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Author
Tyler R. Tichelaar
Publisher
Marquette Fiction

2 Review Copies Left

The Marquette Trilogy comes to a satisfying conclusion by bringing together characters and plots from the earlier novels and culminating with Marquettes 1999 sesquicentennial celebration. Madeleine Hennings story is finally revealed as secrets from the past shed light upon the present. The novels main character, John Vandelaare, is descended from all the early Marquette families in Iron Pioneers and The Queen City. While he cherishes his familys past, he questions whether he should remain in his hometown. Then an unexpected event changes his life forever. About The Author: Tyler R. Tichelaar, PhD and seventh generation Marquette resident, was raised on tales of his hometowns past. Superior Heritage is the third in his trilogy of novels celebrating Upper Michigans history.

Reviews

Superior Heritage is the third and last book in the Marquette Trilogy, a multigenerational saga spanning a century and a half. I thoroughly enjoyed all three books and Tichelaar's narration and writing style. Iron Pioneers, the first book, was for me the best of the three because it’s historical—taking place from the founding of Marquette from 1849 to 1900, introducing characters that were among the first settlers of Marquette in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The second book, The Queen City, continues the story from 1902 to 1949 showing the changes as one century ended and a new one began, bringing in two world wars and the dawn of technology. Superior Heritage takes place from 1952 to 1999.

Compared to the first two books, the first half of Superior Heritage was a little uneventful. As usual, Tichelaar is a great storyteller and his characters real and so well developed I forget they are fictional. But there were lots of descriptions of family get-togethers and too much religious philosophy for my liking. It was almost like reading a family diary. I was disappointed that Ellen did not pursue her artistic passion (or at least pick them up in her later years) but faded into becoming John Vandelaare’s mother and settling into what became a passionless marriage, when she had been so adamant not to get married in the first place.

The second half of the book focuses on John Vandelaare and that’s when it really took off for me. The most touching part of this book was the relationship John had with his grandparents and the loss he felt when they died. I felt it too since I had followed their history since the beginning. I liked John and his “old-fashioned” morals, his love for his hometown and his secret passion for writing. I would have liked for Wendy’s character to be more fully developed, though, perhaps to have her enter the story sooner than just toward the very end.

I can’t help but think that John’s character represents Tichelaar himself. As a matter of fact, I think Tichelaar wrote the Marquette Trilogy based partly on his own family’s history. The ending was very satisfying and it kindled a desire in me to search my own family’s roots, and to want to visit Marquette itself! If you live in Michigan, especially in the U.P. (or anywhere else for that matter), I recommend you start by picking upIron Pioneers and enjoy history through some great storytelling from a seventh generation Marquette resident whose love of the Upper Peninsula resonates beautifully and proudly.

Reviewed on 03/30/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Laura Fabiani

“Superior Heritage”, the third Book in the Marquette Trilogy brings the lovely series to a close. Tyler R. Tichelaar once again delights readers. Taking us back to the familiar settings of the town of Marquette, Michigan Tichelaar once again brings back the characters we both love and hate. Setting the story in 1999 the secrets that still linger in the air come to light. Introducing new characters while focusing on the past “Superior Heritage”, combines the essence of the first two books while adding a new flair to the story. Centralizing the story around the life and choices of a descendant from the original settlers, John Vandelaare. Struggling with himself over staying or leaving Marquette, Tichelaar uses the all aspects of witting to make you feel John’s struggle.

With the closing of the Marquette Trilogy I feel a sense of both closure and sadness. I feel as though I am saying goodbye to good friends that I have met through out reading the series as well as the two add on books. I hope that readers will read the complete set of Marquette fiction books not only the books in the trilogy. Tyler R. Tichelaar has transformed the writing world with the way he has made the city of Marquette, Michigan come to life. I hope to see more from this talented writer. I will guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Reviewed on 12/21/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Angela Simmons

"Superior Heritage" is the third book in Tyler Tichelarr's trilogy that explores the lives and times of the people of Marquette. In this final book of the trilogy, secrets are revealed and the past comes to the forefront. The reader is able to find a conclusion that is long awaited and one that is quite satisfying. The lives of the characters became part of my family and it was hard to grasp that the story was over. As I finished the last page, I wanted to start again with the first page, as I felt as if I had friends that had now gone and I wanted them back. I find it hard to not give away information about the plot and characters, yet I don't want to share much at all, so the reader can discover the world of Marquette and its people on their own.

I have reviewed two other books by Tichelaar and I can't recommend his writing enough. I have found a new favorite writer and I can't wait to read more selections from him. The writing is fresh, yet it has a feel of the old, historical novels of ages past. Everyone must read this trilogy.

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Superior Heritage (Marquette Trilogy, Book 3)

Reviews

Reviewed on 03/30/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Laura Fabiani

Reviewed on 12/21/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Angela Simmons

Reviewed on 07/28/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Laura Johnson

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