Reviews tagging 'Racism'

A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Anne Fowler

4 reviews

sassysoles82's review against another edition

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challenging hopeful informative inspiring sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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rusty_spurs's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

I am ashamed to say that I had no clue who the Vanderbilts were when I picked up this book. The name had been briefly mentioned to me but I knew little of Vanderbilts' history.

I enjoy historical fiction because this genre brings life to the characters we read about in school. Therese Anne Fowler did a wonderful job creating a character from history. After reading, I sat at my laptop learning about the Vanderbilts and I give credit to the author for making this as close to historically accurate as possible. 

Personally, I would have appreciated less "open-door" romance. I skimmed over a chapter or two because I don't enjoy reading about the uhm... intimate, romantic endeavors of a couple. 

This book also gives a look at what society then was like. It is evident the author put much research into this family and society back then, as well as customs and cultural norms at the time. 

All in all, I really enjoyed this one!
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lbrowne13's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

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carireadsbooksandtarot's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

 
A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Anne Fowler 
 
5 Stars 
 
Considering Fowler’s A Good Neighborhood was my favorite book of 2020 and the Biltmore in Asheville, NC is one of my favorite places to visit, it’s surprising I’m only now picking up this book. This book was an incredible delight to read. It reminded me of my great love for the novels of Edith Wharton. Fowler is so incredibly talented in the way she writes, bringing gilded age wit and humor to the page and placing the reader right alongside New York high society. Although it’s a novel, the characters are real people who enjoyed wealth beyond what most of us can imagine and yet remain relatable. It’s fun to join that world for a while, while being simultaneously disgusted by such massive wealth hoarded by so few. I knew nothing of Alva Vanderbilt, her bold choice to divorce and her support of women’s suffrage and equal rights. Despite marrying into immense wealth, she faced the same challenges as the other women of her time (and women of today) and chose to leverage that wealth and status to make some bold statements while her peers turned the other way. A fascinating and pleasurable read from an outstanding author. 
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