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String's Cross
String’s Cross paints an honest, seldom seen tapestry of American history - from its orange ranch settlements in Southern California through its deceptions over how the personal computer came about and the path one of Microsoft’s co-founders took to become the richest man in the world.
What was life really like for those who reached adulthood during WW II, only to immediately inherit the Cold War that followed - men and women whose country, America, would come to call them “The Greatest Generation”?
Who in that Greatest Generation were politically too liberal, a threat, Communists?
Answers to these questions weave seamlessly with portrayals of life in modern its computer pioneers, “sexual-revolution” upheavals, and later wars. String’s Cross is a bold, satirical and beautifully written account of an ordinary American, “Everyman,” a man buffeted by history, moods, and beliefs. The grandson of immigrants from Europe’s east and west whose father’s kin settle in a New York ghetto, his mother’s among the first to help turn an arid California desert - ten hours by horse due west of Los Angeles - into a lush forest of orange trees.
When his grandfather’s illness shifts the tale from that ranching paradise to San Diego, his parents meet and his life - along with an insider's history of that colorful beach town - unfolds.
Who holds the first patent for a personal computer?
Who first published a paper on how to include pictures in a computer printout?
Who created the first operating system for a personal computer?
String’s Cross shocks, startles its reader with a factual account of the awakening digital age, birth of the personal computer, and the extent to which recent technological history has been distorted. In a first-person aside, the author details his personal claim to the patent and the paper, answers to the first two questions. His patent for a personal computer, the Dinkiac I, was filed on May 17, 1971, almost five years prior to that April Fools’ Day in 1976 when Apple Inc. was founded. His presentation of a method for adding pictures to printouts had taken place three years earlier at a national computer conference in Atlantic City.
Of the final question, Dr. Essen has much to say. He opens your eyes to the bitter struggle over the operating system DOS, that tiny bit of possibly-stolen software that made Bill Gates the richest man in the world. Only a person intimate with the times, and some of its participants, can tell that story. He “To briefly outline that cloudy tale, told so many times before, it was Gates, himself, that sent IBM to meet with DRI [Gary Kildall] … .“
What was life really like for those who reached adulthood during WW II, only to immediately inherit the Cold War that followed - men and women whose country, America, would come to call them “The Greatest Generation”?
Who in that Greatest Generation were politically too liberal, a threat, Communists?
Answers to these questions weave seamlessly with portrayals of life in modern its computer pioneers, “sexual-revolution” upheavals, and later wars. String’s Cross is a bold, satirical and beautifully written account of an ordinary American, “Everyman,” a man buffeted by history, moods, and beliefs. The grandson of immigrants from Europe’s east and west whose father’s kin settle in a New York ghetto, his mother’s among the first to help turn an arid California desert - ten hours by horse due west of Los Angeles - into a lush forest of orange trees.
When his grandfather’s illness shifts the tale from that ranching paradise to San Diego, his parents meet and his life - along with an insider's history of that colorful beach town - unfolds.
Who holds the first patent for a personal computer?
Who first published a paper on how to include pictures in a computer printout?
Who created the first operating system for a personal computer?
String’s Cross shocks, startles its reader with a factual account of the awakening digital age, birth of the personal computer, and the extent to which recent technological history has been distorted. In a first-person aside, the author details his personal claim to the patent and the paper, answers to the first two questions. His patent for a personal computer, the Dinkiac I, was filed on May 17, 1971, almost five years prior to that April Fools’ Day in 1976 when Apple Inc. was founded. His presentation of a method for adding pictures to printouts had taken place three years earlier at a national computer conference in Atlantic City.
Of the final question, Dr. Essen has much to say. He opens your eyes to the bitter struggle over the operating system DOS, that tiny bit of possibly-stolen software that made Bill Gates the richest man in the world. Only a person intimate with the times, and some of its participants, can tell that story. He “To briefly outline that cloudy tale, told so many times before, it was Gates, himself, that sent IBM to meet with DRI [Gary Kildall] … .“
354 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 17, 2017
When I read String's Cross I was taken with the people in the story. I found Peter to be a lovable and a bit distant person but I loved his wit. I enjoyed reading about his family as they moved to become the fruit farmers in California. I found the children interesting and the story pulled me along as I read. It kept me invested in each person.
The descriptions of long ago photographs made me long to see these people and places. I wanted to continue to know this family. I enjoyed the way it was written with little glimpses into the makeup of the personalities as well as their behavior in these new situations. I found this to be a very likable book. It was a joy to read. there is something so fun to read about the quirks of those that came before us and to learn about their activities and emotions was a heartfelt read.
The descriptions of long ago photographs made me long to see these people and places. I wanted to continue to know this family. I enjoyed the way it was written with little glimpses into the makeup of the personalities as well as their behavior in these new situations. I found this to be a very likable book. It was a joy to read. there is something so fun to read about the quirks of those that came before us and to learn about their activities and emotions was a heartfelt read.
February 10, 2018
Fascinating read about a family’s heritage through the changes of a century.
It was almost unbelievable when my friend who lives in Zurich told me about the Swiss humility and poverty when the country was in a time when people were only eating potatoes. I thought he was exaggerating. From this perspective, I understand the story of the Swiss better - and the destiny of all immigrants who need to move somewhere else to find a better life. This historical fiction of the Swiss Germans Ambuehl and their settlement in the U.S. at the end of the 19th century follows the family trail through notable historical events, examining their move across the country from Washington to Ontario and San Diego during the time of the invention of bicycles, cars, photography and other notable technological advancements. It’s fascinating to follow several family generations handle historical and social changes, dealing with politics, war, diseases (there are pretty graphic descriptions of cancer and paraplegia - an interesting take!) where the personal is entangled with the social, especially the view of a mixed German-Jewish marriage and the politics with changing events of two world wars and the German heritage in an American country. The language is pretty detached, almost documentary, like - “meh, in the fullness of time, personal stories have so little meaning”. Maybe this is the impression because there is most narration than dialogue. All in all, a book that can be read over and over again, in parts, to get to a wise conclusion about what it means to be a native or an immigrant in the biggest country in the world. I wonder if the patriotism comes from the mix of many different people who created the country and had to find a common ground to keep it tight.
It was almost unbelievable when my friend who lives in Zurich told me about the Swiss humility and poverty when the country was in a time when people were only eating potatoes. I thought he was exaggerating. From this perspective, I understand the story of the Swiss better - and the destiny of all immigrants who need to move somewhere else to find a better life. This historical fiction of the Swiss Germans Ambuehl and their settlement in the U.S. at the end of the 19th century follows the family trail through notable historical events, examining their move across the country from Washington to Ontario and San Diego during the time of the invention of bicycles, cars, photography and other notable technological advancements. It’s fascinating to follow several family generations handle historical and social changes, dealing with politics, war, diseases (there are pretty graphic descriptions of cancer and paraplegia - an interesting take!) where the personal is entangled with the social, especially the view of a mixed German-Jewish marriage and the politics with changing events of two world wars and the German heritage in an American country. The language is pretty detached, almost documentary, like - “meh, in the fullness of time, personal stories have so little meaning”. Maybe this is the impression because there is most narration than dialogue. All in all, a book that can be read over and over again, in parts, to get to a wise conclusion about what it means to be a native or an immigrant in the biggest country in the world. I wonder if the patriotism comes from the mix of many different people who created the country and had to find a common ground to keep it tight.
August 4, 2017
From the moment I first opened “String’s Cross,” I was immediately greeted with a calm, rolling prose that seemed to, like a grandparent reminiscing over memories of their youth, slowly unfold a slice of life from ages bygone. The characters, imperfect and realistic, are refreshingly human, sharing in the troubles and victories of the historical landscape they inhabit. Some characters are prejudiced, others are forward thinking. Families are a mixed bag of hard-workers, star-struck lovers, over-eager dreamers, and so much more. The environment and backdrop of the characters is described with an attention to detail that hearkened to the legacy of Steinbeck.
I found myself consistently surprised by the understanding author Guri P Essen possessed of locations I know well myself. Having studied in Rochester, NY, for example, during my college years, I was pleasantly surprised to see the influence and legacy of George Eastman (whose name any Rochesterite would be all too familiar with) communicated with a clear understanding, despite Rochester only being mentioned in brief.
While String’s Cross lacked the depth and mastery of something like East of Eden (I wouldn’t have expected anyone to rival such a masterwork,) it was certainly in the spirit of such tales, exploring intimately a small slice of early and mid 20th-century American life in a growing melting pot.
I found myself consistently surprised by the understanding author Guri P Essen possessed of locations I know well myself. Having studied in Rochester, NY, for example, during my college years, I was pleasantly surprised to see the influence and legacy of George Eastman (whose name any Rochesterite would be all too familiar with) communicated with a clear understanding, despite Rochester only being mentioned in brief.
While String’s Cross lacked the depth and mastery of something like East of Eden (I wouldn’t have expected anyone to rival such a masterwork,) it was certainly in the spirit of such tales, exploring intimately a small slice of early and mid 20th-century American life in a growing melting pot.
March 8, 2018
This book is written in a way that I don’t think I have ever seen before. It’s a historical fiction, but through it there is a biography of the author himself. The two different stories aren’t necessarily woven together in some cohesive manner, but they do fit together somehow. It’s an extremely interesting read, but is also very confusing because at one point I couldn’t tell if it was fiction or a very-well disguised conspiracy theory. From the very beginning, the author brings up the question of fact vs. fiction, when in the prologue he notes, “That legal caution attended to, you should be told that almost everything ever written is fiction.” And then goes on to tell that even fact is fiction because of personal bias and experience. I think I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what he was doing, which actually became a distraction from the story itself.
The historical piece was well described and interesting and the fictional family that he follows throughout was relatable although slightly detached. Actually, detached is kind of the way the whole book felt, which added to the strangeness of the whole thing. This is one book that I am still unsure of, but one that might deserve another read in the future to try to explore things that I didn’t pay attention to the first time.
The historical piece was well described and interesting and the fictional family that he follows throughout was relatable although slightly detached. Actually, detached is kind of the way the whole book felt, which added to the strangeness of the whole thing. This is one book that I am still unsure of, but one that might deserve another read in the future to try to explore things that I didn’t pay attention to the first time.
July 27, 2017
Historical fiction is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres, and because of stories like this. The story of American immigrants is an important one that many people seem to be overlooking today. Strings Cross gives a unique perspective into the challenges faced by many immigrants when first coming to America. Issues that are still prevalent today, despite the time difference. It also tackles difficult issues like racism.
Often times, especially during the 1800s and 1900s people from other parts of the world did not have much exposure to people who were different then them. Coming to America, specifically areas like California, they are faced with a blend of many cultures. Sometimes cultures that they may have been taught to dislike in their home country.
I did find it odd how much I learned about the author from the book. Typically I see the author as a “god-like” figure that presents you with the story. You don’t know much about him unless you google search or read about them on the last page. This may have been a way for him to connect with the characters and put even more of himself personally into the story.
Often times, especially during the 1800s and 1900s people from other parts of the world did not have much exposure to people who were different then them. Coming to America, specifically areas like California, they are faced with a blend of many cultures. Sometimes cultures that they may have been taught to dislike in their home country.
I did find it odd how much I learned about the author from the book. Typically I see the author as a “god-like” figure that presents you with the story. You don’t know much about him unless you google search or read about them on the last page. This may have been a way for him to connect with the characters and put even more of himself personally into the story.
February 19, 2018
As someone who grew up in one of the first towns to tend to the orange groves of southern California, and as someone who has traveled most of the United States, I feel strongly tied to the history of this history and the stories of this land. This novel reads like a straightforward historical fiction, but it is more personal and realistic than any historical fiction that I've ever read. It does not rely on stereotypes and overused tropes to paint a picture of another time, another place. Instead, it paints history as the series of movements, eras, accomplishments, and moments that lead directly to today. It feels current, and it feels like home, despite it being decidedly in the past. I believe that the World Wars were the grim gateways to modern society as we know it, and I believe that this story is like looking through those gates and realizing that it is that same America, the same values, and the same ideals staring back at us from the other side. A truly insightful novel presented by one who has the knowledge and wisdom to see the world as it is because of the world that it has been.
February 2, 2018
One of my favorite things about this book is that the author did a pretty good job of presenting the time periods in a believable manner. It starts out not too long after World War 1. He's an atheist of Jewish descent who spent most of WWI in Hawaii as a bugler; she's a staunch Lutheran with some fairly strong opinions against anyone who isn't a WASP. Both are Germans, so of course you know there's going to be some stubbornness involved. Of course the natural assumption is that they fall in love, and the book pretty much follows the next three generations of this particular family. To me the most interesting part of this book was String getting accused of being a communist because he discusses topics like poverty with a friend who may have had communist sympathies and String's mother's friend reports their conversations, and String only gets off due to a hung jury. It shows what life might have been like during the Red Scare where you could have your life and career derailed because you said the wrong thing at the wrong time. I'm giving this one 5 stars for accuracy.
July 12, 2017
Step back in time and live through the lives of the German Ambuehl family as America goes through its first technology transition. Kodak cameras were just becoming available to the richer population. Photos of the family tell the story as the children grow into adulthood. Cars were not invented at the beginning of this tale, and medicine was just above primitive. As our country progressed in making their lives easier and work more efficient, the Americans were thrown into wars and suffered illnesses that hit each family and community. Times were simpler but many characteristics of our lives will always be the same.
Guri Essen made an interesting statement that in the late 1800’s people was quite prejudice towards the Chinese immigrants who helped build the majority of the railroads. Through the years this focus is switched to different ethnic groups, later it becomes the Germans whom people are leery of associating. Generations later we are still acting as our ancestors.
Guri Essen made an interesting statement that in the late 1800’s people was quite prejudice towards the Chinese immigrants who helped build the majority of the railroads. Through the years this focus is switched to different ethnic groups, later it becomes the Germans whom people are leery of associating. Generations later we are still acting as our ancestors.
February 4, 2018
Interesting historical novel
Guri Essen writes a compelling story surrounding Rosa, Irving and their son String. It starts out telling how Rosa and Irving met, then they have their son String. String becomes the center of attention as Essen tells a story of the countries coming of maturity. It follows String through the roaring 20’s, the crash of the stock market, the Great Depression, WWII, prohibition, the Korean War, and through the more recent events. The story is incredibly descriptive, describing snapshots in time with such depth that you can see the pictures in your minds eye as if you were actually there yourself. I feel like anyone who has a love of history would enjoy this book. It’s not a traditional novel more of a historical time line if you will. But still very interesting and informative book! I will be sure to check out what Guri Essen has to offer in the future, I really learned a lot from Strings Cross!
Guri Essen writes a compelling story surrounding Rosa, Irving and their son String. It starts out telling how Rosa and Irving met, then they have their son String. String becomes the center of attention as Essen tells a story of the countries coming of maturity. It follows String through the roaring 20’s, the crash of the stock market, the Great Depression, WWII, prohibition, the Korean War, and through the more recent events. The story is incredibly descriptive, describing snapshots in time with such depth that you can see the pictures in your minds eye as if you were actually there yourself. I feel like anyone who has a love of history would enjoy this book. It’s not a traditional novel more of a historical time line if you will. But still very interesting and informative book! I will be sure to check out what Guri Essen has to offer in the future, I really learned a lot from Strings Cross!
February 2, 2018
Not being the biggest fan of American history, I actually enjoyed the book. Although it is still not my favorite genre, it was interesting to read about life during various historical events, such as WW II. The story was heavily about the experience and development of the characters and how they as people as well as their life is shaped by the devastations of war. There are a lot of characters in this book, but the author did a pretty good job of integrating them all to not confuse you. The generations seemed to overlap and relate. There is emphasis on poverty, economics, and other issues with the society. Sometimes, the information was way out of my interest or even my knowledge, which deterred my interest and attention to the book. Overall, this is a great book for anyone interested in American history, including war, poverty, immigrants, family history, and wars.
February 3, 2018
This book by Guri Essen takes the reader on a fictional journey of an immigrant’s path through America and the course that their future family members take. You’ll be taken through many different parts of U.S. history like Prohibition, World War II, and the Cold War. Each of these parts tells the story of a growing family and the mark they make on the country.
