.

"Gloria y esplendor" nos traslada a la grecia de Pericles, y a su relacion con su amante Aspasia, mujer hermosa e inteligente que deberá convertir la Grecia del más renombrado politico en un centro de arte único. Aspasia estuvo unida a Pericles desde aproximadamente el año 445 a. C. hasta la muerte de éste en 429 a. C. Fue maestra de retórica y tuvo una gran influencia en la vida cultural y política de Atenas. Se dice que fue una mujer muy hermosa e inteligente, que tuvo un gran poder y despertó la admiración y el respeto de filósofos, artistas e ilustres demócratas, así como la hostilidad de los sectores más reaccionarios de la sociedad ateniense.

Una espléndida recreación de la vida de Cicerón y del Imperio romano, considerado todo un hito literario. Una apasionante novela donde se cruzan las intrigas palaciegas, las pasiones y los crímenes y donde salen a relucir las cuestiones que más procupaban a Cicerón: la religión, la política y la guerra.

Una gran novela en la que se relata la historia de la acumulación de una fortuna colosal, el poder político que logra alcanzar y la influencia política de una maldición que pesó sobre una dinastía irlandesa-norteamericana, así como la vida del hombre que la fundó, Joseph Francis Xavier Armagh a comienzos de la década de 1850.
Setenta años después, desde su lecho de muerte, Joseph Armagh vislumbra por última vez su país de adopción desde los lujosos ventanales de una finca palaciega. Multimillonario y uno de los hombres más poderosos y temidos, Joseph Armagh había fundado una dinastía, que la fatalidad golpeará implacablemente con mortales zarpazos una y otra vez en las personas de sus descendientes.

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Literatura americana. NOVELA

One of my most favorite Taylor Caldwell books. Mesmerizing.

4/14/22

LIVRO SOBRE A HISTÓRIA DE LUCAS