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Loving Liberty Levine
New York 1913: Micha Levine leaves his small village in Russia and sails to New York, ‘the Golden Medina’. He’s heard they shovel gold off the streets and that he will easily make his fortune there.
He sends for his wife to join him, eager to make their dreams come true. But life in his new country is not quite as he has been told.
Her happiness comes at an unexpected price; and they must keep a dark secret that threatens to destroy everything.
From Tallinn to New York; from World War One to World War Two; from rags to riches. This is a poignant novel about finding the American Dream – and what it costs.
He sends for his wife to join him, eager to make their dreams come true. But life in his new country is not quite as he has been told.
Her happiness comes at an unexpected price; and they must keep a dark secret that threatens to destroy everything.
From Tallinn to New York; from World War One to World War Two; from rags to riches. This is a poignant novel about finding the American Dream – and what it costs.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2019
348 people are currently reading
1604 people want to read
About the author
Colin Falconer
68 books737 followersColin Falconer writes fast-paced historical adventures that sweep readers across centuries and continents, from the battlefields of Rome to the intrigues of forgotten empires. His novels blend action, danger, and unforgettable characters in richly imagined worlds.
Born in London, Colin now lives in Australia with his wife and their cocker spaniels. Click FOLLOW for updates on new releases, or join his mailing list for exclusive offers.
Born in London, Colin now lives in Australia with his wife and their cocker spaniels. Click FOLLOW for updates on new releases, or join his mailing list for exclusive offers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 7, 2019
Parallelly running the story with liberty and her fashion empire. Well told.
January 15, 2019
Loving Liberty Levine was not at all what I expected. It was not an immigration story of romance and separation. Rather, it was a story with a secret at the heart of it. No spoilers, so I will not tell the secret. It was something life changing and profound. The heroine was a business success. The question is was she a successful mother? Liberty, the daughter, was a blessed child. She lived a life somewhat in the dark regarding some things. Did she gain knowledge? Was she successfull despite circumstances beyond her control? It was a good read, well written and the characters were beautiful, flawed and engaging. It will pull you in. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2019
Excellent! This was one very enjoyable story and one that did pull at my heartstrings. This is the second book that i have read by Colin Falconer, the first being 'Isabella: Braveheart of France'. I really must read more of this author's books! I am not going to write what the story is about, as i always prefer one to read it for themselves, but i do recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
March 11, 2019
4.5 What a compelling story about the choices we make in life and their consequences. When do you tell the truth and when do you lie to protect someone? Set in New York at the beginning of the twentieth century, two Russian immigrants try to make their way. I was instantly drawn to Sara, end eventually to her daughter, Liberty. It was masterful storytelling and I enjoyed the entire journey. This book will definitely stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend listening to this novel. The narrator did an excellent job with the Russian and NY Bronx accents.
February 19, 2019
Lasting Love. How long can a mother keep her secrets? What makes a mother? These are ultimately the questions at the heart of this multi generational tale of interweaving secrets. A very intriguing book, and one historical fiction fans should love. Its descriptions of life between 1913 and 1943 seem accurate, and the tales it tells bring those periods to life. Solid work from yet another new-to-me author. Very much looking forward to more work from Mr. Falconer.
February 25, 2019
a new author to me ... read or listen option. love that!! would you call it a historical romance?? will read more from Colin Falconer soon enough!! what mother doesn't want the best for their child? a mother's love. well done. amazing writing and great characters. i see he writes crime fiction as well ... need to investigate that asap!
March 3, 2019
Loving liberty Levine was not what I expected. It was much better. I love this author and was thrilled when his new book showed up on my ‘you might like this’ list. Of course, I grabbed it and then got the audible version to go with it. Angela Dawe is an excellent narrator and she does the characters with great style. This is a book that transcends WWI to WWII and from a Russian village to a New York tenement on Delaney Street. The descriptions are so detailed, you can almost see the pushcarts and hear the traffic. Sarah is a young Russian woman whose husband, Micha, goes to America to make it big. He sends for her when he has the money for a ticket and she goes because that is what young girls did back then (1913ish). As she sails into New York, she sees Lady Liberty and is stunned by all that she sees upon debarking. But, her husband has a surprise for her, a baby. Sarah has always wanted children but because she didn’t get pregnant in her first years of marriage she figured it would never happen. So, when presented with a baby girl, she didn’t ask questions, but just hugged her and named her Liberty after the statue. The book unfolds as Liberty grows up, her mother will do anything to protect her, which involved living a lie her whole life. The secret that she keeps above all else, the secret of Liberty’s true family, is not what she thinks it is. For 30 years she hides the facts of how Liberty came to be her daughter. Her husband is killed in WWI but he impressed on her the need for secrecy. He didn’t even tell her the true story. She discovered it in some of his items after he was killed. This is a riveting book and the history of New York City is so real that you can smell it and hear it. I’ve read other books by Colin Falconer and they are all excellent. His author notes are almost as good as any book. He is an exceptional writer of historical fiction and crime drama. Enjoy!
April 7, 2019
Loving Liberty Levine is by Colin Falconer. This historical novel is riveting. The way Colin writes keeps the reader on his toes and makes it difficult to put the book down. The story is so realistic that you can see yourself being there beside the characters with no problems. The characters are definitely realistic and make their own mistakes just as we do. The book begins in Russia in 1912, takes the reader to New York City through 1941, and finally to Algeria in 1942. It takes the characters from rags to riches to rags to riches not realizing their riches are always with them.
Sura grew up in Russia and married Micha there. It was an arranged marriage and the put up with it. Micha had ambitions and left Russia for America. Part of Sura didn’t want him to come back as she didn’t want to leave home. However, she had to and crossed the Atlantic alone to be met by Micha in New York. On her first night, Micha had to work at the Grand Hotel leaving her alone at home. That night, the hotel burned and Micha managed to save the baby of a lady on the top floor. He decided to take the baby to Sura telling her that the baby was left on the street. He and Sura raised the baby as their own despite her having red hair and green eyes.
Sura and Micha were raising her in poverty but loved her. Micha enrolled in the army leaving Sura and Libby alone. He was killed and Sura had to go to work. Sarah (previously Sura) became a Zigfield Folly girl where she met Dewey and eventually married him. It was only after Micha’s death that she found out about Libby’s parentage. However, she keeps it a secret. How will this secret affect Libby’s life? Will Sarah be able to keep her story straight?
Sura grew up in Russia and married Micha there. It was an arranged marriage and the put up with it. Micha had ambitions and left Russia for America. Part of Sura didn’t want him to come back as she didn’t want to leave home. However, she had to and crossed the Atlantic alone to be met by Micha in New York. On her first night, Micha had to work at the Grand Hotel leaving her alone at home. That night, the hotel burned and Micha managed to save the baby of a lady on the top floor. He decided to take the baby to Sura telling her that the baby was left on the street. He and Sura raised the baby as their own despite her having red hair and green eyes.
Sura and Micha were raising her in poverty but loved her. Micha enrolled in the army leaving Sura and Libby alone. He was killed and Sura had to go to work. Sarah (previously Sura) became a Zigfield Folly girl where she met Dewey and eventually married him. It was only after Micha’s death that she found out about Libby’s parentage. However, she keeps it a secret. How will this secret affect Libby’s life? Will Sarah be able to keep her story straight?
July 18, 2019
I have enjoyed several of Colin Falconer's books and I like the time periods, between the early 1900's and World War II, and the locations, Russia before the fall of the Czar and Lower Manhattan in NYC. The struggle of Jewish immigrants, the absorpton of multiple cultures into the American culture, and the rise of the super-rich are fascinating topics. The primary storyline of a girl raised by a foster mother, who tells everyone that she is the girl's birth mother, is less satisfactory. I could see how one part of the story would be resolved and I was not impressed with how the mother's secret was revealed. The ending felt flat.
April 5, 2020
A saga beginning in Imperial Russia 1913, followed by immigration to the Goldene Medina, and culminating in the WWII era. The pogroms and persecution are not the focus; and later in the story, Hitler and the Nazis are mentioned only in passing. This is not a criticism, just a comment.
