During the hard and bitter years of his youth in England, Harry Bernstein’s selfless mother never stops dreaming of a better life in America,...
read full description
reviews
May 10, 2011
K.D.
rated it: 
Born in 1910, Harry Bernstein is now 100 years old. I googled him prior to writing this review but it seems that he is still alive. The Dream (2008) is my second book by him. Last year, my lawyer-brother encouraged me to read his The Invisible Wall (2007) and I gave it a five star rating. The Dream is the sequel of The Invisible Wall. Both of course are memoirs. Simple straight life stories that pierce one's heart. Including mine.
In the book's Epilogue, Harry was asked why he is only More...
In the book's Epilogue, Harry was asked why he is only More...
6 comments
like
(3 people liked it)
Apr 18, 2010
Joanna
rated it:
Last part of the book helps me understand so much more than I ever could about my seasoned lady friends. Thank you so much for our Saturday night card games! You have so much wisdom and love to share with me.
"I live alone now in a house that Ruby and I bought when we retired. ...there is a lake just across the street from where I live round which Ruby and I used to walk every day, morning and evening, with her hand in mine. We'd finally come to rest on a bench facing t More...
"I live alone now in a house that Ruby and I bought when we retired. ...there is a lake just across the street from where I live round which Ruby and I used to walk every day, morning and evening, with her hand in mine. We'd finally come to rest on a bench facing t More...
Apr 27, 2009
Liza
rated it: 
This was the sequel to The Invisible Wall, which was just a fantastic book. This one was almost as great, but not quite. I just can't quite put my finger on why. I read it in 24 hours, so I guess that says something about how good it is! I continue to be amazed by Harry's life story, although I only know it up through his 30's, and he's in his 90's now. As much as I love Harry, I wrestled with feelings of frustration at his mother at times and with feelings of anger towards his sister Rose, but
More...
Dec 06, 2010
Terry
rated it:
Very readable memoir focusing on his maturing love and respect for his mother and for his wife, Ruby. Also very interesting so see the evolution of his feelings and knowledge of his family, especially of his father and grandfather.
When a 98 year old reviews his life, there are lessons for us to learn.
When a 98 year old reviews his life, there are lessons for us to learn.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jun 08, 2009
Rachel
rated it:
This is a beautifully told memoir of a Harry Bernstein's youth in the 1920's and 30's. His family emigrated from Lancashire, England to Chicago in 1922, hoping to avoid the poverty that was so difficult for them in struggling England.
Harry's mother told them of her dream, her hope, for her family to move to America and be successful from the time he was very small. Though it was the mother's hope, the family could only be redeemed by hard work and by his father choosing to give up h More...
Harry's mother told them of her dream, her hope, for her family to move to America and be successful from the time he was very small. Though it was the mother's hope, the family could only be redeemed by hard work and by his father choosing to give up h More...
May 31, 2011
Shelly
rated it:
This book was a little shorter and courser (there were several bits of bad language and a mild sex "scene") than The Invisible Wall. I didn't enjoy it quite as much. Still, I felt it was a good read and I loved hearing about Harry's life outside of England and what happened and he and his siblings got older, got married, and moved away from home.
I'm definitely intrigued by Mr. Bernstein and his writing and will seek out Golden Willow to read about his relationship with his wi More...
I'm definitely intrigued by Mr. Bernstein and his writing and will seek out Golden Willow to read about his relationship with his wi More...
Dec 27, 2011
Lncropper
rated it:
I really liked this book, while I was hating the difficult times people went through in the 1920s. The author always wanted to write novels, but did not do so until he was 90!! This book is autobiographical and probably could be true of 1000s of families who migrated from England to the U.S. and landed in Chicago or New York. It was a tough world for them, and some of the family members contributed to the problem rather than to the solutions. I enjoy reading about real people and real situat
More...
Nov 06, 2010
Sam
rated it: 
I really enjoyed reading this book about the author's family who had immigrated to America. His story is simple and honest as he tells of the struggles he and his family went through during the 1920's. While the author had a wonderful mother who wanted nothing but the best for her children he had an abusive father and a cruel grandmother and throughout the book I kept thinking how cruel they both were and what a terrible legacy they were leaving behind. The author is a great story teller and
More...
Jan 05, 2011
Grace
rated it:
Harry Bernstein's sophomore memoir, "The Dream: A Memoir," picks up where "The Invisible Wall," leaves off: his mother still wishing for his father's family in America to send steamship tickets so they too could emigrate to America. Quickly, Harry's mother's dream is realized and the entire family, except for Lily, newly married to the Christian boy Arthur from across the street and with a new son, Jimmy, leave for Liverpool to catch the steamship for Quebec, Canada, then the
More...
Feb 27, 2009
Vicky
rated it:
Loved this sequel to "Invisible Wall" by the same author. I read it in one sitting--mind you, my eyes were a bit tired when I finished it! This talks about the hard times Harry and his family faced during the Depression living in the land of their dreams, America. Makes you think! I am particularly impressed that this book was written when the author was 97 years old! How amazing is that! He is a wonderful author. He can really draw some remarkable pictures in your mind with his
Sep 28, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
Of all the reasons people read books for pleasure, the aspect that captures my heart most fervently is the glimpse it provides into someone else’s life, or even another world. Beautifully written and seamlessly flowing, The Dream will capture your heart from the very first page. Harry Bernstein is both poetic and candid as he recounts the story of his youth and young adulthood in England and 1920’s Chicago. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading memoirs or novels.
Jul 10, 2011
Lindsey
rated it:
I loved this book. Harry Bernstein writes with such humanity that it is easy to truly imagine yourself in Chicago in the early 20th century. I appreciate the fact that he wasn't overly sentimental describing his family's situation or what they experienced. It was refreshing in that he does not appear to have viewed himself as a victim. I also appreciated the fact that he avoided politicizing events in his life. The book almost belongs in a different time.
Dec 01, 2009
AmyAmy
rated it:
fast easy read. Kept my interest. At 12 years old, Harry travels from England to America with his family. He has a loving mother (who he adores just a little TOOOOOOO much) and a mean cruel father (who drinks too much). He stays with his grandmother and extended family in Chicago, until grandma kicks them out because Harry's father gets unruly. They are doing well until the Depression hits. Harry grows up, tries desperately to find work, but finds love.
Jul 28, 2011
This is a continuation of the memoir of Harry Bernstein. I enjoyed it - in many ways his is a 'typical' immigrant story but when there are human beings involved, every story is unique. Harry's mother was an amazingly strong woman in spite of a tragic life - orphaned as an infant, tricked out of marrying her true love, being married to the epitome of a verbally abusive husband, being desperately poor... and the list goes on. A good read.
Apr 28, 2009
Sandy
rated it:
In this sequel to The Invisible Wall, Harry describes life after his family finally comes to America, settling in Chicago in the 1920's. Amazingly written when he was 98 years old, I loved this story too, but for some reason, didn't find it quite as compelling as his first. He describes the immigrant experience and it's sometimes harsh realities with such warmth and love... I understand he has a third book coming out soon!
Feb 17, 2009
Florence
rated it:
I love to read about the Jewish immigrant's experience during the early part of the 20th century from Europe to the urban ghettos of American cities. This was a simple, honest, and painful tale of a poor family and their struggles to survive in Chicago and later, in New York. Life was bitter, but not without humor. Anti- semitism was overt and dangerous. The so called American dream eluded Mr. Bernstein's family in ths poignant memoir.
Jun 21, 2011
Lynn
rated it:
I would recommend this book. This is the sequel to the Invisible Wall. This book deals with the authors move to Chicago from England when he was 12 years old and his youth in America in the 1920's and 1930's. A lot of the book centers on the authors relationship with his mother who was a strong support system for him. The author recently passed away which is a shame because I wish he would have published more!
