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A review by golubs
The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abé
Did not finish book. Stopped at 68%.
Oh my God just get the to boat crash already.
I get some people enjoy light reads but I wasn't expecting this to be so light practically nothing happens. This book takes a completely uncritical look at the marriage of the wealthiest man in America (47) to a teenager at the turn of the century. Their massive age gap, unequal footing, or the depressing economic reality of 1910's America will NOT be addressed. The author is completely uninterested in having any conflict aside from the occasional pushy reporter and society ladies being a little rude.
Molly Brown turns up and reveals that there could be an interesting character in this novel, but sadly instead of writing about an American legend we're forced to hear more inner monologue about how absoutely perfect Jacob Astor is. The book reminds to every single chapter that they're all going to end up on the Titanic, as if to say "I know nothing is happening, but hold on" but I just couldn't make it long enough to enjoy hearing about Astor drowning.
If you liked Titanic but were upset about the class consciousness and hints of first wave feminism, you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, skip.
I get some people enjoy light reads but I wasn't expecting this to be so light practically nothing happens. This book takes a completely uncritical look at the marriage of the wealthiest man in America (47) to a teenager at the turn of the century. Their massive age gap, unequal footing, or the depressing economic reality of 1910's America will NOT be addressed. The author is completely uninterested in having any conflict aside from the occasional pushy reporter and society ladies being a little rude.
Molly Brown turns up and reveals that there could be an interesting character in this novel, but sadly instead of writing about an American legend we're forced to hear more inner monologue about how absoutely perfect Jacob Astor is. The book reminds to every single chapter that they're all going to end up on the Titanic, as if to say "I know nothing is happening, but hold on" but I just couldn't make it long enough to enjoy hearing about Astor drowning.
If you liked Titanic but were upset about the class consciousness and hints of first wave feminism, you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, skip.