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i_hype_romance's review
5.0
This ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book was fantastic. All of the requisite elements for inclusion on my keeper shelf were present. The primary and secondary characters were so fully developed they leapt off the page. The historical setting was accurate, engaging, and intriguing. The plot was full of completely plausible intricacies, and the ending was both unexpected and apropos.
The relationship between Maire and Seanin is one of fierce sibling rivalry and singleminded devotion. The insidious love triangle that wrenches them apart is a profound exploration of the complexity of human emotion. The additional bonus of the Irish gangster setting makes it all the more compelling. I was enthralled by a world like that of the Gangs of New York, and read in horrified fascination as the tragedy unfolded.
The relationship between Maire and Seanin is one of fierce sibling rivalry and singleminded devotion. The insidious love triangle that wrenches them apart is a profound exploration of the complexity of human emotion. The additional bonus of the Irish gangster setting makes it all the more compelling. I was enthralled by a world like that of the Gangs of New York, and read in horrified fascination as the tragedy unfolded.
occupational_hazard's review
5.0
Described as "Downton Abby meets Gangs of New York" and that's fairly accurate. I was pleasantly surprised by how good this book was, I honestly didn't expect it and was definitely pleased! I listened to the audiobook (which I will stick with an audiobook that is just ok rather than great for longer then a book I'm actually reading) and suddenly I was totally engrossed in the story. Instead if just listening to it as I go about my day (I listen while I complete mindless tasks and while I drive) I found myself listening to it all the time to find out what happens next in the story. If I hadn't already been reading something I was equally interested in and wasn't already so engrossed in the story that I couldn't wait, I would have read this book instead of listening to the audiobook. The narrator was good (Cassandra Campbell) I've listened to books she's narrated before and she didn't always fit the character but with this book she did a good job with the Irish and English accents as well as the voices of the men (not all narrators can do well with voices of the opposite sex). This was the authors first work of fiction I believe and I certainly hope she comes out with her sophomore effort soon and that it's just as good as this one, if not better. I have high hopes!
cande_apple_read's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Not enough development of how characters developed feelings for who they love; didn’t get very invested in the romances/dynamics
amysbrittain's review
4.0
Lady’s maid in love with the lady, racy scenes, angst, wonderful details of a life in service to a wealthy family in 1830s New York, Irish gangs, people pretending to be other than they are, shifted expectations, true friendship—loved this!
emilyacres's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to the publisher for sending this book my way! All opinions are my own.
Review to come.
Review to come.
raoionna's review against another edition
5.0
Romantic ~ Evocative ~ Heartrending
tl;dr: Class often trumps love
This book tells of love affairs and friendships in Gilded Age New York between Irish immigrants and the American wealthy set. Mary's brother John and her employer Charlotte fall in love. The story is a well-done look into the America of the time, with all its classism and prejudice. Unlike some depictions, this one does a great job of centering the quiet power of women (like the ways that poor women have mobility) and also the ways that women are trapped by male power. I won't lie; this is a tear-jerker. But, even that is a testament to the power of the writing. Really love historical romance. Well-written and sad.
4.5
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter|
tl;dr: Class often trumps love
This book tells of love affairs and friendships in Gilded Age New York between Irish immigrants and the American wealthy set. Mary's brother John and her employer Charlotte fall in love. The story is a well-done look into the America of the time, with all its classism and prejudice. Unlike some depictions, this one does a great job of centering the quiet power of women (like the ways that poor women have mobility) and also the ways that women are trapped by male power. I won't lie; this is a tear-jerker. But, even that is a testament to the power of the writing. Really love historical romance. Well-written and sad.
4.5
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter|
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
An amazing book, well written and well researched. An engaging and enthralling book that you cannot put down.
I loved the well researched historical background, the descriptions of the city, and the strong and fleshed out characters.
The plot is enthralling, you cannot help rooting for the characters and being fascinated by their evolution and stories.
A very good reading experience, highly recommended!
Many thanks to Atria Books and Edelweiss for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions are mine.
I loved the well researched historical background, the descriptions of the city, and the strong and fleshed out characters.
The plot is enthralling, you cannot help rooting for the characters and being fascinated by their evolution and stories.
A very good reading experience, highly recommended!
Many thanks to Atria Books and Edelweiss for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions are mine.
devrose's review against another edition
3.0
The Parting Glass is a solid historical fiction book but not award-winning. I’m generally not interested in maid-as-a-crush-on-mistress books, but the rest of the book was interesting enough to mostly make up for it. The most interesting part for me, having just spent the better part of a week in a car driving in and out of NYC, was the idea of Harlam as farmland. How New York City has changed!