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In His Father's Footsteps
When U.S. troops occupy Germany, friends Jakob and Emmanuelle are saved from the terrible fate of so many in the camps. With the help of sponsors, they make their way to New York. In order not to be separated, they allow their friendship to blossom into love and marriage, and start a new life on the Lower East Side, working at grueling, poorly paid jobs.
Decades later, through talent, faith, fortune, and relentless hard work, Jakob has achieved success in the diamond business, invested in real estate in New York, and shown his son, Max, that America is truly the land of opportunity. Max is a rising star, a graduate of Harvard with friends among the wealthiest, most ambitious families in the world. And while his parents were thrown together by chance, Max chooses a perfect bride to start the perfect American family.
An opulent society wedding. A honeymoon in Tahiti. A palatial home in Greenwich. Max’s lavish lifestyle is unimaginable to his cautious old-world father and mother. Max wants to follow his father’s example and make his own fortune. But after the birth of children, and with a failing marriage, he can no longer deny that his wife is not the woman he thought she was. Angry and afraid, Max must do what he has never done before: struggle, persevere, and learn what it means to truly walk in his father’s footsteps, while pursuing his own ideals and setting an example for his children.
Moving from the ashes of postwar Europe to the Lower East Side of New York to wealth, success, and unlimited luxury, In His Father’s Footsteps is a stirring tale of three generations of strong, courageous, and loving people who pay their dues to achieve their goals.
Decades later, through talent, faith, fortune, and relentless hard work, Jakob has achieved success in the diamond business, invested in real estate in New York, and shown his son, Max, that America is truly the land of opportunity. Max is a rising star, a graduate of Harvard with friends among the wealthiest, most ambitious families in the world. And while his parents were thrown together by chance, Max chooses a perfect bride to start the perfect American family.
An opulent society wedding. A honeymoon in Tahiti. A palatial home in Greenwich. Max’s lavish lifestyle is unimaginable to his cautious old-world father and mother. Max wants to follow his father’s example and make his own fortune. But after the birth of children, and with a failing marriage, he can no longer deny that his wife is not the woman he thought she was. Angry and afraid, Max must do what he has never done before: struggle, persevere, and learn what it means to truly walk in his father’s footsteps, while pursuing his own ideals and setting an example for his children.
Moving from the ashes of postwar Europe to the Lower East Side of New York to wealth, success, and unlimited luxury, In His Father’s Footsteps is a stirring tale of three generations of strong, courageous, and loving people who pay their dues to achieve their goals.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2019
4363 people are currently reading
3555 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Steel
918 books16.9k followersDanielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.
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Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 654 reviews
August 9, 2019
The longer this story went on, the lower the rating. The main protagonist is hardly "in his father's footsteps," as the latter half fully attests. 3 of 10 stars
August 19, 2018
I've been reading Danielle Steel books for probably 30 years now, and I've always appreciated their consistency - family, love, drama, resolution. It sounds a bit boring and predictable, but sometimes that's exactly what I want - a decently written book where I know what I'm going to get that I can lose myself in for a few days. This one was exactly that. I really enjoyed Jakob and Emmanuelle's storyline and their "triumph over tragedy." When it switched over to Max and his story, I wasn't quite as interested, because I struggled with Max's character being so self-absorbed and materialistic. And don't get me started on Julie. The wrap-up was a bit too tidy for me, and I didn't quite get the "In his father's footsteps" reference, but then again, tidy IS what I come to expect with a Danielle Steel book, so it's hard to be critical of that.
Overall it was a good chick lit, beach read that is typical of Danielle Steel. She's a consistent, predictable writer that does a great job with her genre. 3.5 stars
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Overall it was a good chick lit, beach read that is typical of Danielle Steel. She's a consistent, predictable writer that does a great job with her genre. 3.5 stars
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2018
Her writing style is bland and has no emotion. I had no sympathy for Max and found him boring and obnoxious. The premise sounds so fascinating but it feels like it’s been painted with watercolors when it needed to be painted with oils. Everything is bland and oversimplified and repetitive. I won’t be reading another Danielle Steel book again.
November 2, 2018
2.5 stars
Jakob and Emanuelle meet at Buchenwald Concentration Camp. Emanuelle works in the gardens and is able to give Jakob small pieces of food every now and then. When the camp is liberated, the two of them marry and emigrate to New York, as they are the last survivors of their families. Being sponsored their first year puts a weght on their shoulders to save enough money but their sponsor pays them very little. Jakob finds another job, which allows them more freedoms, which is good as the pair is about to become parents. Through struggle and hardwork, their finances improve and so does the legacy that they can leave to their son.