Altogether there are 5 different parts of the book and each chapter features a Bible verse in the beginning of it to give you an idea of what it’s going to be about. Some parts go by a little fast, but the book is overall a very interesting read.
At 356 pages it’s a bit of a long read, but if you’re a fan of history and fiction those pages will fly by. It’s a unique book filled with well-developed characters which makes it a very creative read.
Altogether there are 5 different parts of the book and each chapter features a Bible verse in the beginning of it to give you an idea of what it’s going to be about. Some parts go by a little fast, but the book is overall a very interesting read.
At 356 pages it’s a bit of a long read, but if you’re a fan of history and fiction those pages will fly by. It’s a unique book filled with well-developed characters which makes it a very creative read.
February 12, 2018
String's Cross by Guri Essen takes the American history that we know and takes out all of the added fluff giving a sometimes brutally honest rendition of the American history. Guri layers in satire making his take on American history that much better. Guri Essen caught my attention on page one and kept me quickly turning the pages to find out how the American history that I thought I knew played out in this version. I found that the pace set in String's Cross was easy to follow and I quite enjoyed the way the book played out. When I come across a good book, I strive to make sure that I pass on the joy of reading to anyone who is interested. This genre has piqued my interest and has reinvigorated my love for reading. If you are interested in this genre, I would definitely give this book a read. You will not regret it.
February 21, 2018
This book was a little hard for me to get into at first. The author blatantly says this is fiction, and I feel overall it was well done, but I just had a difficult time attaching myself to the characters. Many events in history were told through the story of this multigenerational family. It begins with German immigrants and continues on with the modern American phenomenons we know from history books affecting them and seeing how they progress through them. The pacing was good considering we go through three generations. I think that is why I had a hard time attaching myself to the characters. There were many of them to get to know and not much dialogue. Another thing I never quite got was the bible verses that were at the start of every chapter. Maybe they went over my head. Overall, it was a good book that I would recommend to historical fiction junkies.
February 8, 2018
Amazing historical fiction that is all about the characters. Essen did an incredible job of creating some memorable characters, and the reader immediately finds themselves vested in their lives. String is the son of Rosa and Irving who you are introduced to before String is even born. Follow String through major historical events such as WWII, the Korean War, prohibition, stock market crash and more. The descriptive passages of the book make you feel like you're there, which is impressive to a reader who was born well after all these major historical events. Immigration and its difficulties as well as racism touch the lives of String and many others who struggle to make a life. The story is well worth reading and I not only enjoyed it but learned quite a bit reading it too.
July 11, 2017
A historical story of American adventure
This is a historical story packed with action and history. A family from Germany migrates to America and the adventure begins. You will go on a journey covering several generations of this family who has made it to the land of opportunity. A great story that leads you through some good historical information as well as the trials and struggles of a new migrant family making their way through the American dream. Really enjoyed this one.
This is a historical story packed with action and history. A family from Germany migrates to America and the adventure begins. You will go on a journey covering several generations of this family who has made it to the land of opportunity. A great story that leads you through some good historical information as well as the trials and struggles of a new migrant family making their way through the American dream. Really enjoyed this one.
February 15, 2018
Definitely an interesting read through the progression of time and humanity, as well as the advanced developments that have been created by man through many centuries. I must say the connection of the Bible to more current tales of man are quite interesting, something that I would never really think of myself. I guess I never really thought of the Bible as a piece of literature in anticipation of today's world, but it definitely makes sense.
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April 2, 2018String's Cross is like a storyteller's account of their family history. There can be tangents along the way, especially when the topic spans almost two hundred years and multiple generations. The author shows, not tells, of the similarities that these generations have. Throughout the narrative, the readers recall periods of history and culture from the characters' (and the narrator's) perspective. Some younger readers may not understand the references of the inventions that wowed people of that time, just like this generation gets excited about advances in technology today like smartphones or the music of the period. Still, the author is thorough without losing the characters who are immersed in it all. It is historical fiction, so there are moments of recognition of events and people, but there is also literary elements that can bring a smirk of humor to the reader.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews