NEWPORT BEACH, CA - An 86-year-old author of popular children's books for four decades, Marilyn Amster Gould, recently published her first novel for adults, "Son of a Son," (www.marilynamstergould.com), the story of a Jewish immigrant to the United States that spans much of the 20th century.
"Son of a Son" follows the life of 90-year-old Meyer Bruchner from age 13 when he is sent to America to escape the pogroms, avoid conscription, and pave the way for his parents to join him in the golden land.
"Juxtaposed with Meyer struggling to grow up in a foreign land is America, also struggling through the Industrial Revolution, the Roaring '20s, Prohibition, The Great Depression, World War I and World War II," Gould says. "This history is described at the beginning of each chapter to set the stage for Meyer's narrative."
A common thread through the decades is the ambiguous relationship between fathers and sons their unconditional love and unintentional misunderstandings.
As Meyer starts to reap the benefits of his hard work, the unexpected appears at his doorstep. He learns of an act from his past that he cannot fix; neither can he atone for his guilt or resolve his pain. But life goes on. Meyer must cope and set an example for the next generation the son of a son.
Gould was a schoolteacher in the 1960s when she perceived a lack of interesting teaching materials and began writing her own. She taught kindergarten through 12th grade before launching her full-time writing career, which included teaching writing at California State University Fullerton.
"'Son of a Son' is a heart-warming story of Meyer Bruchner's family and their survival through the challenges and upheavals of world events," writes author and Amazon review Dianne M. MacMillan. "Rich details of historical events, Jewish family life and the love and strength of each family member made every page a delight and a joy to read."
About Marilyn Amster Gould
Marilyn Amster Gould (marilynamstergould.com) has been a professional writer for more than 40 years. Her newest work, "Son of a Son," is a historical novel. Gould studied poetry at Columbia University and holds degrees from UCLA, and the University of Southern California, and teaching credentials from Cal State Northridge. Gould and her late husband, Paul, were married 61 years, have three children and six grandchildren.
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