American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt
by Stephanie Marie Thornton
American politicking and life choices entwined (12/10/2018)
I was very happy to receive this book to review, having always enjoyed reading about early and mid-20th Century America.
Upfront, I will confess to not particularly liking Alice Roosevelt. Even as life brought both fame and pain into her long life, I questioned her choices first to marry for political and strategic motives, and then for staying with her philandering husband for those same reasons. She justified her own deceit with a married man, all in the desire to preserve position.
She lied for her own convenience and to protect herself from society’s wrath. She had a sharp tongue and quick wit, and enjoyed spreading hurtful gossip about others.
Silly aside: the author writes of Alice’s pet name for FDR as “Feather Duster” but I recall no reason why. Also, throughout the book, the Yiddish expression , “oh vey” is used by Alice, but it doesn’t fit somehow. Perhaps it was popular in the day?
This book is very well written and detailed, breathing life into this tumultuous era of American politics. Hard as I tried, I found myself viewing Alice Roosevelt Longworth critically— only in her last decades did I feel compassion for her and some admiration.
I believe Alice will be remembered as Washington’s Gadfly, when she just might have been our first female president!
As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner
As Bright As Heaven, a tale of life, death — and love (11/7/2017)
Perhaps my rating of this very well written book has been tainted by its powerful account of death and dying. The process of the end of life and detailed preparation for burial was difficult to read, but offered an insight to the reality of how our physical bodies are just clay.
The characters' stories are told in alternating chapters which initially caused this reader some confusion. I have read statistical accounts of the 1919 flu pandemic before, but Susan Meissner brings forth a very personal and intimate look at the pain and suffering endured by families already coping with great losses in The Great War.
"As Bright As Heaven" beautifully describes how rich even a poor family can feel when surrounded by love of one another, and faith in God.
Before the War
by Fay Weldon
Before the War should have been a better book (12/18/2016)
This was a difficult book for me to read for a few reasons. I found the unidentified interloper, who offers descriptive commentary throughout the book, irritating rather than helpful; several unattractive characters – virtually everyone in the book - were described bed-hopping over several decades. I found it prurient rather than provocative. I may be in the minority here, but I thought the book an unpleasant read.
There very well may be a sequel in the works, however, as the author appears to offer a hint that Sheldon may have a redeemable future in store for him.
“Before the War,” might have offered much more to the reader had the author let the characters out of the boudoir once in awhile!
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
by Phaedra Patrick
A wonderful tale of love and learning (4/9/2016)
Such an enjoyable read! A real page turner – not to learn who dunnit – but to keep up with Arthur on his remarkable journey of discovery! The story is "charming," sweet, and portrays an adult view of living and loving. Without using a soap box, the author has gently spoken much about friendship, family, and the inevitable joys and sorrows of aging. All the characters are rendered fully. And the reader has a real investment in knowing their stories as well.The world was a better place after Arthur Pepper took charge!
The Swans of Fifth Avenue
by Melanie Benjamin
Five beautiful swans - and one vicious predator (11/9/2015)
Ms. Benjamin's portrait of Babe Paley is so touching and intimate. Babe and her two sisters, the Cushing debutantes of Boston, were born into great wealth, but they were raised to see their future worth determined only by whether or not they would marry wealthy and socially acceptable men. Jewels, furs, penthouses, yachts and gorgeous clothes were the payback for being perfect "trophy" wives to the tycoons of business, or perhaps an English lord or two!
The Cushing girls all fulfilled their mother's dream by marrying well – and often! Babe defied her mother, however, with her choice of William Paley, a Jew, who was president of CBS during the Golden Age of Television.
The friendship among the "swans" reveals the wonderful protectiveness and solidarity of similar birds of a feather who are required to be beautiful and perfect always. The socialites became lifelong friends with an unbreakable connection which only their entanglements with Truman Capote, the ultimate predator fox, would destroy.
The swans unknowingly embraced the fox and allowed it to enter their world. Capote's "In Cold Blood," which I read as a young suburban mom, left me with a life long fear of rural living! It had the impact which the movie, "Jaws" has had on beach goers to this day! I recall reading the coverage of his Black and White party. Later, there would be an occasional sighting on a late night talk show and I wondered what happened to this amazing talent. After reading this book, I now know.
I was so eager to read this story. I was born in Brooklyn and, by a twist of fate, found myself working for Look Magazine in the 1950s! This beautifully written book is about the Manhattan I knew and loved. Far removed from the society of these swans, however, I do remember having the good fortune to see Bill Paley and his beautiful Babe at a publishers event!
A Good Family
by Erik Fassnacht
Oh, what tangled webs we weave.... (6/11/2015)
Many authors have taken on the subject of the dysfunctional American family -- some stories take a comic turn, others are bittersweet, all are tales of lost opportunities -- this book explores how one family, seemingly with every advantage, plunges toward self destruction despite its education, wealth and talents.
The parents, Henry and Julie Brunson, and sons, Charlie and Barkley, are delineated separately for the most part in stories about their lovers, friends, hopes, and fears. Communication between the Brunsons is painfully lacking. Secrets are kept from one another in destructive and thoughtless ways.
This debut novel sets the stage skillfully with well written prose. He keeps the reader eager to see what becomes of his characters who appear to be struggling in separate universes. Perhaps the author plans a sequel -- I would like to read the rest of the story!
Lusitania: Triumph, Tragedy, and the End of the Edwardian Age
by Greg King, Penny Wilson
The Lusitania: A voyage to hell... (1/26/2015)
The Lusitania by Greg King and Penny Wilson
The tragic story is told in suspenseful and riveting detail. The reader, as an unbooked passenger, observes from a safe distance as the disaster plays out day by day -- while helpless to intervene!
World opinion at the time supported the belief that it was a German submarine torpedo which brought this great ship down. There is still no positive conclusion whether the submarine had fired one torpedo or two! Was the second explosion, described by survivors, a torpedo, or was it the explosion of the munitions stored secretly on the ship? Or, are we to believe the submarine captain who stated that he had fired only one torpedo?
This thorough investigation and compilation of facts, interviews, and research of the events by the authors reveal many errors of judgment, and actual malfeasance of government agencies, as well as the lack of preparedness of the captain and crew. The deplorable lack of functioning rowboats and the reality that passengers and crew had no knowledge of basic safety instructions and procedure is hard to comprehend.
The ship was traveling into a war zone; Germany had placed an ad in the New York papers warning of the presence of its U-Boats off the Irish coast; and still this ship sailed into harm's way, taking the lives of 1,198 men, women and children. Some 800 bodies were never recovered. There were 768 passengers and crew who survived, some of whom would cope with their injuries or nightmares for the rest of their lives.
Along with all the tragic elements in this book, there are many inspiring accounts of the kindness and generosity of those brave and courageous passengers who helped other passengers too traumatized to cope.
Vanessa and Her Sister
by Priya Parmar
Vanessa and her Sister — a page turner of a tale! (10/30/2014)
At the outset, I feared I might be put off by the Priya Parmar's use of correspondence and conversation between Vanessa, Virginia, their siblings and assorted friends and suitors, to tell this story. As the characters took shape and substance, I soon recognized how quickly this technique invites the reader into the talented and exciting Bloomsbury Group as a witness to their lives!
It is a story of familial love and dependency, insanity, jealousy, sex and marriage in the early 20th Century and the evolving social and cultural upheavals of this era. The book also introduces many of the young, brilliant writers and artists of the period, such as E.M Forster, Bertrand Russell, Aldous Huxley, and T.S. Eliot! It is exciting to hear of the struggles of post-Impressionists, such as Picasso, Matisse and Cezanne, began to shake up the art world.
Priya Parmar details the conflicted relationship between Vanessa Bell and her sister, Virginia Woolf beautifully, and with compassion. The portrait of Vanessa as a sister, wife, mother, and artist painted by the author reveals her love, kindness, patience and determination to succeed, both personally and professionally. "Vanessa" is a good read!
The Paris Winter
by Imogen Robertson
The Paris Winter - a captivating tale of art, love, friendship, struggle and evil (7/24/2014)
Author, Imogen Robertson, skillfully tells the story of a young English woman who travels to Paris, with very little money, to study art in an era when women artists were often viewed as less than respectable! The difficulties encountered by the determined art student, Maud Heighton, are painted vividly in words, and, in an unique and effective way, the author opens chapters with descriptions of museum paintings which set up the scenes visually.
While Paris is renowned as the City of Lights -- and love -- The Paris Winter takes the reader to its underbelly, literally! The horrific Paris floodwaters of 1910 rise up from beneath the city in terrifying ways at a time when dangerous weather warnings for citizens were virtually
non-existent. Word of mouth and rumors prevailed, adding to the panic in the streets.
Mysteries are solved and the denouement of the murderous and wealthy "gentleman" (no spoiler here) and his evil cohort are skillfully told. A page turner for sure!
The Race Underground: Boston, New York, and the Incredible Rivalry That Built America's First Subway
by Doug Most
Incredible saga of American ingenuity! (1/29/2014)
In Doug Most's book, "The Race Underground," he has complied detailed biographical sketches of the creators of subway systems which provide the fodder for books on their own!
As a native New Yorker, I have used the subway system for years without truly thinking of how it all came to be. This account of the journey from concept to execution to reality is a fascinating read!
The Aviator's Wife
by Melanie Benjamin
A spell-binding tale by a hero's wife! (12/19/2012)
From the first page, I was hooked and prepared to take flight with Anne Lindbergh on her incredible life journey. That she took that journey with America's hero, Charles Lindbergh, a man she loved at first sight, made the story historic and thrilling. It is a tale of commitment - to spouse, children and country. The kidnapping and murder of her first-born son, Charlie, is, of course, well-known, but as Ms. Benjamin recounts the events up to and following the death, so much more is revealed. It is gripping, to hear in the mother's words, her anguish over of the loss of the baby. The decades the Lindberghs spent dealing with national and international attention —which turned from admiration to hateful criticism — make the paparazzi of today seem mild-mannered! Mrs. Lindbergh managed to live a full and interesting life and to achieve literary success on her own, but she remained, always, the Aviator's Wife.
