The Life and Letters of Samuel Ellsworth Fleet: An Immigrant’s Tale Paperback – July 3, 2023

I give this book five stars, although it’s a biography of a person who isn’t famous, did nothing that will make the history books, and experienced nothing whose telling is so riveting that it makes this book a real page-turner. However, he was an immigrant in the womb, born in 1892 into a family whose religion, unfortunately, destined him always to be cognizant of undeserved intolerance and discrimination. Yet, because of his values, wisdom, and attitudes (in no small way influenced by his religion), he lived a long, happy, and fruitful life. Long, in that he lived to be almost ninety-two. Happy (despite his share of tragedies along the journey) in that he looked forward to every day, cherished new experiences, and enjoyed, treasured, and lived for his family. Fruitful in that he became the patriarch to an extended family of over four generations, making the world a better place by passing down his values and advice and thus influencing the lives of many successful grandchildren.He did much of this by his letters. He was a prolific letter writer for much of his life. Through some of the more than 1,500 discovered copies of these letters, his grandson, the author, with this well-written book, now passes down his values, wisdom, and attitudes to the reader. All of which we can immolate and are deserving of five stars.

Super interesting letters to family and friends from a very compelling viewpoint. Sam was a great man and intellectual and obviously cherished and worshipped by his grandchildren.

SO WELL WRITTEN! (and INFORMATIVE)I CRIED!I LAUGHED!I LOVED IT!

Hundreds of typed letters by his grandfather! I wish my grandfather had left such a thorough history of his faith, family relations, and thus the history of this country. Imagine a treasure trove of data, time, and immigration to this country. Andrew Graybar

Letters, journals, and diaries are what historians look to to get real insight into the life and times of the writer. Samuel Pepys's Dairy gives us a humorous look at himself, but also a first hand view of the great fire of London and the plague-infested city. But it was his diary. Not meant to be shared. Novey's grandfather, on the other hand, meant for his words to be read by others. He was a real communicator. He took his role in the family seriously, both giving and seeking advice. At the same time we get real insight into the times and places he lived--small town Florida a hundred years ago. Stunning. Novey has fulfilled his grandfather's deepest wish. This is the art of communication.

Mr. Novey’s book is a treasure. How wonderful that he was gifted with these letters and then shared them with us.