I am not familiar with Danielle Steel's novels. The premise of this book sounded to my liking and the beginning was promising. We meet Jakob and Emanuelle as Buchenwald is being liberated. Jakob is fluent in many languages and has a knack for finance. Emanuelle is a fine seamstress. As neither has any good memories of their home towns left, they marry and emigrate to America. They feel blessed to have been sponsored but learn the terms of their sponsor upon arrival. They have to work for their sponsor a full year and are expected to manage on their own after that time frame. Jakob lands a good job just in time for Emanuelle is pregnant. Overall, this book has me feeling empty. The prose was flat and predictable. The majority of the characters were just unlikeable, in particular Max (their son). I can not think of one redeemable quality about him and he is most definitely not anything lke his father. Like I said before, I am not familiar with Steel, maybe she has stronger work. Judging solely on this book, however, it was a miss for me.
Jakob and Emanuelle meet at Buchenwald Concentration Camp. Emanuelle works in the gardens and is able to give Jakob small pieces of food every now and then. When the camp is liberated, the two of them marry and emigrate to New York, as they are the last survivors of their families. Being sponsored their first year puts a weght on their shoulders to save enough money but their sponsor pays them very little. Jakob finds another job, which allows them more freedoms, which is good as the pair is about to become parents. Through struggle and hardwork, their finances improve and so does the legacy that they can leave to their son.
I am not familiar with Danielle Steel's novels. The premise of this book sounded to my liking and the beginning was promising. We meet Jakob and Emanuelle as Buchenwald is being liberated. Jakob is fluent in many languages and has a knack for finance. Emanuelle is a fine seamstress. As neither has any good memories of their home towns left, they marry and emigrate to America. They feel blessed to have been sponsored but learn the terms of their sponsor upon arrival. They have to work for their sponsor a full year and are expected to manage on their own after that time frame. Jakob lands a good job just in time for Emanuelle is pregnant. Overall, this book has me feeling empty. The prose was flat and predictable. The majority of the characters were just unlikeable, in particular Max (their son). I can not think of one redeemable quality about him and he is most definitely not anything lke his father. Like I said before, I am not familiar with Steel, maybe she has stronger work. Judging solely on this book, however, it was a miss for me.
May 10, 2023
Sincere, delicate, and heartfelt. Once more, Danielle Steel is at her very finest.
September 29, 2018
Started out great then went down hill fast
September 28, 2018
Love story over generations with difficult obstacles but blessed none the less.
May 16, 2019
This book was PHENOMENAL and not what I would expect from Danielle Steel. This takes place in Germany at a concentration camp in the beginning. Soon they are liberated and a man and woman who has gotten to know each other at the camp decides to get married so when sponsored to come to America they won’t be separated. This carries onto their life of fears and expectations to never ever be put into the situation again. They save every penny they make. One day she becomes pregnant. When he becomes old enough his perspective is added. You see how his parents fears helped mold his life into something that gets carried away. You see his mistakes and how he came out on the other side. I thoroughly enjoyed this. 5 stars from me! Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.
March 30, 2019
Once again Danielle Steel gets into high motion, bringing characters to life, giving readers and her fans a mixture compassion through out. I loved reading everything about the three generations of family. I know not all fathers are a diamond wholesaler, so what I liked here is one very true fact is that what ever one parent may do for a living doesn't mean that one child will do the same job. Quite a lot happens in this beautiful story, that I won't reveal. But there was many more things that I really enjoyed reading about, this is why I highly recommend In His Father's Footsteps.
November 30, 2018
This was a fascinating Steel book for sure. I found this one had a lot of rawness to it, but also there were a lot of moments and a few characters that readers will feel negative reaction to; along with a few choices made by the characters that readers will far from agree with. However, even within those moments, Steel delivers these moments and characters in a way that allows for mild (very mild) understanding of why the characters are that way. Sort of like an, “I don’t agree with their choices and behavior, but I can understand.” It actually combines for one of her best books I have read in a while because it isn’t has “fluffy” of a read.
My quick and simple overall: devastatingly intriguing with a wide array of characters and readers reactions.
My quick and simple overall: devastatingly intriguing with a wide array of characters and readers reactions.
September 23, 2018
Did not like this book at all. It started out okay telling how Jakob and Emmanuel met at a concentration camp. They emigrated to the United States after being liberated from the camp. They married so they could be together. The rest of the book you are just watching through a window as they live their live, and their only son Max, lived his life. Ironically, the book is entitled, "In His Father's Footsteps." Max was nothing like Jakob. I thought the book was flat and really other than Emmanuel and Jakob and maybe Israel, you really couldn't like any of the characters. Would not recommend this book at all. Very disappointing.
August 24, 2018
A classic Danielle Steel novel- a multigenerational love story starting with two survivors of Buchenwald and finishing with their son, who comes to realize that there's more to life than money. Max is the pride and joy of his parents, Jakob and Emanuelle, who sacrifice for him at every turn. His life, after Harvard, is much cushier but his marriage fails and he finds himself at sea. How he rescues himself and his kids is at the root of this. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'd not read Steel for a long time. Although I was reminded, when reading this, that her books would benefit from a strong editorial hand but I also realized that I had forgotten what a good storyteller she is.
