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mmseitz822's review
4.0
Belle Cora is such a complex and fascinating character. There were times throughout the book that I liked her, times I didn't, times I was on her side, times I wasn't. Too frequently books make a character completely likeable and I enjoyed having mixed emotions about a character. Let's face it, most people in the world aren't perfect. They aren't always liked and they aren't always good. It was refreshing to see a character presented this way - extremely human. I highly recommend this book.
spinstah's review
3.0
This was pretty good, though fairly long. It's a fictionalized account t of a woman who was a high class madam in Gold Rush era San Francisco. It starts back with her childhood and carries you through her entire life. I think it could have benefitted from being a bit shorter, though I'm not exactly sure which sections could be removed the most easily. if you like historical fiction and don't mind something long, I recommend it.
ckausch's review against another edition
4.0
While it's a little slow to get going, it hits its stride and I couldn't put it down! I loved reading about historical NYC, and learning more about life and travel during this time period. It ends a little abruptly, but not enough to ruin the book.
mcdevimm's review
3.0
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed large parts of this book and there were times I could barely put it down. Other parts were sometimes slow or less interesting and seemed to drag on. overall though it was a very good read and an interesting story.
ancexx's review
4.0
Viņa. Arabelle ir spēks, nepārvarama, neiespējami jaudīga, neuzvarama. Viņa ir sāpināta, sista, šaustīta, nodota, pamesta, mīlēta, dievināta, uz rokām nesta un cienīta. Man bija grūti saprast viņas piedotspēju, aklo apsēstībai līdzīgo mīlestību pret viņas Liktenīgo. Arī to savādo ja ne piedošanu, tad spēju dzīvot tālāk tās tuvumā, kas nodarījusi tik daudz ļauna. Es cīnījos pretī. Bet, iespējams, tieši tādēļ tik ļoti lieliska grāmata. Neticami, ka balstīta vēsturiskos notikumos un cilvēkos, neticami, ka tik patiesu, grandiozu sievietes balsi uzrakstījis vīrietis. Bet tagad es ticu un apbrīnoju.
drlisak's review
5.0
I love this kind of historical fiction. Rich history of a time that I hadn't thought about. Delving into the darker side of human nature, which still exists even if we deny it. Characters that you love to hate and hate to love. All in all, an excellent read.
sandhills_kt's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. It was really good.
Will write more later
Will write more later
gilmoreguide's review against another edition
3.0
Belle Cora is a big, grand sweeping tale that covers a multitude of themes, many of which could be explored by a reviewer for days. Even a synopsis of this novel could get lengthy (I know, I started one and gave up) but it wouldn't do justice to the work behind this saga by Phillip Margulies. The novel is set in the mid-1800s to early 1900s and is told by Arabella Godwin, a woman who goes from being the daughter of a wealthy man in NYC to the madam of a house of ill repute in San Francisco. In between she lives a life of rural poverty, works in a clothing mill, marries a preacher, and sails around Cape Horn.
Through Margulies, Arabella is written as a real woman. One who, within in her own being, is true to a strict ethical code. She does not choose a life of prostitution but comes and goes to it out of necessity. She knows exactly what she is and makes no effort to hide it even when the times dictate that she should renounce her career to save her own skin. Instead, she uses her trade to forge connections, extract promises and exert influence when she needs it. While for some Belle is not a woman to be admired I found her to be strong, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. Her sense of style and humor made her even more interesting.
I lived among people who had special ideas of right and wrong, and what deserved admiration or contempt. Their views were such to make a whore’s life tolerable, and I accepted them as simply as I would have wrapped a blanket around me if I were cold. I became as changed a person as the possession of such opinions could make me.
You can read the rest of this review at The Gilmore Guide to Books: http://gilmoreguidetobooks.com/2014/01/belle-cora/
Through Margulies, Arabella is written as a real woman. One who, within in her own being, is true to a strict ethical code. She does not choose a life of prostitution but comes and goes to it out of necessity. She knows exactly what she is and makes no effort to hide it even when the times dictate that she should renounce her career to save her own skin. Instead, she uses her trade to forge connections, extract promises and exert influence when she needs it. While for some Belle is not a woman to be admired I found her to be strong, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. Her sense of style and humor made her even more interesting.
I lived among people who had special ideas of right and wrong, and what deserved admiration or contempt. Their views were such to make a whore’s life tolerable, and I accepted them as simply as I would have wrapped a blanket around me if I were cold. I became as changed a person as the possession of such opinions could make me.
You can read the rest of this review at The Gilmore Guide to Books: http://gilmoreguidetobooks.com/2014/01/belle-cora/
districtreads's review against another edition
5.0
One of the better historical fiction novels I’ve read this decade. Deserves all my praise and more. Loved the vivid depictions of early New York and San Francisco.
jmarcorandolph's review
2.0
I have to admit, I skim-read a lot of this book. The details were beautifully written, but 600 pages is a bit much for a book that is filled with tragedy and shame. I was just ready to move on. I would read another of his works, though.