This book is strong in
language and setting.
Summary:
Buffalo NY in 1901 is the real main character, though the story is told
through the eyes of Louisa Barrett, Headmistress of a girl's school. The book
is populated with actual historical figures of the time (McKinley gets shot at
the Pan-American Expo during the action) as well as fictional characters
involved in a murder mystery.
I would recommend this book!
Why?
Although I was unimpressed with the characters and could care less
"whodunit," descriptions of the city are vivid, and the social and political
climate of the times are handled brilliantly. There were lots of loose ends and
unsatisfying relationships and unbelievable situations (like the Board of
Directors of her school setting her up as a kind of "virgin sacrifice" for the
philandering President Grover Cleveland)...the more I think about it, I wonder
why I would still recommend this book -- but I will!
Additional comments:
I reviewed this title for a book review section of the Canton College
Club, and when I next met with the group, this is the book most had read and
enjoyed -- most are history and mystery buffs.
Employee Initials: SB
Review Date: October 2002
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