Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - City of Light

City of Light
City of Light
Author: Lauren Belfer
It is 1901 and Buffalo, New York, stands at the center of the nation's attention as a place of immense wealth and sophistication. The massive hydroelectric power development at nearby Niagara Falls and the grand Pan-American Exposition promise to bring the Great Lakes "city of light" even more repute. — Against this rich historical backdrop lives...  more »
Info icon
ISBN-13: 9780385334013
ISBN-10: 038533401X
Publication Date: 5/11/1999
Pages: 528
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 11

3.8 stars, based on 11 ratings
Publisher: The Dial Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

MarciNYC avatar reviewed City of Light on
Helpful Score: 8
I've always referred to Buffalo, NY as the "mistake by the lake" and it was interesting to read about the Buffalo at the turn of the 20th Century. I'm amazed at what a vibrant city it was - and how many millionaires called Buffalo home. A different picture of Buffalo has been painted for me and it's sort of sad to think how another American city has lost it former glory.

Belfer's done an excellent job with her first novel. I love the language of the book, the way she melds fictional and real people along with historical events into this story. I felt as though I was transported back to 1901 Buffalo and the Pan-American Exposition. This book is the type of mystery/historical fiction combination that I am fond of.
reviewed City of Light on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This was a well-written historical novel set in Buffalo, New York during the early 1900s and revolved around the story of the building of the Niagara Falls power station and the life of Louisa Barrett, headmistress of a prestigious girls school.
reviewed City of Light on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Thsi is fabulous look at the turn of the 20th century and the start of industrialization and electricy. Buffalo at it pinnacle. This author is going places
knitter avatar reviewed City of Light on + 64 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I can't remember the last I read such an intriguing historical novel. It has everything; The history of Buffalo, NY circa 1900, the development of hydroelectric power at Niagara Falls, the Pan-American Exposition, political plotting, two murders, children born out of wedlock (GASP!) unrequited love, whispers of lesbianism, and a narration by an intelligent woman born too soon for her ideas. Well written, to boot! I wish there were more by this author.
fullybooked avatar reviewed City of Light on + 61 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A fascinating journey to early 1900s Buffalo, New York focusing on the building of the Niagra Falls power plant. The main character is the female headmistress of a girls school who, harboring a secret of her own, is caught up in a whirlwind of murder, intrigue, power and politics. The other characters, both real and fictional, are full of life and I guarantee you will never think the same of President Cleveland again!
A wonderful historical novel dealing with the industrial revolution, environmentalism, business, politics, womens social issues, the development of a city, and even a little romance.
Read All 36 Book Reviews of "City of Light"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

rose-juniper avatar reviewed City of Light on + 7 more book reviews
I thought it was well written. And I enjoyed the historical accuracy
rose926 avatar reviewed City of Light on + 4 more book reviews
I found it hard to like the main character in the book. I kept thinking it would get better it really never did
donnar avatar reviewed City of Light on + 22 more book reviews
This book had everything I like-history, intrigue, mystery...it was hard for me to put down!
It's set in early 1900 in Buffalo, during the rise of the electrical plants and businesses by the Niagara Falls. A young single woman is hiding a secret, while dangerous situations arise surrounding the controversial electrical power plant being built.
Written beautifully by first-time novelist Lauren Belfer, who is a native of Buffalo. She used some true characters and places, which helped enrich the historical value of this book.
nursejan avatar reviewed City of Light on + 12 more book reviews
My favorite genre is historical fiction. Being from upstate NY only added to the pleasure of this book. Stellar is a good description. This book has a cult like following. Read it and enjoy.
reviewed City of Light on + 118 more book reviews
fantastic story!


Genres: