The Dream by Harry Bernstein (2009; Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-0-345-50389-3)
The second in a series of three memoirs by Jewish American author (and near centenarian) , Harry Bernstein, The Dream takes readers from England to Chicago and New York to relive the tenuous lives led by Harry, his siblings, and his mother. Noticeably absent for the majority of the story is Harry’s father; a brutal, violent, alcoholic lout who rarely worked and, when he did, gave little of his precious wage to his wife to feed and clothe the children. Chock full of depression era hard luck stories and vignettes, the overall tenor of the book seems mildly duplicitous of Bernstein’s first installment in his life story, The Invisible Wall and, until the romance between Harry and his eventual wife, Ruby, begins to smolder, the book feels a bit forced, as if Bernstein is attempting to outdo himself (or perhaps Frank McCourt) with the revelation of more and more depravity and abuse within his family. Still, the advent of his paternal grandfather and grandmother, along with assorted uncles, aunts, and cousins in the plot bolsters the read and makes the journey back into Harry’s life memorable, if not enjoyable.
By far, the most compelling portions of the memoir concern his relationship with Ruby, both before their wedding, and after.
A notable piece of non-fiction. The style, pace, and intrigue of what happened after Ruby and Harry begin their life together compels me to find a copy of the last installment, The Golden Willow, and read it as well. 4 stars out of 5.
