Ellis Island

by Fred Mustard Stewart

In the early 1900s, five young men and women make their ways to America from their respective homelands and enter the distinct, but interconnected, segments of American life

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, 20th Century, Classics, American, Literature

365 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

American popular novelist, several of whose books were filmed.

Stewart came to be best known for his intercontinental sagas. Year in, year out, the 600-page mark didn't daunt him, a far cry as this was from early hopes as life as a concert pianist, something which had inspired his 1st novel The Mephisto Waltz (1968) which also began his lucrative connection with the film industry. Born in Anderson, IN, he was the son of a banker &, after the Lawrenceville school, near Princeton, NJ, he studied history at Princeton University & later piano at the Juilliard School in Manhattan. By the 1960s, he realised he wasn't going to succeed as a pianist & with marriage to a literary agent, Joan Richardson, in 1967, he began to write, & found immediate success with The Mephisto Waltz.

With The Methuselah Enzyme, Stewart showed wit, but it was clear that it wasn't Henry James. There was, however, a certain charm to Six Weeks (1976), told by a married aspirant for a Democratic senatorial nomination who becomes infatuated with a cold-cream heiress, largely at the behest of her 11-year-old, would-be nymphet daughter who, beset by cancer, has less than two months to live. Nabokov it isn't, but certainly better than the 1982 film with Dudley Moore & Mary Tyler Moore.

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and informative read about America in the beginning of the 20th century seen through the eyes of five young immigrants. I think it captures the feel of that time and the characters are pretty interesting. My actual rating is 3,5 stars.

Jake, Russian, and Marco, Italian, become friends on the boat to America on their way (for better or for worse) to make their dream come true and become rich. Soon they find out that being rich doesn't mean the same as being happy. Bridget and Georgie from Ireland are sisters who are planning to join their uncle in the promised land. Bridget is escaping her dark past and Georgie is going to meet a dark future. Tom from Bohemia is on his way to the coal mines where a bloody battle for the rights of the miners him awaits.
Millions of immigrants like them passed Ellis Island to enter this new exciting world for new/better opportunities. They struggle to survive and wrestle with a different language. They take the lowest paying jobs and are exploited and discriminated by the established Americans.

A perfect blend of history and fiction that brings you from the Appalachia coal mines, to nightclubs, mansions, Tin Pan Alley, New York and Harlem.

The second part of the book is not as good as the first part of the book and the ending is very sudden.

[Curlyhair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember loving this, when I read it years ago. It was turned into a tv series too, that was popular at the time.

[Tori]

2010- This book wasn't that bad, someone randomly picked it up for me, so I was unsure what to expect. I thought the author did a good job of picturing some of the hardships immigrants went through, although the later storylines were a bit unbelievable. I also found it odd that although we were introduced to five main characters at the beginning, the author choose to focus most of the story on two of the men. And although most of the storylines were connected, the mining sections seemed a bit removed from the rest of the book. Also, at some points the author went too much into detail about minor character's lives.

[Melanie Tehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

Many characters to keep
Track of, but each chapter keeps you intrigued with life stories in the early 1900s. Ellis Island is a great read to hold your interest to the end.

[Jimmy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because it was the basis for a 1984 CBS miniseries, starring an interesting assembly of stars, including Richard Burton (in his last role), his daughter Kate Burton, Claire Bloom, Stubby Kaye, Ann Jillian, and many others.

The ten-year period between 1975-1985 was rich with television miniseries; John Jakes, John Michener, and Alex Haley (among others) all produced literary works in that time frame that led in some cases to more than one miniseries. This book is similar to the efforts of the those authors in presenting multiple story lines, offering a depth of historical background, and including the 1980s spicy relationships.

In "Ellis Island," we have a Russian Jew escaping the deadly results of a Pogrom; a pair of beautiful Irish girls, one of whom is hiding from a Fenian murder rap; a Pole avoiding his country's mandatory draft who cannot escape injustice, and a handsome but illiterate Italian laborer who wants so much more. The reality, though, is that America isn't exactly welcoming, or living up to the promise of that lady in the harbor - the average immigrant needs grit and sometimes a bit of graft to survive.

It's not Shakespeare, but it's well researched and entertaining. A satisfying read - made all the better by imaging beloved stars in the roles. My 1984 Signet copy had photos from the series and was 365 pages.

[ANGELIA · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good but, cheesy as this may sound, I liked the TV miniseries better. (So shoot me!)

For one thing, Georgie's personality was stronger in the movie, less pining for Marco, who treated her crummy. (He did what women in novels have done for decades, used his body to get what he wanted, becoming a wealthy woman's boy toy and breaking up with Georgie. Their HEA in the book was a bit silly, on TV it was better.

I also liked TV Jake and Nellie better than their book selves. But I liked all the actors in the show: Faye Dunaway, Richard Burton, Ann Jillian, Emma Samms and all the rest.

I suggest you read the book, then look for the movie and see what I mean.

[Pk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how all the characters were developed. Good story lines. Was a movie made of this book?

[María · Rating 3 out of 5]

En principio parece una interesante novela que trata de la historia de la emigración a USA, a principios del siglo XX, de personas procedentes de Europa, y sus vidas como ciudadanos en un país que no les trataba tan bien como esperaron cuando partieron de sus países de origen.
Cayó en mis manos como recomendación de novela histórica, uno mis géneros preferidos. Sin embargo, me costó mucho terminarlo. No despertaba demasiado mi interés la historia de los dos personajes que el autor eligió para desarrollar más, personajes que al fin obtuvieron el éxito, Jake Rubin y Marco Santorelli. Me hubiera gustado un mayor desarrollo de aquellos personajes cuya integración en el pueblo estadounidense fue más complicada, como por ejemplo el personaje de Tom Banicek, un inmigrante checo que terminó trabajando en las minas de carbón de Virginia Occidental y que se introdujo en el movimiento sindical. Estos primeros pasos del sindicalismo en USA me resulta un tema más interesante que el que puede ser el mundo de un escritor de canciones en la Broadway de principios de siglo XX, mundo desarrollado en el personaje de Jake Rubin.
Por otro lado, me parece interesante la parte de la historia de Marco Santorelli donde se destapa un poco el tema de la homosexualidad, entendida como una enfermedad en esa época (aunque desgraciadamente en la actualidad aún hay personas que piensan así). Se podría también haber aprovechado este personaje para desarrollar más profundamente el tema de la mafia italiana de la época en Nueva York.
Me faltó también el desarrollo la historia de Bridget O’Donnell, cuando parece que es descubierta por un testigo de sus actividades con los fenianos irlandeses en su Irlanda natal.
En resumen, me pareció un libro bastante disperso y con poca profundidad en determinados temas de interés.
Mi valoración es de 3 estrellas.

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

See Al's review.

An in-depth look at five disparate immigrants who entered thru Elis Island in 1907. Some of them became rich thru their own efforts, education and "breaks", and others of the five weren't so "lucky." Of course, all of them were go-getters, having successfully fled their countries of origin for terrible reasons and come to the "land of opportunity." Good read. Timeless.

Something to remember: We are / were the "land of opportunity", but you DO have to keep your shiny eyes open for opportunities, and TAKE them and USE them.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this nearly 40 years ago when it was first published. Stewart was a new author to me at the time. I know I loved it, because I bought a copy of Pomp and Circumstance a decade later. It is still on my bookshelf, but I remember nothing about it, so will reread it one day.
I was able to read the first few chapters of Ellis Island online tonight. While it is not familiar (it HAS been 40 years, after all) it was definitely the kind of immigrant saga I loved when I was young.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off entertaining but it wound up repetitive and honestly, not that great. Mostly kind of trashy. Sometimes I like that, when it’s done well (Valley of the Dolls) but I didn’t quite connect with this one and found myself skimming to the end. 2.5 rounded up since the first portion did entertain me.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows 5 people who immigrate to the Unite States through Ellis Island. They all want to make it big in America and some do and some don't but they all make a mark. It has history and drama, a little bit of everything. Very good read.

[Linda Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading and absolutely loving this book. Where did this author go? I've been looking for him forever. This was so great, I might just read again.

[Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting novel of immigration to the US in the early 1900's. An easy read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent writing. Will read again.

[Beverly Starcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://bookwinked.wordpress.com/2022...

[Robert A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing. I remember the mini-series on T.V. years ago.

[Fran Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim and I’m glad I did. The story flowed so well I had a hard time putting it down. The characters ended up being different than what I expected, so that was interesting.

[Zahra]

It is one of the most involving books I have never read before

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellis Island is our five immigrants’ first stop in the United States. Each is leaving behind a culture quite different from what they are about to experience.

Jacob Rubenstein survived a pogrom in his home town by killing a Cossack and stealing his horse. On horseback he makes his way to Hamburg, Germany. With the help of local prostitutes and a black piano player he books passage to America aboard the Kronprinz Friedrich. Jacob, a talented musician wishes to become a song writer in the “Tin Pan Alley” of New York. He tricks the songstress and his future wife, Nellie Byfield into singing one of his songs. That puts him on the path to a life of stardom and riches.

Marco Santorelli also boards the Kronprinz Friedrich. He is an Italian farmer, who worked for the English actress, Maud Charteris. She has fueled his dreams of a different life. The kind of life he believes is possible in America. Marco gets the money to start a trucking company but his competitor tries to have him deported because he fell in love with his niece. After escaping from the holding facility at immigration, he contacts Maud, now married to a US Senator. With her help he graduates from college, marries her step-daughter and becomes a politician.

Thomas Banicek is about to be forced to serve in the army in Bohemia. He desperately wants to join his cousin in New York. He is also aboard the ship to America. Thomas begins his dream working in the coal mines of West Virginia at a time when death in these mines was common. When he pushes for mine safety and unions he is fired. The mine explodes and kills his future wife’s father. He reacts by going to work for the union. The minors go on strike and he feels he must protect these people at all costs.

Also on the ship is Bridget O’Donnell an Irish lady who was persuaded to help the Finians kidnap an English Earl. She runs from the scene to take the prearranged trip to America to join her uncle. Bridget falls in love with and marries the doctor from Ellis Island and lives a contented life, until she learns the Finians killed the Earl. Now the British Government is probably looking for her.

Georgie O’Donnell has accompanied her sister on the Kronzprinz Friedrich. The girls have not followed their uncle’s instructions and traveled second class but are in steerage to save money. After heart break and time, Georgie finally marries the man of her dreams.

The Five immigrants have met on the journey and arrived in America together. Each one is following their own path. But the paths intersect in this new country in unimaginable ways to weave a tapestry of the US immigrant life.

I found this book enlightening. I had heard of my own ancestors trips to America. These stories were quite a different experience. Mr. Stewart did a good job of describing the characters and developed them in a way one felt as if they were right there on the scene. A well written tone.

[Wileyoneone · Rating 4 out of 5]

J's book-In my library

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a thrift store for 50 cents. It looked interesting and I had never read anything by Fred Mustard Stewart before so I figure 'why not?'. I am always eager to find a new and interesting author. I gave this book 3 stars (out of 5) for various reasons. I will go with the negatives first: 1) The jacket explains that the story will follow 5 penniless immigrants, from varied countries, who come to live in America and make their way initially through Ellis Island at the beginning of the 20th century. This doesn't really adequately explain the storyline. Yes, there are 5 immigrants, but only two of them could be considered main characters. The others are minor characters and the two that I found most interesting from the get-go were delegated to the minor category. 2) The book started at a great momentum. Kept me (the reader) interested, but sort of fizzled out in the last 1/3 of the book. By then you knew exactly how it was going to end and a few surprises would have been nice. Now for the positives: 1) The history included was quite interesting. I learned some things that I had not known before. No, I did not simply take Stewart's word for it. I did research on my on. 2) The story moved along smoothly even if it was fairly predictable.

Overall, it was a nice, predictable read. Nothing fantastic, but I also didn't finish it feeling like I had completely wasted my time.

Oh, and one more positive: In my opinion any book that piques your interest enough to make you want to research a subject more is a book worth reading even it's not the most exciting or fine piece of literature you've ever read. I think if I come across another book by Stewart I would not not read it.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the history of the early 1900s and what the immigrants had to face as they entered their new surroundings, but the fictionalized parts of the story were quite unbelievable, especially when trying to tie up loose ends in the final chapter. The author also did way too much foreshadowing. There were no surprises.

As far as I can tell, Stewart did seem to accurately portray life during this era - covering topics such as poverty, politics, prejudice, music, unions, morality, and millionaires.


When reading the Introduction to this edition, please note the date of publication - 1983, before Ellis Island was renovated.

I am rating this a 4 for historical writing and a 2 for fictional writing.

[Donna Zigmont · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.I've read a few of the authors other books as well.I liked that the characters who came over on the ship didn't all end up living on the same street in the same neighborhood.And I also liked that they made mistakes and didn't become succesful right away,each had to work at it.I didn't like the character Nellie,she was a piece of work.And I didn't care for Monty Staunton or Bill Fargo either,they were both pieces of work.The one thing that did disappoint me with the story was after Tom is killed,they never mention how his family does without him.I kind of wondered if Della went back to West Virginia and lived with her mom or if she stayed in Pennsylvania.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent novel recounting the lives of five immigrants from Russian, Bohemia, Italy and Ireland who enter the US through Ellis Island during the first decade of the twentieth century. The book is very-well researched and the author provides a vivid portrait of America during the early decades of the twentieth century....ranging from the terrible poverty of many all the way through the incredible wealth amassed by many in the era immediately preceding the institution of the federal income tax. A very enjoyable read.

[Julie Barrett]

Ellis Island, a novel by Stewart Fred Mustard
Enjoyed this book because it follows many who were forced to come to the USA because of what was occurring in their countries.
Liked following the career they carved out of necessity and where it led them towards their goals of living the American dream.
Appreciated hearing about Ellis Island and screening for glaucoma and how the diagnosis effected many.
interesting there is a connection to the cottages in Newport, RI.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellis Island, a novel by Stewart Fred Mustard
Enjoyed this book because it follows many who were forced to come to the USA because of what was occurring in their countries.
Liked following the career they carved out of necessity and where it led them towards their goals of living the American dream.
Appreciated hearing about Ellis Island and screening for glaucoma and how the diagnosis effected many.
interesting there is a connection to the cottages in Newport, RI.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out as a very interesting book telling what life was like for the immigrants coming through Ellis Island. We are introduced to the characters, told their reasons for leaving their country, and their immigrant experience in America. Then things began to slow down and the book wasn't too different from any early 20th century novel. However, I am glad I read it. I was fascinated by the penniless people who came to a land of hope and challenge.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who says historical fiction needs to be "literary"? This mass-market flash-back to early 1900's New York City was a quick read full of short sentences and cheap thrills. The author did a good job in bringing the setting to life, the characters had enough heart to be interesting and their hijinks were timeless. Fun read.