May 16, 2010
Cherlyn
rated it:
I usually don't like sequels, but this was an exception. Just like his previous book, Mr. Bernstein narrates the story - remember he's 95 yrs old when he writes this. Our bookclub got online and found some interesting interviews with him, adding insight into the experience of reading his books. Highly recommend this author, you won't be disappointed.
Jan 11, 2010
Laura
rated it:
I wish goodreads allowed partial star reviews...this one would get 4.5. The Invisible Wall was just a little bit better....mostly because of the Arthur/Lily romance. I did love The Dream, though... It was beautifully written and it tied up a wonderful story about a struggling Jewish family striving for more amongst many trials. Read this book.
Jul 29, 2011
Judith
rated it:
Written when the author was 98, this is the story of his Jewish family and their life in America after emigrating from England in the early part of the last century. Written in a simple but affecting way with vivid characterization, it is at once touching, horrifying, sad and beautiful and a testament to the human spirit.
May 27, 2009
Bob
rated it:
Perhaps this is "Angela's Ashes" redux, but it is a heartwarming memoir of the first 30 years of the life of a gentleman who is now 98. I tells of the glories and disasters of family life and of the mistakes we all make in our relationships.
This is a must-read.
NOTE TO KINDLE USERS: This has text-to-speech disabled!
This is a must-read.
NOTE TO KINDLE USERS: This has text-to-speech disabled!
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 20, 2009
Angie
rated it:
This is a followup to The Invisible Wall. This book certainly did not disappoint.
If you have not read The Invisible Wall I highly recommend it and then suggest you read this book. Very moving. This chronicles one family's struggles in Chicago during the 20's and then onto New York City during the depression.
If you have not read The Invisible Wall I highly recommend it and then suggest you read this book. Very moving. This chronicles one family's struggles in Chicago during the 20's and then onto New York City during the depression.
Feb 07, 2010
Denise
rated it:
I think I enjoyed this book even more than his first book - maybe because I already knew the characters and wanted to know what happened to them after they arrived in America. What an interesting life Harry has lived and am I glad that he has taken the time to write it all down. He is leaving his children and grandchildren a priceless legacy.
Feb 12, 2010
K
rated it:
The Dream is the sequel to The Invisible Wall...when the Bernsteins come to the United States.
It is amazing to read about the hardships of those who did anything they could to get to this country.
I read it a little to quickly. I like his way of remembering his life.
It is amazing to read about the hardships of those who did anything they could to get to this country.
I read it a little to quickly. I like his way of remembering his life.
Apr 08, 2010
Jennifer
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. This book took place in the 1920's and I found the history to be very fascinating. This man had such a difficult childhood with an abusive father but caring mother who always dreamed he would be something someday. Great memoir.
May 16, 2009
Peggy
rated it:
Loved the book. It was the sequel to The Invisible Wall. The story takes place after Harry and his family get tickets to come to America to achieve "the dream". Author is 96 years old. An excellent story. I can't wait to read his next book. The Golden Willow.
Aug 03, 2010
Leslie
rated it:
The follow-up to The Invisible Wall. I enjoyed the first one (3.5 stars) and I liked this one a little more. It was nice to see what happened to Harry and his family once they made it to America. I would like to pick up his third memoir as well.
Sep 19, 2011
Jamie
rated it:
I love this sweet man and his writing, and his very acute memory of life past. It is a gift to us all. Am looking forward to his third and last book. Was sad to learn that Mr. Bernstein died this summer. He has left us all a gift.
Dec 23, 2010
Cathy
rated it:
Interesting read on the life of Jewish immigrants coming to American after WWI. Struggles and hardships. Made me very thankful for all I have. This family did have an incredible mother who instilled dreams in her children.
Aug 16, 2010
Teri
rated it:
Not as good as The Invisible Wall, but still kept me captivated. It is amazing, and a credit to his mother, that Mr. Bernstein not only grew up at all, but that he grew up to be a happy, hardworking man and a nonegenarian to boot! I would have liked to read even more stories about his youth.