I found the storyline to be too predictable in some aspects and there were too many "coincidences" to make it truly believable. I had a difficult time engaging with Sure (Sarah), although I could definitely relate to her maternal instincts. Bit of a spoiler..... I couldn't help but visualize Barbra Streisand in "Funny Girl" when Sarah lands a job in the Follies and begins dating a rich gentile.
On a side note, the terms "Mutti" and "Vati" continued to throw me off through the entire novel...just not what I'm used to seeing for "Mama" and "Papa"in my Russian Jewish family. Lastly, I was greatly confused when I saw the word "seder" utilized when the author was describing a Friday night Shabbes meal. I know, I know...nitpicking.
There were some redeeming and poignant moments; but mostly, I was left feeling sorry for many of the characters. Sorry for what was lost, sorry for what could not be saved.
I found the storyline to be too predictable in some aspects and there were too many "coincidences" to make it truly believable. I had a difficult time engaging with Sure (Sarah), although I could definitely relate to her maternal instincts. Bit of a spoiler..... I couldn't help but visualize Barbra Streisand in "Funny Girl" when Sarah lands a job in the Follies and begins dating a rich gentile.
On a side note, the terms "Mutti" and "Vati" continued to throw me off through the entire novel...just not what I'm used to seeing for "Mama" and "Papa"in my Russian Jewish family. Lastly, I was greatly confused when I saw the word "seder" utilized when the author was describing a Friday night Shabbes meal. I know, I know...nitpicking.
There were some redeeming and poignant moments; but mostly, I was left feeling sorry for many of the characters. Sorry for what was lost, sorry for what could not be saved.
February 25, 2019
This was an enjoyable read about a family with a secret. I was immediately pulled into the story of Sura and her life in Estonia and her life once she joined her husband Micha, in the US.
Like a lot of other stories about immigrants in the early 1900s it was filled with ups, downs and daily struggles. Unlike a lot of stories about immigrants during the same time frame, the author did a fantastic job describing the settings including the sights, sounds and smells. This was done so well that it was easy to feel you were walking the same streets or seeing the same scenes.
I would definitely recommend this book to people who enjoy historical fiction or anyone just looking to immerse yourself in NYC in the early 1900s. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own.
Like a lot of other stories about immigrants in the early 1900s it was filled with ups, downs and daily struggles. Unlike a lot of stories about immigrants during the same time frame, the author did a fantastic job describing the settings including the sights, sounds and smells. This was done so well that it was easy to feel you were walking the same streets or seeing the same scenes.
I would definitely recommend this book to people who enjoy historical fiction or anyone just looking to immerse yourself in NYC in the early 1900s. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own.
February 18, 2019
This is a good book. Sura and her husband are from Russia in the early 1900’s. Micha, her husband is going ahead to America to make a better life for them. He would send for Sura as soon as he could buy a ticket. All Sura wanted was a baby. But that was one thing Micha couldn’t give her. Micha gets to America and finds out that the streets aren’t paved with gold and he has to work and work hard to make a meager living. He sends for Sura and their life in their new country begins. This is an interesting story and the characters are well developed. I will recommend this book to family and friends. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.
February 21, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Loving Liberty Levine is not your typical immigrant story. Yes, there are tenements in New York. Yes, there is the struggle to make ends meet. But the overarching story is about a secret and a mother's love. Sarah loves her daughter Liberty so much that she will do anything to provide her the best life possible.
It took a little bit for me to become fully engrossed in this story, but once I was, I couldn't wait to see how the secrets would come to light. Would Sarah ever be relieved of her burden? How would those closest to her react? Three and a half stars, just because it took some time for me to be invested in Sarah's story.
Loving Liberty Levine is not your typical immigrant story. Yes, there are tenements in New York. Yes, there is the struggle to make ends meet. But the overarching story is about a secret and a mother's love. Sarah loves her daughter Liberty so much that she will do anything to provide her the best life possible.
It took a little bit for me to become fully engrossed in this story, but once I was, I couldn't wait to see how the secrets would come to light. Would Sarah ever be relieved of her burden? How would those closest to her react? Three and a half stars, just because it took some time for me to be invested in Sarah's story.
March 21, 2019
An unexpected treat, this book is a literary delight!
As much as you can discern from the blurb and other reviews, you can't really know what you're going to get until you dive headlong into this epic saga of life, love, and sacrifice. Addressing a vitally important topic in today's political arena, this book shows us, through the eyes of an immigrant, an America that both needed changing and is worth remembering.
Reading this is a true escapist experience. I was transported back in time and was thoroughly swept away by the stellar prose and engaging characters. The twists keep you guessing, and the emotional impact is haunting. Though it's not the usual genre I prefer, it was a reading experience I'll never forget. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
As much as you can discern from the blurb and other reviews, you can't really know what you're going to get until you dive headlong into this epic saga of life, love, and sacrifice. Addressing a vitally important topic in today's political arena, this book shows us, through the eyes of an immigrant, an America that both needed changing and is worth remembering.
Reading this is a true escapist experience. I was transported back in time and was thoroughly swept away by the stellar prose and engaging characters. The twists keep you guessing, and the emotional impact is haunting. Though it's not the usual genre I prefer, it was a reading experience I'll never forget. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 24, 2019
Good Read
From the author of SILK ROAD comes this 'over easy' kind of read that did not have the author's usual kick. The book was somewhat predictable, which is not the author's style. The storyline was that Liberty Levine was not who she thought she was. She was not who her mother thought she was either. For thirty years these two were needlessly in the dark about their identities. I liked the everydayness of how Jews migrated to America in the early twentieth century and how they were assimilated into the existing, melting pot population. As always, this author can spin a tale entrenched in history.
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for a good read.
From the author of SILK ROAD comes this 'over easy' kind of read that did not have the author's usual kick. The book was somewhat predictable, which is not the author's style. The storyline was that Liberty Levine was not who she thought she was. She was not who her mother thought she was either. For thirty years these two were needlessly in the dark about their identities. I liked the everydayness of how Jews migrated to America in the early twentieth century and how they were assimilated into the existing, melting pot population. As always, this author can spin a tale entrenched in history.
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for a good read.
August 27, 2024
I really enjoy Falconer and have read a lot of his books. I was excited to read something from a more modern area, but was quickly disappointed. While the characters were interesting you really never got a deep understanding of the times they were going through. Ultimately it read like a bad Hallmark movie with an unbelievable, meaning not believable, ending. His stories typically transport you to that time period with an appreciation for history. This covered such a tumultuous time in America and the world, but the book barely scratched the surface. I'll read more from him, but this was not my favorite. Surprised by the good rating from others.
February 8, 2019
Sarah is a determined woman but she's hiding a big secret. BIG. No spoilers - and note that you have to read til very close to the end to discover it, which isn't a problem because the story will pull you along. Sarah, an immigrant, loses her husband, gains a daughter Liberty, and builds a business but what about her heart? What about Liberty? There's always two sides to every story and this one will pull at your heartstrings. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Spanning the years from 1913 to just before WWII, this one is good historical fiction.
March 20, 2019
Probably closer to 3.5.
Sarah, the mother in this book, is a good character. She loves the little baby her husband has found and works hard to make sure she has a good life. After her husband's death, she learns the truth about Liberty or Libby. She makes a series of decisions to keep Libby and give her the life she thinks she deserves.
There is a lot about the power of secrets and the power of love.
I enjoyed the book, but it is not terribly deep and I knew where it was going. Also, a lot of coincidences to move the plot along.
Sarah, the mother in this book, is a good character. She loves the little baby her husband has found and works hard to make sure she has a good life. After her husband's death, she learns the truth about Liberty or Libby. She makes a series of decisions to keep Libby and give her the life she thinks she deserves.
There is a lot about the power of secrets and the power of love.
I enjoyed the book, but it is not terribly deep and I knew where it was going. Also, a lot of coincidences to move the plot along.
March 2, 2024
Boy where do I stsrt.......This is just a GREAT read. You always figure out that you know where the plot is going but it doesnt go as expected.
Colin Falconer at his best.
The plot brings to mind (a bit) Jeffery Archer's novel "As the Crow Flies" but the story unfolds in a very different manner. What also makes this book great is that it's long, so you have plenty of time to immerse yourself into the characters. You get to love, dislike, and then like again the main protagonists.
