Review: 'Forever' by Pete Hamill

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

'Forever' by Pete Hamill, 613 pages - Instagram @c_reads_books

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Forever by Pete Hamill tells the story of Cormac O’Connor, a man who is given immortality, with one small catch - he can never leave the island of Manhattan. The story begins in Ireland in the 1700s, when Cormac is just a young boy. Vengeance is Cormac’s only reason for leaving on a boat for New York when he is just a teenager. Arriving in New York, he has no idea of the great gift he will soon be given. Granted immortality, Cormac sees New York grow from a tiny settlement surrounded by untouched wilderness to the flourishing metropolis it is today. He sees not only its successes, but also the city’s secrets- the way it has been shaped by greed, race, waves of immigration, and yet, above all, by hope.

I liked this book. I really liked the description of Cormac’s early life in Ireland, but also found it a little difficult to really get into; it had a bit of a slow start for me. I found it very interesting to see how Cormac was given his immortality and how that affected his actions and views on New York. It was compelling to see how New York (specifically Manhattan) developed to be almost an entirely different place. I also enjoyed the overall historical elements of this book, with Cormac living through Washington’s times, all the way to 9/11. Overall, I liked this book, but I also didn’t entirely love it. I found it hard to completely get into the book the whole time I was reading it, and I couldn’t really relate to any of the characters. I also loved the premise of the book so much, that it kind of let me down - and I personally think it could’ve been better (more relatable characters and a more overall compelling story). None of this is to say that this book is bad by any standards - it’s just not the best book for me. I would recommend Forever to anyone who likes historical fiction, or is just looking for a very readable book!