Review of I Have Calluses on My Hands

[Olga Markova]

[Following is a volunteer review of "I Have Calluses on My Hands" by Neil Henry.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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I Have Calluses on My Hands: The Life and Times of Harold Henry by Neil Henry is a remarkable account of Harold Henry's family history. Born in 1911, Harold Henry lived a colorful and complex life of 96 years until he passed away in 2007. Harold came up with the idea to write his family's history when his cousin asked him for information to include in a family chart. Eventually, more than a decade after Harold’s passing, his son Neil adorably edited, illustrated, and finalized this book. Spanning almost two centuries, Harold’s memoir is a succinct and colorful account of their family's challenges and successes. It traces their lineage back to Harold's grandparents and highlights the milestones and events that shaped their characters. Who was Harold Henry, and what was special about his family?

Reading I Have Calluses on My Hands, I liked Harold's down-to-earth storytelling. It made me feel as if I were sitting opposite Harold and listening to him. I relished the photographs of Harold’s family members and personal documents that Neil included in the book. For me, they enhanced the authenticity and atmosphere conveyed by Harold’s life story. I adore people who care to preserve their family history, and Harold’s thorough biography is an invaluable gift he cared to create for his descendants.

I disliked the antisemitic pressures imposed on several generations of Harold’s family. But I appreciate that anti-Semitism was an integral part of this family’s history, so these episodes do not affect my rating. On the contrary, I applaud Harold for voicing the anti-Semitic episodes his family suffered because they are an important lesson for future generations.

This unique book is praiseworthy on all counts. It was well-written and professionally edited, so I happily give it 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend this amazing life story to biography and memoir fans.

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I Have Calluses on My Hands
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