Helpful Score: 3
This book purports to be the story of three women. It is not however just about those women. It is also about the men who orbit around their lives. It crosses from Ireland all the way to the battlefields. Each chapter is told from one of the characters points of view. I found this an easy way to keep up with the various characters.
I was engaged in the storyline. I found myself really enjoying reading the book and letting the plot unfold with each narrative. This book truly deserves all the honors it has gotten. It has taken three days of NYC history and illuminated it for me.
This book is WELL worth the read.
I was engaged in the storyline. I found myself really enjoying reading the book and letting the plot unfold with each narrative. This book truly deserves all the honors it has gotten. It has taken three days of NYC history and illuminated it for me.
This book is WELL worth the read.
Helpful Score: 3
Historical Fiction at its finest detailing the draft riot of 1863 in New York City. Author takes you into the minds and hearts of the rioters and three women who are affected by the riots. Also emphasizes how the African Americans were the scapegoats for those who opposed the draft on the union side of the Civil War. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a glimpse into America's past.
Helpful Score: 2
I'm not normally a fan of historical fiction, but this was an excellent book. The book is ~700 pages long and I think I read it in two days because I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this one.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm the odd person out on this book. This book can be summed up as "Life's a bitch and then you die" I forced myself to page 467 and just couldn't punish myself any longer. Excessively long, dull, depressing and lacking a single character to give a hoot about. I don't know how the book ends and I don't care.
"Rich in color and drama" it said on cover...so right! When you read the first two chapters or so, you're not quite into it...but keep going. What a wonderful glimpse into early New York and the poor and struggling, combined with anger and frustration over the civil war and deaths from the civil war. Well worth the read.
Interesting, fast moving, violent tale of NYC, focusing on 3 main female characters caught up in the Draft/Race riots of 1863. If you are disturbed by un-PC language, brutal violence, and descriptions of starvation, etc. (Ireland) this book is not for you.