If you like a Really Good Read - then this book is for you.
Colin Falconer at his best.
The plot brings to mind (a bit) Jeffery Archer's novel "As the Crow Flies" but the story unfolds in a very different manner. What also makes this book great is that it's long, so you have plenty of time to immerse yourself into the characters. You get to love, dislike, and then like again the main protagonists.
If you like a Really Good Read - then this book is for you.
July 6, 2021
I love a book that has a huge secret as the main premise … but you don’t discover what it is until the very end. The historical details of Jewish immigrants coming to America in the early 20th century was interesting. The author does a good job with character development. This was a good story that I recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
February 19, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.I love books set in the 1900s in New York and this book was told really well with a great plot and characters that linger with you long after the last page. Absolutely pick up this gem of a book. Looking forward to reading more books from this author. Happy reading! #LovingLibertyLevine #NetGalley
March 18, 2019
Loving Liberty Levine is an epic almost 30 year saga of Sarah Levine and her daughter Liberty. It begins in 1913 around the time Liberty is born and goes until 1942 or so. It is a story of theft, deception, revelation, and most importantly love and what we will do or those we love.
This is a novel for lovers of fiction and those who want stories of perseverance and growth.
This is a novel for lovers of fiction and those who want stories of perseverance and growth.
March 29, 2019
I loved this book, it was fantastic! Just by reading the first page of this book I knew I was going to love it. The author did an excellent job on describing the scenery, feelings, and sights throughout this entire book. This was yet another great historic fiction book that I came to love. Definitely worth the read.
January 6, 2020
Fascinating!
Loved the book. The Yiddish threw me-very authentic expressions and it made the old country sound like a fond idyll.
I didn’t feel like The struggle there was just too hard-that’s why so many left. And in those days immigrants would have clung to the local temple, which this family did not.
It’s a good read but I liked his other books better.
Loved the book. The Yiddish threw me-very authentic expressions and it made the old country sound like a fond idyll.
I didn’t feel like The struggle there was just too hard-that’s why so many left. And in those days immigrants would have clung to the local temple, which this family did not.
It’s a good read but I liked his other books better.
October 10, 2023
America!
In today's world with all the issues with immigrants this hit the nail on the head! My father came to America in 1919 looking for a better life. The author has written many types of novels & I thought this is a different subject for him but he's done great job! Thank you for another good read!
In today's world with all the issues with immigrants this hit the nail on the head! My father came to America in 1919 looking for a better life. The author has written many types of novels & I thought this is a different subject for him but he's done great job! Thank you for another good read!
August 17, 2024
Must read more like this
What's not to like, all the emotions and twists and turns of life that occurs to individual personalities is encompassed in this take throughout the years and lives of the main and subsidiary characters.
Recommended for all who enjoy the lives of people during the years of the story
What's not to like, all the emotions and twists and turns of life that occurs to individual personalities is encompassed in this take throughout the years and lives of the main and subsidiary characters.
Recommended for all who enjoy the lives of people during the years of the story
May 27, 2025
Surprise...surprise
I have read all of Colin Falconer's books,and enjoyed them all. This one's different. Read it, you won't be disappointed. When you can write, you can write. I didn't give it five stars because I don't believe in perfection. I assume and hope there will be a sequel. I'm fun dev looking forward to it.
I have read all of Colin Falconer's books,and enjoyed them all. This one's different. Read it, you won't be disappointed. When you can write, you can write. I didn't give it five stars because I don't believe in perfection. I assume and hope there will be a sequel. I'm fun dev looking forward to it.
February 26, 2019
Loved it!
This is one of the best books of historical fiction I have read in a long time. From Russia to New York, from WWI to WWII, I was captivated throughout. So excited to have discovered this author!
This is one of the best books of historical fiction I have read in a long time. From Russia to New York, from WWI to WWII, I was captivated throughout. So excited to have discovered this author!
February 27, 2019
Liberty
A really good story about love and loss with secrets thrown in. Dated to the first world war it tells a story about immigrants working hard to make ends meet them to make it big.
A really good story about love and loss with secrets thrown in. Dated to the first world war it tells a story about immigrants working hard to make ends meet them to make it big.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews