Love of Finished Years by Gregory Erich Phillips

Set in pre-war and during WWI, the story beautifully captures the time period of struggle and reality of German-Americans living in NYC and affected by the war raging in Europe.

The story has a good balance of historical details to transport reader into a time period and not so much to over-bury the story. Well-presented events in action (and not words) create engrossing story, which evokes human emotions. 

Twelve year old Elsa arrives with her family at Ellis Island in 1905. She is eager to go back to school, but before she can do so, they all need to find jobs to save some money. Elsa and her sister Sonja both get jobs at sweatshops. At first it seems as American dream might come to reality of saving money and buying their own place. But as expenses pile up, the American dream dwindles away, including hope of schooling, and instead anger and bitterness takes over.

Due to an incident and Nina’s (girl’s mother) new friend’s nudge, Nina takes part in women’s strike for better working conditions. With time Women’s Trade Union League wins a major victory for women workers: less working hours, increased pay and equal treatment. All that not without a sacrifice. Along the way, some women lose their jobs and subsequently roofs over their heads. Later Nina takes part in strikes for women rights to vote.

An accident happens, which opens another door for Elsa. She gets a job with a Long Island elite family. She becomes a servant to their daughter Dafne, forging a friendship. Later as girls move to NYC, it seems as the story stalls in action for a moment, however an interesting dialogue continues to carry it on.

This story captures both worlds separated by ocean. The life of struggling emigrants in NYC, set against the women’s movement which with their victory sets example for the rest of the country to follow. And the devastating war in Europe, which events are experienced by Glenn, Dafne’s girlfriend. 

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