Reviews for Mordecai: An Early American Family

The average rating for Mordecai: An Early American Family based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-02-27 00:00:00 Arthur Owyoung Since I work at one of the Mordecai homes, this book is such an invaluable source for me. Even though the focus is more on the Richmond/Warrenton Mordecais instead of the Raleigh Mordecais (the ones who lived in the house where I'm currently employed), the story of the Mordecais as a family unit is essential to understanding either branch of the family. Emily Bingham writes with such lyrical language that Mordecai: An American Family reads more like a novel than a piece of nonfiction. Her skill in making these people interesting and relatable, though not excusing their flaws, is evident from start to finish. I'm curious to know what people think of this book when they're not using it for very specific research purposes because I think it's excellent. Even for people who aren't doing laser-focused research on the Mordecai family, the book is a great read for anyone interested in Southern history, Jewish history, religious history, and/or women's history.

Review # 2 was written on 2013-04-11 00:00:00 Barry Elston I loved this book. It's certainly not for everybody, but what can I say? I'm a total geek. Plus, I had the privilege of hearthcooking at the Mordecai House in Raleigh once a month (or more) for nine years. I felt like it was "my kitchen" and felt rather proprietary about the family as well. Now I know a whole lot more about the family, after reading this book. It read, to me, like a soap opera. And how could it not? When you have that many strong personalities,and that many societal and religious pressures, sparks are bound to fly. What made it even more interesting, were the offshoots I simply have to follow up now. It created more questions about things I had either not heard of before, or never thought of in the context of family ties. Curiosity abounds. And another field trip to Warrenton, NC is clearly in my near future. Whether you are familiar with Jewish American history, the Mordecai family, North Carolina or none of the above, this is an absorbing story of family loyalty, generational divide, conscience and the barriers we all face as we make our way though life.