Reviewed by: Alvin C. Romer, MyShelf.Com
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I'm the first to admit ignorance of who Emil Holzhauer was before agreeing to review this author's offering. Audrey Edwards gives us the portrait of an artist who has left a legacy and an interesting story to tell, a true story of passion, perseverance, and panache in the face of discrimination and abject poverty.

Holzhauer was an immigrant of German heritage from the town of Schwabisch-Gmund, known for its metal crafting and copper works. Holzhauer's remarkable life story is told in a quasi-narrative mode with less-than-desirable attempts to make it appear to be fiction. This style makes for a tedious beginning, leading to a somewhat ardous middle passage, which makes for a less than climatic ending. The story itself, however, rises above the author's spotty style. This is a good example of someone coming to this country rising about poverty and racism to become the epitome of success.

Holzhauer's coming to America saga recounts the struggle overcome the perils of being unrecognized by peers, and not respected by academics. Nevertheless, he serves as a model and inspiration. Many of those who knew him best used such accolades as 'indefatigable' and an 'undoomed warrior' to describe his tone and tenacity. If one is disciplined enough to finish the 364 pages of this book, the subject matter makes for fascinating reading that will pull at your emotions. Another point of contention is the random black and white likenesses of his work that undoubtedly would have been enhanced by color. If for no other reason than to learn about someone new (as I did), this wouldn't be a bad read. Give it a try!