Reviews > Hero on Three Continents
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"I found the book most enjoyable. I was very impressed with the scope of the historical and cultural research. The richness of the psychological descriptions and of the historical detail and ambience were captivating. My first-hand familiarity with many parts of the novel made me realize how well-researched the book was."
Professor Danny Michaelson, Tel Aviv University
"A rich compelling book...... a must-read"
Barbara Steele, Emmy winning producer of War & Remembrance
"A moving, complex and well-crafted ficitonal biography uses pivotal historic events of the 20th century as its venue. Henry Brown is the last of three sons born in London in 1901 to Leopold and Charlotte Brown, a wealthy Anglo-Jewish family. Orphaned at 18, Leopold is bestowed a hefty inheritance, but lacking drive and ambition, he accomplishes little with it. Wanting his three sons to acquire a better education and acheive more, he and Charlotte hire governesses to teach the boys art, music and language. They are raised in a structured and orderly Edwardian enviornment, but contrary to the popular method of child rearing of the era, the boys spend much time with their parents, living happily in their grand home in London as well as in their country home in Wycombe. Life is good - until 1914 when England is pulled into World War I, and Henry's brothers are claimed as victims. Their deaths prove to be the trigger point for the demise of Henry's parents' marriage, with Charlotte becoming absorbed by important political and charitable work and Leopold eventually drinking himself to death. Apprehensive of following in his brothers' footsteps into the army, Henry opts for miltiary school. Capable, intelligent and multilingual, Henry was appointed an attache to the Viceroy of India, the first of many political positions he will serve. He meets and falls in love with Henrietta, the daughter of wealthy and staunch anti-Semetic parents, and their marriage is a contented one - she soon gives birth to a son and daughter. But a mission in Berlin leads to a tragic and pivitol moment in his life. Henrietta, who thrives on attending lavish galas with socialites, is swept up in the rising popularity of the Fuhrer and becomes a strong proponent of Nazi ideology. For a while, Henry tolerates her anti-Semitism until he sees that their children are next to be indoctrinated. The complex political and cultural situations are skillfully managed and Maitland-Lews renders the multiudious cast of characters with marvelous detail."