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
Good, but left me wanting to know more (5/16/2012)
I was intrigued with the opportunity to learn more about the Shakers and more about life in 1796 America. While "A Simple Murder" did provide me a some insight into both, I found the pace a bit too slow moving. All the ingredients are there for a good read, but the character of Will Rees was off-putting. Lydia, on the other hand, was fascinating, a strong woman torn between two worlds and showing the capability of creating a life for herself in either. There are other characters in the book who are better delineated and more interesting than Mr. Rees.
The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine the Great
by Eva Stachniak
Life as a royal — a life filled with intrique! (1/15/2012)
I looked forward to reading The Winter Palace especially since I have wonderful recollections of my visit to St. Petersburg in 2009. Vivid memories of the Winter Palace/Hermitage and Catherine’s “summer” palace at Oranienbaum created a sense of place as I read the book. I could “see” the vista of the Neva River, the Great Perspective Road. My issue with the book, so well crafted and filled with fascinating details, was my need to really know what was fact and what was fiction. The Winter Palace was a great read – now I intend to follow up on the life of Catherine in the history aisle! Are there Varenkas — or “tongues” at work in high places today? I would say very likely. Does power corrupt? You betcha! Ms. Stachniak must tell us “the rest of the story” in a sequel.
A Bitter Truth: A Bess Crawford Mystery
by Charles Todd
Oh, what tangled webs we weave! (8/15/2011)
The book splendidly recreates the period during World War I in England. The coming together of the protagonist, Bess Crawford, and the household of murder suspects – one wonders if it will be determined that the butler did do it - was totally random, yet it all seems to work.
The young nursing sister from a “good” family finds herself center stage in the dysfunctional, wealthy world of the Ellis family at Vixen Hill in the foreboding Ashdown Forest in Sussex. The bleak, twisted landscape and the cold, rainy damp in the house and its environs had me reaching for a cup of hot tea!
The constraining life for women at that time, defined as it was by money, position, and, most certainly, their choice of husbands, played a significant role in the story. The reader may be motivated to slap Lydia Ellis for her behavior at several points in the book. All the characters are delineated fully and all seemed to have a motive for murder!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
A Lonely Death: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery
by Charles Todd
While a Inspector Rutledge fan, I was disappointed.. (12/7/2010)
I was delighted when selected to review "A Lonely Death" since I have enjoyed other Ian Rutledge books. I've always loved mysteries, most especially English ones, and particularly stories in the aftermath of The Great War. This book suffers from too many storylines, too many bodies, and too much talk of motoring from one village to another! That said, I think the book would benefit with tightening up, and getting rid of the inter-office politics at Scotland Yard! Rutledge charged with murder! Scandalous! And please, authors, allow some relationship happiness for Ian.
Alice I Have Been
by Melanie Benjamin
Alice: A strange little girl, a complicated woman (10/31/2009)
I have been stymied since reading this book trying to decide whether or not I liked it! My recollection of the Alice in Wonderland story was warm and endearing. Now, my head is filled with worry about what really did take place between Mr. Dodgson and Alice when she was 11 years old.
Ms.Benjamin does a superlative job of creating the social and cultural scene in Oxford, England in the mid-19th Century through the post World War I era. But, Alice's mother is almost a "Mommy dearest" character in the way she favors one child over another. Yet, Alice grows to emulate the very cold nature of her mother with her own children! Did something untoward really happen between Alice and Mr. Dodgson? If not, then many lives were damaged needlessly. I felt a little like Alice falling into a rabbit hole myself after reading this book! "Curiouser and curiouser, indeed."
Home: A Novel
by Marilynne Robinson
Most moving books I've read in years. (12/4/2008)
Both Home and her previous book were so memorable! To read the reactions of the characters from their perspectives to the same recounting of events in their lives was so skillfully accomplished! I became a witness to their lives. I need to know what happened to Jack and his sister! So Ms. Robinson needs to write another book!
An Incomplete Revenge: A Maisie Dobbs Novel
by Jacqueline Winspear
A complete pleasure! (3/3/2008)
I happily anticipated reading Winspear’s latest in her Maisie Dobbs series, having read and enjoyed the previous books so very much. She recreates the pre/post World War I era in England superbly. I was not disappointed!
Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs makes her life’s journey with intelligence, grit and courage and commands respect from all who encounter her. She is a woman who has the audacity to become both a psychologist and an investigator at a time when women had few options. Winspear resolves her complex plots and character motivations very skillfully.
In our harried high-tech world, it is refreshing to recall a time when letters were eagerly awaited and phone calls were luxuries!
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