Zoli's Legacy: Based on the Life of Zoltan Gaal, Book I: Inheritance

by Dawn L. Watkins

Zoltan Galambos, a student in Hungary between the World Wars, strives to get an education, battling poverty, his father's displeasure, and his own pride. He goes to school in a distant city and, under the guidance of a kindly teacher, begins to realize that he has several legacies held out to him. Zoli must choose which he will accept and in turn pass on. Just as he begins to think that his life is in order at last, he finds himself faced with the hardest choice of all. For ages 12 and up.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction

2 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1991

Reviews

[Bo · Rating 3 out of 5]

As you can see from the title, this is only part of the story. I tried to figure out who the real Zoltan Gaal was, but it wasn't until I had finished with the book, and picked up Book II and flipped through it, that I saw information about the real Zoltan Gaal at the back of the book. That would have been helpful to have in Book I, but maybe it gives too much away that is in Book II and not Book I.

As far as this story itself, I found it somewhat depressing. Obviously, it's based on his life, so there is no doubt he had some difficulties to deal with in his life. I appreciated the positive influence and caring attitude one of his teachers had toward him. This book chronicles his early years and his years getting an education, for which he worked very hard. Certainly, there are some lessons in perseverance.

I failed to catch the thread of the title - the legacy/inheritance.

The information on goodreads says the book has 2 pages. Obviously, that is a mistake. :-D

(I am now reading Book 2 and looking forward to seeing how the story ends.)

3 1/2 stars

[Violet Perry (Just a Bookish Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good book, with great historical value and high moral standards, but it just was not for me. Although I do value those things in books, there wasn't enough action in it for me. The only thing in the book that kept me going was that it was small and that it would count toward my year's goal.

[Rachel L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series a few years ago and enjoyed it then. It's about a young man in some Eastern European country (Czechoslovakia? Yugoslavia? Can't remember) and his life and walk with God. I enjoyed it.