The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers
By:
Harry Bernstein
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Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Description:
“There are places that I have never forgotten. A little cobbled street in a smoky mill town in the North of England has haunted me for the greater part of my life. It was inevitable that I should write about it and the people who lived on both sides of its ‘Invisible Wall.’ ”
The narrow street where Harry Bernstein grew up, in a small English mill town, was seemingly unremarkable. It was identical to countless other streets in countless other working-class neighborhoods of the early 1900s, except for the “invisible wall” that ran down its center, dividing Jewish families on one side from Christian families on the other. Only a few feet of cobblestones separated Jews from Gentiles, but socially, it they were miles apart.
On the eve of World War I, Harry’s family struggles to make ends meet. His father earns little money at the Jewish tailoring shop and brings home even less, preferring to spend his wages drinking and gambling. Harry’s mother, devoted to her children and fiercely resilient, survives on her dreams: new shoes that might secure Harry’s admission to a fancy school; that her daughter might marry the local rabbi; that the entire family might one day be whisked off to the paradise of America.
Then Harry’s older sister, Lily, does the unthinkable: She falls in love with Arthur, a Christian boy from across the street.
When Harry unwittingly discovers their secret affair, he must choose between the morals he’s been taught all his life, his loyalty to his selfless mother, and what he knows to be true in his own heart.
A wonderfully charming memoir written when the author was ninety-three, The Invisible Wallvibrantly brings to life an all-but-forgotten time and place. It is a moving tale of working-class life, and of the boundaries that can be overcome by love.
From the Hardcover edition.
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Release Date: 2008-02-12
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
Breathtakingly realistic - This book is clearly written to appeal to those of us who left England seeking a better life in America.
Harry brought tears to my eyes when speaking of north-western English life; wonderfully nolstalgic for someone who left Lancashire 12 years ago... Seems little changed since Harry Bernstein left England - especially the terraced houses featured on the cover of the book! What a sight! I love love the plot / events described in this memoir - truly gripping!
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
Excellent book. Not, to be missed. - I started reading this book while on a trip to New York. I stopped reading it in New York. The trip I was on was depressing enough and reading the book at that time would only have depressed me more. Fortunately, when I got home and things were back to normal. I picked the book up again. I am so happy I did. Harry's writing, he makes you feel as though you are a first name basis with him. Harry gives you the feeling of experiencing the things of that he goes through as though you him. Few writer's have done that too me. I read a lot, everything and anything. I enjoy reading that much. I must admit Harry's books are special.
The best part is, Harry was wonderful enough to write another book which takes off just where the "Invisiable Wall" ends. My husband had just bought me a kindle. The first kindle book I bought was "The Dream." Harry's second book was just as wonderful as his first. All I can say is, thank you Harry, for letting us into your life through your books.
Most sincerely,
ECA
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
Inspirational - This book was so remarkable. It was a touching novel that was very difficult to put down. I encourage anyone that wants to read something that is inspirational, to read this. I promise you it won't let you down.
(The reviewer was compensated for posting this review. However, the opinion stated in the review is that of the reviewer and the reviewer alone. Further, the reviewer independently selected this product to review and has no affiliation with the product maker/distributor, Amazon or the review requester.)
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
A great read. - I finished this book the first night I started it. I couldn't put this memoir down, it is a haunting story that will leave you hoping for 5 more chapters. If you like non-fiction then this is a great book to add to your collection.
(The reviewer was compensated for posting this review. However, the opinion stated in the review is that of the reviewer and the reviewer alone. Further, the reviewer independently selected this product to review and has no affiliation with the product maker/distributor, Amazon or the review requester.)
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
The Invisible Wall - This book is a great read. One of my favorite things of the entire book was discovering when the author wrote it. I cannot wait to read his next book.
I was raised in a household where there was no bigotry or hate. This might have been due to the fact that everyone in my community was the same religion and shared the same color skin. Hopefully our world continues to evolve in a more loving and accepting place. WWJD
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