October 1, 2018
Totally formulaic. Not well written and totally predictable. This book wasn't even interesting enough to be fun for a "rainy day- sit on the couch with a book and a cup of tea." Disappointing
February 8, 2020
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
"Sulle orme di un padre" è un romanzo emotivo che ci porta dall’orribile campo di concentramento di Buchenwald alla caotica e sontuosa Upper East Side, in una storia coinvolgente e intensa. Come ogni storia incentrata sull’Olocausto avvertirete sulla pelle la crudeltà e la disumanità che gli uomini sono stati capaci di riversare su altri esseri umani, sulle vite spezzate, altre ricostruite pezzo dopo pezzo, anche se ciò che è accaduto rimarrà impresso nella mente, come un segno indelebile che non va più via. Seguiamo i personaggi Emmanuelle e Jakob, che vivono l’orrore dei campi di concentramento e che per evitare la separazione, si sposano e si trasferiscono in America. Entrambi si prefiggono di realizzare il sogno americano di avere successo e creare una famiglia, lasciando che il loro amore possa crescere lentamente e in modo naturale. Ma riuscite a immaginare solo per un po’ cosa significa vivere dopo che hai vissuto e subìto gli orrori di un campo di concentramento? Pagina dopo pagina percepiamo le emozioni, gli stati d’animo e le lotte interiori dei personaggi, capiamo le scelte compiute sulle base delle loro esperienze traumatiche del passato, la loro costante paura di vedere tutto crollare come è successo durante la guerra, il loro lavorare sodo, in condizioni difficili, per dare il meglio al loro figlio Max dopo che loro hanno affrontato il peggio, spinti dall’amore che condividono e grati di essere sopravvissuti. L’autrice caratterizza perfettamente i personaggi nella loro complessità, ci fa conoscere le loro storie, il loro appoggiarsi l’un l’altra e dedicare la loro vita al loro figlio Max, cercando di insegnargli quanto sia importante la famiglia. Ma Max segue una strada diversa, entrando nel mondo della ricchezza e della prosperità e trascurando pian piano la famiglia e i figli e tutti gli insegnamenti che il padre gli ha inculcato. Sulle orme di un padre è una storia di amore e perdita, di errori e redenzione, di circostanze difficili e di famiglia, narrata con quello stile delicato e colloquiale della Steel. Se la prima parte segue le vicende di Jakob e Emmanuelle durante gli anni della guerra e i successivi, la seconda si concentra su quella del loro figlio Max dai suoi giorni ad Harvard alla sua crescita lavorativa e personale. Il passaggio generazionale viene catturato perfettamente dall’autrice e si interseca quando Max visita il campo di concentramento in cui sono stati i suoi genitori. Una storia intensa e profonda da cui possiamo trarre insegnamenti utili per noi stessi e per le generazioni future.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
"Sulle orme di un padre" è un romanzo emotivo che ci porta dall’orribile campo di concentramento di Buchenwald alla caotica e sontuosa Upper East Side, in una storia coinvolgente e intensa. Come ogni storia incentrata sull’Olocausto avvertirete sulla pelle la crudeltà e la disumanità che gli uomini sono stati capaci di riversare su altri esseri umani, sulle vite spezzate, altre ricostruite pezzo dopo pezzo, anche se ciò che è accaduto rimarrà impresso nella mente, come un segno indelebile che non va più via. Seguiamo i personaggi Emmanuelle e Jakob, che vivono l’orrore dei campi di concentramento e che per evitare la separazione, si sposano e si trasferiscono in America. Entrambi si prefiggono di realizzare il sogno americano di avere successo e creare una famiglia, lasciando che il loro amore possa crescere lentamente e in modo naturale. Ma riuscite a immaginare solo per un po’ cosa significa vivere dopo che hai vissuto e subìto gli orrori di un campo di concentramento? Pagina dopo pagina percepiamo le emozioni, gli stati d’animo e le lotte interiori dei personaggi, capiamo le scelte compiute sulle base delle loro esperienze traumatiche del passato, la loro costante paura di vedere tutto crollare come è successo durante la guerra, il loro lavorare sodo, in condizioni difficili, per dare il meglio al loro figlio Max dopo che loro hanno affrontato il peggio, spinti dall’amore che condividono e grati di essere sopravvissuti. L’autrice caratterizza perfettamente i personaggi nella loro complessità, ci fa conoscere le loro storie, il loro appoggiarsi l’un l’altra e dedicare la loro vita al loro figlio Max, cercando di insegnargli quanto sia importante la famiglia. Ma Max segue una strada diversa, entrando nel mondo della ricchezza e della prosperità e trascurando pian piano la famiglia e i figli e tutti gli insegnamenti che il padre gli ha inculcato. Sulle orme di un padre è una storia di amore e perdita, di errori e redenzione, di circostanze difficili e di famiglia, narrata con quello stile delicato e colloquiale della Steel. Se la prima parte segue le vicende di Jakob e Emmanuelle durante gli anni della guerra e i successivi, la seconda si concentra su quella del loro figlio Max dai suoi giorni ad Harvard alla sua crescita lavorativa e personale. Il passaggio generazionale viene catturato perfettamente dall’autrice e si interseca quando Max visita il campo di concentramento in cui sono stati i suoi genitori. Una storia intensa e profonda da cui possiamo trarre insegnamenti utili per noi stessi e per le generazioni future.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
December 22, 2019
In His Father’s Footsteps by Danielle Steel is both a historical and contemporary epic novel that follows the fortunes of a family.
The reader travels from Buchenwald to America, from poverty to wealth, from family to empire. The novel is a journey to discover the true meaning of wealth – and that is always found in people. The wealthiest people in the story are not those with the most money but those who lived, loved and survived Buchenwald. They are the ones who realised the true wealth was in people as they witnessed the fragility of life. “Being Jewish had become a death sentence overnight.” Survival was a lottery.
The legacy of the camps was fear. It hung over lives forever – the fear that it might happen again. It was not something that could be shaken off. Family was precious. Money was a necessity. It could buy life. “Don’t live by what we were afraid of.” Passing fear down to the next generation is not a good idea.
As the novel progresses, the reader sees love being eroded and characters being seduced by wealth. “Diamonds always helped.” The reader projects the end before a character does. Wealth can bring choice but it can also be a prison to be trapped in a cycle of work – money – more work – more money etc.
Empires are built but the true empire is our family. They are to be treasured. What legacy will you leave for the next generation? If riches are all you leave, the next generation will be poor indeed.
I have dipped in and out of Danielle Steel since I first ‘discovered’ her in the summer of 1977 as I bought her second book Now And Forever. I really enjoyed In His Father’s Footsteps, Danielle Steel spun a compelling tale.
The reader travels from Buchenwald to America, from poverty to wealth, from family to empire. The novel is a journey to discover the true meaning of wealth – and that is always found in people. The wealthiest people in the story are not those with the most money but those who lived, loved and survived Buchenwald. They are the ones who realised the true wealth was in people as they witnessed the fragility of life. “Being Jewish had become a death sentence overnight.” Survival was a lottery.
The legacy of the camps was fear. It hung over lives forever – the fear that it might happen again. It was not something that could be shaken off. Family was precious. Money was a necessity. It could buy life. “Don’t live by what we were afraid of.” Passing fear down to the next generation is not a good idea.
As the novel progresses, the reader sees love being eroded and characters being seduced by wealth. “Diamonds always helped.” The reader projects the end before a character does. Wealth can bring choice but it can also be a prison to be trapped in a cycle of work – money – more work – more money etc.
Empires are built but the true empire is our family. They are to be treasured. What legacy will you leave for the next generation? If riches are all you leave, the next generation will be poor indeed.
I have dipped in and out of Danielle Steel since I first ‘discovered’ her in the summer of 1977 as I bought her second book Now And Forever. I really enjoyed In His Father’s Footsteps, Danielle Steel spun a compelling tale.
September 10, 2018
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
A work of fiction that began at the very end of World War II and continued through until the present day, In His Father’s Footsteps traced the path that one extraordinary couple took to begin a new life in America after surviving the terror of a German concentration camp.
‘He remembered the strength his parents had given each other, the wisdom they had shared, the faith they had in each other’s abilities, the encouragement, the support. They had even given each other hope in a death camp.’
I’m a big fan of books set in the WWII era–even though they pull at my heartstrings and generally make me cry. But the heroism and courage of those who fought back against the evil they faced during that time is such an inspiration. And Danielle Steel certainly touched upon that in this story. It started off during the final days of the war and detailed the fall of the Nazi Army, specifically at Buchenwald, one of the larger concentration camps. Read More
A work of fiction that began at the very end of World War II and continued through until the present day, In His Father’s Footsteps traced the path that one extraordinary couple took to begin a new life in America after surviving the terror of a German concentration camp.
‘He remembered the strength his parents had given each other, the wisdom they had shared, the faith they had in each other’s abilities, the encouragement, the support. They had even given each other hope in a death camp.’
I’m a big fan of books set in the WWII era–even though they pull at my heartstrings and generally make me cry. But the heroism and courage of those who fought back against the evil they faced during that time is such an inspiration. And Danielle Steel certainly touched upon that in this story. It started off during the final days of the war and detailed the fall of the Nazi Army, specifically at Buchenwald, one of the larger concentration camps. Read More
April 20, 2021
EDIT: I'll try to read this again(Yeah, I'm lying lmao)
Where to begin 🤔
Okay from the very beginning,
How did I come across this book?
Well I decided to try something different yunno, outside my comfort zone (something old n original) non YA that is
And I guess I'm never doing that again!!!
I might sound like a coward but seriously!!
This book was way too bland and bleh for me, I didn't even finish it.
It took me 5 days!! to get to the middle page b4 I decided that this wasn't worth it, I mean don't get me wrong, you might like it if you prefer historical fiction.
Its about a couple that met at a concentration camp during the holocaust(tragic event though!). They moved to America to get a better life and got married, had a kid and became rich soon after.
The kid later grew up and married the wrong person blah blah blah........😑😑😑ughhh so long 😪
Over all its a nice book if you are willing to try new things but if you like YA then don't!!
This isn't fantasy, its tragic comedy and very predictable too!
Where to begin 🤔
Okay from the very beginning,
How did I come across this book?
Well I decided to try something different yunno, outside my comfort zone (something old n original) non YA that is
And I guess I'm never doing that again!!!
I might sound like a coward but seriously!!
This book was way too bland and bleh for me, I didn't even finish it.
It took me 5 days!! to get to the middle page b4 I decided that this wasn't worth it, I mean don't get me wrong, you might like it if you prefer historical fiction.
Its about a couple that met at a concentration camp during the holocaust(tragic event though!). They moved to America to get a better life and got married, had a kid and became rich soon after.
The kid later grew up and married the wrong person blah blah blah........😑😑😑ughhh so long 😪
Over all its a nice book if you are willing to try new things but if you like YA then don't!!
This isn't fantasy, its tragic comedy and very predictable too!
October 17, 2018
I have read every book that Danielle Steel has written. This book was not interesting to me until I had read at least 150 pages. It was all about the Holocaust and two people meeting at a concentration camp. They survived the torture and starvation and arrived in America after getting married. Jakob and Emmanuelle were dirt poor for quite awhile, Jakob was determined to be successful and got a job as a diamond runner for a man who became his best friend. He ended up making millions and had one son, Max. To me the book did not take off until Max graduated from Harvard. I loved the story of him and Julie who had a wedding that cost a million dollars. Like all of Danielle's books there was a happy ending for all.
May 7, 2019
This is the first book that I read from this author. It was suggested to me by a couple of my friends that are also fellow readers. I have to say I enjoyed this novel very much. There was emotion, passion, sadness, and happiness. It felt like a roller coaster of emotions. What I love the most is how the author makes It feel like you are there with these characters and watch them go through so much. I would definitely recommend.
September 17, 2018
I just found all the characters, except possibly Jacob, to be completely unlikeable with no redeeming qualities. As a result, this book was not enjoyable and I found myself not caring what happended to any of these characters. I've enjoyed the author's books the past few years, but to me this is the worst one I have read so far.
July 10, 2024
Compelling story, but this writing style is just not my cup of tea
July 26, 2020
"Tras las huellas de su padre" nos cuenta una historia que se extiende durante décadas y décadas.
Emmanuelle y Jakob, se conocieron en el campo de concentración de Buchenwald. Como víctimas de la guerra, fueron desplazados en busca de asilo a Estados Unidos.
Una vez en Nueva York fueron apadrinados por Rachel y Harry Rosen, quienes les alquilaron un estudio y les ofrecieron un trabajo temporal en una fábrica, desgraciadamente, en precarias condiciones. De éste modo da comienzo la historia de una pareja que intenta huir del pasado y reconstruir la vida que los nazis les han arrebatado.
Posteriormente veremos, de forma paralela, como Max, el hijo de ambos, se desenvuelve en la vida que sus padres han construido.
Estamos ante una novela de personajes muy profunda y adictiva. La verdad es que me ha despertado miles de emociones y me ha tocado la fibra.
Jakob es un hombre optimista y atento. Es sin duda la pieza clave de la familia, pues transmite ánimo y esperanza.
Emma es una mujer desconfiada con claras secuelas psicológicas y muchisimas manias. Si bien, he empatizado con ella, a veces me ponía algo nerviosa.
Max es un niño inocente pero con una evolución ambiciosa y algo codiciosa. Egocentrismo en estado puro.
Izzie es sin duda todo corazón. Me ha encantado éste personaje.
Finalmente quiero mencionar a Julie ya que es el único personaje que me ha dejado dubitativa. No sé si sentir lástima o catalogarla como egoísta. Seguramente ocurran ambas cosas...
En definitiva, un libro precioso que te transmite perfectamente las emociones de los personajes aunque sin duda la primera parte es la mejor.
Emmanuelle y Jakob, se conocieron en el campo de concentración de Buchenwald. Como víctimas de la guerra, fueron desplazados en busca de asilo a Estados Unidos.
Una vez en Nueva York fueron apadrinados por Rachel y Harry Rosen, quienes les alquilaron un estudio y les ofrecieron un trabajo temporal en una fábrica, desgraciadamente, en precarias condiciones. De éste modo da comienzo la historia de una pareja que intenta huir del pasado y reconstruir la vida que los nazis les han arrebatado.
Posteriormente veremos, de forma paralela, como Max, el hijo de ambos, se desenvuelve en la vida que sus padres han construido.
Estamos ante una novela de personajes muy profunda y adictiva. La verdad es que me ha despertado miles de emociones y me ha tocado la fibra.
Jakob es un hombre optimista y atento. Es sin duda la pieza clave de la familia, pues transmite ánimo y esperanza.
Emma es una mujer desconfiada con claras secuelas psicológicas y muchisimas manias. Si bien, he empatizado con ella, a veces me ponía algo nerviosa.
Max es un niño inocente pero con una evolución ambiciosa y algo codiciosa. Egocentrismo en estado puro.
Izzie es sin duda todo corazón. Me ha encantado éste personaje.
Finalmente quiero mencionar a Julie ya que es el único personaje que me ha dejado dubitativa. No sé si sentir lástima o catalogarla como egoísta. Seguramente ocurran ambas cosas...
En definitiva, un libro precioso que te transmite perfectamente las emociones de los personajes aunque sin duda la primera parte es la mejor.
April 15, 2021
90% into the book, at around chapter 17, I was still unsure about the ideas the author wanted to bring to the table and even if the book made any sense. I was hoping that the last few pages made some sense and somehow justified the book title. Sadly, it didn't. I could not understand who followed in whose footsteps; because the protagonist most definitely did not follow in his father's footsteps.
The premise of the book (including those shared on various websites) is very fascinating as presented by the author, but highly misleading. You expect the story of a holocaust-surviving couple: I personally hoped there would be some discussions about their lives in the camps, followed by a substantial section dedicated to their psyche as they were freed and brought to the USA. And then I hoped the more interesting focus on their lives through interactions with characters across disparate spheres of lives and with highly contrasting nature impacting the different aspects of their lives. But most importantly, I was looking forward to their son following in his father's footsteps, or at least someone following in their father's footsteps! You find nothing.
I am not sure about this, but somehow I found the language to be very odd and incoherent. There were many redundant sections. An idea was repeated over and over again throughout the book for no reason at all. The sentence formation was very strange and simplistically formulaic, just like the whole book itself.
Apart from the lead Jakob and Emmanuel (and also Israel), I loathed every character, in particular, that of Richard Randall followed by Julie Morgan. The book strides in a very cause celebre question considering the idea of escapism and the ethics associated with it but fails to convey any proper dictum successfully. In fact, the book is of a very immoral nature and tends to promulgate incorrect notions in my opinion. I will go to the extent of calling it disgusting; I was literally nauseated and lost appetite while reading a section in the book.
The beginning was alright, but yet very incoherent and did not suggest any particular idea the author conformed to, which was the case throughout the book. An example could be: Jakob and Emmanuel being not-practicing Jews are affected by their son not marrying a Jew, which is a conflicting idea. The middle and main section of the book is utterly meaningless and marinates in the epitome of sordidness. The ending is as expected a happy one and all the loose ends are tied up but yet make no sense to me.
The book for me was an assortment of nonsensical ideas with poor structure, unclear writing, an apparent endorsement of stomach-churning repulsive acts of immorality, a very predictable "American Dream - Rags to Riches" storyline, and an organized scrambled ending visibly disconnected from the title of the story. I wasted my time, please do not read it.
The premise of the book (including those shared on various websites) is very fascinating as presented by the author, but highly misleading. You expect the story of a holocaust-surviving couple: I personally hoped there would be some discussions about their lives in the camps, followed by a substantial section dedicated to their psyche as they were freed and brought to the USA. And then I hoped the more interesting focus on their lives through interactions with characters across disparate spheres of lives and with highly contrasting nature impacting the different aspects of their lives. But most importantly, I was looking forward to their son following in his father's footsteps, or at least someone following in their father's footsteps! You find nothing.
I am not sure about this, but somehow I found the language to be very odd and incoherent. There were many redundant sections. An idea was repeated over and over again throughout the book for no reason at all. The sentence formation was very strange and simplistically formulaic, just like the whole book itself.
Apart from the lead Jakob and Emmanuel (and also Israel), I loathed every character, in particular, that of Richard Randall followed by Julie Morgan. The book strides in a very cause celebre question considering the idea of escapism and the ethics associated with it but fails to convey any proper dictum successfully. In fact, the book is of a very immoral nature and tends to promulgate incorrect notions in my opinion. I will go to the extent of calling it disgusting; I was literally nauseated and lost appetite while reading a section in the book.
The beginning was alright, but yet very incoherent and did not suggest any particular idea the author conformed to, which was the case throughout the book. An example could be: Jakob and Emmanuel being not-practicing Jews are affected by their son not marrying a Jew, which is a conflicting idea. The middle and main section of the book is utterly meaningless and marinates in the epitome of sordidness. The ending is as expected a happy one and all the loose ends are tied up but yet make no sense to me.
The book for me was an assortment of nonsensical ideas with poor structure, unclear writing, an apparent endorsement of stomach-churning repulsive acts of immorality, a very predictable "American Dream - Rags to Riches" storyline, and an organized scrambled ending visibly disconnected from the title of the story. I wasted my time, please do not read it.
May 8, 2019
I haven’t read a Danielle Steel novel in probably 20 years. My tastes changed, and I began to read classic lit and historical fiction. So when I saw a new Danielle Steel book about Holocaust survivors who marry and start a new life in the states, I immediately added the book to my wish list.
I was disappointed.
The concept is great — 3 generations of a family (although the focus is really on only 2) discovering who they are and where they fit in, with each individual uniquely shaped by the family culture and history.
The execution is lacking.
The most jarring part of the novel was the quality of the writing. I actually considered putting the book down about 1/4 of the way through because I found it distracting. Phrases or ideas were repeated within pages of one another, and then again later on. The sentence structure was simplistic and unvaried. I felt like there was no graceful flow; it was like reading a children’s book where the sentences are all about the same length. The word choice was uninspiring and redundant. It was not beautifully written with memorable dialogue or vivid descriptions. It was simple. Too simple for such a famous author.
Perhaps Danielle Steel is losing her touch, or maybe she has a bad editor. Or maybe I have become a book snob over the past 20 years. 🤷🏼♀️All I know is this book was disappointing.
I was disappointed.
The concept is great — 3 generations of a family (although the focus is really on only 2) discovering who they are and where they fit in, with each individual uniquely shaped by the family culture and history.
The execution is lacking.
The most jarring part of the novel was the quality of the writing. I actually considered putting the book down about 1/4 of the way through because I found it distracting. Phrases or ideas were repeated within pages of one another, and then again later on. The sentence structure was simplistic and unvaried. I felt like there was no graceful flow; it was like reading a children’s book where the sentences are all about the same length. The word choice was uninspiring and redundant. It was not beautifully written with memorable dialogue or vivid descriptions. It was simple. Too simple for such a famous author.
Perhaps Danielle Steel is losing her touch, or maybe she has a bad editor. Or maybe I have become a book snob over the past 20 years. 🤷🏼♀️All I know is this book was disappointing.
March 7, 2020
Disclaimer: I receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first Danielle Steel's reads.
I have never read anything by her before.
Although I did not enjoyed this one as much I will still try her other works.
Her writing is very easy to read and the plotline I feel like is straight to the point.
Knowing this is a historical fiction, I was honestly expecting more storyline for the parents, the main character rather than their son and female character.
I felt like the emotion the author is trying to bring out of the characters is very felt.
I did not feel an emotional attachment to them.
I did not like the secondary character at all.
Their storyline only make me angry honestly.
What they go through is very sad however I can't feel anything but anger with them.
Although I am quite happy with how the son's ending.
I mean it just shows that now every family is perfect.
People go through mistakes, ups and downs in family and also relationship.
This is my first Danielle Steel's reads.
I have never read anything by her before.
Although I did not enjoyed this one as much I will still try her other works.
Her writing is very easy to read and the plotline I feel like is straight to the point.
Knowing this is a historical fiction, I was honestly expecting more storyline for the parents, the main character rather than their son and female character.
I felt like the emotion the author is trying to bring out of the characters is very felt.
I did not feel an emotional attachment to them.
I did not like the secondary character at all.
Their storyline only make me angry honestly.
What they go through is very sad however I can't feel anything but anger with them.
Although I am quite happy with how the son's ending.
I mean it just shows that now every family is perfect.
People go through mistakes, ups and downs in family and also relationship.
August 22, 2025
This is a good story. Jakub & Emmanuelle become friends while at the Buchenwald concentration camp. The book starts at the liberation of the camp by Patton's Third Army. They decide to marry and go to America. Sponsors in the Lower East Side of NYC bring them over & give them work.
A few years later, Jakub is employed in the diamond business and after the death of his mentor, he finds out that his mentor willed him the business. Along the way, Max, their son is born.
After graduating from Harvard, Max begins to make his own fortune. He marries, Julie, and they start a family. After their fourth child is born, Julie divorces Max, leaving him to raise their children on his own. He realizes that his work caused his marriage to end and that his children must come first. In raising his children, he realizes what it means to walk in his father's footsteps.
A few years later, Jakub is employed in the diamond business and after the death of his mentor, he finds out that his mentor willed him the business. Along the way, Max, their son is born.
After graduating from Harvard, Max begins to make his own fortune. He marries, Julie, and they start a family. After their fourth child is born, Julie divorces Max, leaving him to raise their children on his own. He realizes that his work caused his marriage to end and that his children must come first. In raising his children, he realizes what it means to walk in his father's footsteps.
October 24, 2018
Tough to finish. Didn't care for the writing style, weird sentence structure. (That's an example.) Didn't love the story.
July 24, 2023
1,5 ⭐️
El libro empieza bien, los protagonistas Jakob y Emmanuelle comparten un trauma común que hace que se enamoren, son humildes, tratan de adaptarse a los nuevos tiempos y son personajes con los que puedes empatizar sin problemas. La cosa cambia cuando la historia se centra en su hijo Max, del que se dice que se construyó a sí mismo sin tener nada: mentira. Estudio en Harvard porque su padre ya era millonario y podía permitírselo, tenía el apoyo económico desde el principio para empezar el negocio, es cierto que necesitaba su talento para seguir adelante, pero desde el principio tuvo los medios necesarios; a su vez su padre consiguió su fortuna por simple suerte, puede que su talento y sobre todo su humildad tuvieran un papel clave, pero realmente no hubiese conseguido nada sin su mecenas.
Max es un personaje caprichoso, inmaduro, que hace lo que le da la gana, se casa con Julie por impulso, ella es una niñata caprichosa, egoísta, una niña de papá que no ha hecho nada útil ni importante en toda su vida salvo ser guapa y actuar como un objeto. Entiendo el contexto histórico pero aún así sigue pareciéndome terrible. Ninguno de los personajes me transmiten nada que no sea pereza, no puedes empatizar con ninguno porque todos son personas narcisistas, egoístas que viven en un mundo ideal y que crean montañas de granos de arena en cuanto a problemas y conflictos se refiere. No me interesan los problemas de los niños de papá.
En cuanto al estilo y la forma de escribir de la autora: pobre, deficiente, insulso, poco trabajado y aburrido. Repeticion de ideas constantes al igual que las palabras, los acontecimientos románticos ocurren demasiado rápidos y muchas escenas resultan súper forzadas hasta tal punto que dan vergüenza ajena en lugar de resultar románticas como se pretendía. Es un libro con una escritura nada reseñable y definitivamente un libro olvidable que no me ha hecho sentir nada salvo rabia en algunos momentos (y pena, pero solo por los personajes del principio)
El libro empieza bien, los protagonistas Jakob y Emmanuelle comparten un trauma común que hace que se enamoren, son humildes, tratan de adaptarse a los nuevos tiempos y son personajes con los que puedes empatizar sin problemas. La cosa cambia cuando la historia se centra en su hijo Max, del que se dice que se construyó a sí mismo sin tener nada: mentira. Estudio en Harvard porque su padre ya era millonario y podía permitírselo, tenía el apoyo económico desde el principio para empezar el negocio, es cierto que necesitaba su talento para seguir adelante, pero desde el principio tuvo los medios necesarios; a su vez su padre consiguió su fortuna por simple suerte, puede que su talento y sobre todo su humildad tuvieran un papel clave, pero realmente no hubiese conseguido nada sin su mecenas.
Max es un personaje caprichoso, inmaduro, que hace lo que le da la gana, se casa con Julie por impulso, ella es una niñata caprichosa, egoísta, una niña de papá que no ha hecho nada útil ni importante en toda su vida salvo ser guapa y actuar como un objeto. Entiendo el contexto histórico pero aún así sigue pareciéndome terrible. Ninguno de los personajes me transmiten nada que no sea pereza, no puedes empatizar con ninguno porque todos son personas narcisistas, egoístas que viven en un mundo ideal y que crean montañas de granos de arena en cuanto a problemas y conflictos se refiere. No me interesan los problemas de los niños de papá.
En cuanto al estilo y la forma de escribir de la autora: pobre, deficiente, insulso, poco trabajado y aburrido. Repeticion de ideas constantes al igual que las palabras, los acontecimientos románticos ocurren demasiado rápidos y muchas escenas resultan súper forzadas hasta tal punto que dan vergüenza ajena en lugar de resultar románticas como se pretendía. Es un libro con una escritura nada reseñable y definitivamente un libro olvidable que no me ha hecho sentir nada salvo rabia en algunos momentos (y pena, pero solo por los personajes del principio)
April 3, 2021
wat een prachtig verhaal. Alle boeken zijn geweldigt maar af en toe zit er één bij die net even de anderen overtreft en dat is deze zeker. Kan niet wachten tot de volgende. Blij dat haar boeken nu wat vaker per jaar uitkomen.
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