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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
I give it two stars instead of one because it did teach me a lot about the process if building bridges and the story of Emily Warren Roebling. That’s all it did. I found the pacing clunky and the prose of the main character entirely unlikable. A Mary Sue who could do no wrong apparently. Seriously, even when someone didn’t like her, it turned out it was because she reminded them of a dead wife or something. Emily was constantly whiney and naive and something about her just irked me. I also didn’t like the use of PT Barnum as a plot device; the fact that they are two real people and there is no supporting evidence made the whole book read like poor fan fiction (and the way the author tried to justify it by saying “well he was around at the time” irked me). I understand embellishing and changing facts to fit a story, but when dealing with real people, I feel like there is an extent with which you have to remain within the confines of history. Also her making up the whole Elizabeth plotline felt weird. Even when I thought it was true, the way it appeared randomly felt awkward and out of place and honestly the story would not have suffered, or been any different whatsoever if it had been removed. I don’t know why it was there.
Ugh this book. I had high hopes for a good read about an amazing woman, but no this was awful. I am all for making history accessible and interesting, but WHY WHY WHY did we have to completely make things up!? The author made Emily seem flighty and superficial and maybe she was, but I highly doubt a woman who worked as an engineer 100 years before a majority of engineering schools accepted women would be this absurd. Thankfully the author does admit to making a lot up using the excuse that she couldn't find more information, but maybe use the info you have to weave an interesting story instead of defaming a woman with a made up affair and other wild stories.
This is the little known story of the woman who had a roll in the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was interesting to learn about, but the book itself was a little dull. I listened to the audio and it just didn’t always keep my attention. PT Barnum was a main character in the story which was interesting but then at the end I found out that part was all fictional, which was a little lame. The book wasn’t bad, but not my favorite.
Content warning: a couple of bedroom scenes. Not too explicit but not exactly closed door.
Content warning: a couple of bedroom scenes. Not too explicit but not exactly closed door.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Historical fiction based on Emily Roebling, who shouldered a lot of responsibility in the building of the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband (engineer and designer) was injured in the process. I enjoyed reading about the process and the trials of building the bridge.
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The history is cool and I have a special place in my heart for civil engineering, but the characters are portrayed so shallowly and it is hard to force myself to read. I also kind of can't stand the main character. What the author was trying to portray as independent and headstrong comes across as stupid, especially to someone who has lived this field firsthand - even after OSHA. Not my favorite sadly, I had high expectations.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Good book about a very interesting subject and very strong inspiring woman
The Engineer's Wife tells the story of Emily Warren Roebling who was the first woman to publicly act as a civil engineer, even if she didn't plan on doing it when she married into a family where bridges were their legacy. This book was especially interesting to me as an aspiring civil engineer and as a person trying to balance several life obligations at once.
This book has renewed my interest in historical fiction. In this book, Roebling has to deal with her husband's battle with caisson disease, her desire to support the suffrage movement, and the political bullies trying to prevent the construction of the bridge. P.T. Barnum plays a part in helping her with showmanship and the public appearances she is suddenly expected to do. What an incredible woman.
This book has renewed my interest in historical fiction. In this book, Roebling has to deal with her husband's battle with caisson disease, her desire to support the suffrage movement, and the political bullies trying to prevent the construction of the bridge. P.T. Barnum plays a part in helping her with showmanship and the public appearances she is suddenly expected to do. What an incredible woman.