The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
Title: The American Heiress
Author: Daisy Goodwin
Genre: Fiction (Historical / late 19th century / American / British / Peerage / Marriage)
Publisher/Publication Date: St. Martin's Press (6/21/2011)
Source: The publisher
Rating: Liked a great deal -- ice cream sundae delicious!
Did I finish?: Yes -- gobbled it up like the aforementioned sundae.
One-sentence summary: A rich American girl sets off for Europe and lands a prize catch in the form of of a Duke -- but is it happily ever after?
Reading Challenges: British Books, Historical Fiction
Do I like the cover?: Love it -- although I'm not sure the dress exactly resembles one from the late 1890s. Still, it's a striking cover that evokes the luxury and elegance of the era.
I'm reminded of...: Jeanne Kalogridis, Amanda Prantera, Suzanne M. Wolfe
First line: The visiting hour was almost over, so the hummingbird man encountered only the occasional carriage as he pushed his cart along the narrow strip of road between the mansions of Newport and the Atlantic Ocean.
Did... I love richer-than-words Cora Cash?: YES. Typically this isn't the kind of heroine I'd fall for, but from the first page I found Cora a really marvelous mix of boldness and insecurity that felt real and compelling. I cared, from the first page to the last, about her.
Did... I enjoy this novel despite being unfamiliar with the Browning poem, 'My Last Duchess'?: YES, although after the fact I found the poem and it's fantastic -- short and delightful!
Does... this book have hints of Gothic, a la Henry James and Daphne du Maurier?: YES, and those are two of my favorite authors. Yum!
Buy, Borrow, or Avoid?: The paperback has just been released -- get it! It's exactly what I love in a summer read and as I describe it in my review, it's frothy like a sweet cocktail.
Why did I get this book?: The era is a favorite of mine and I just fell in love with the cover.
Review: This might win for best vacation fluff of the summer, and I mean that in the awesomest way. I've seen Anna Godbersen's YA Luxe series described as Edith Wharton meets Gossip Girl, and I would say that this novel is a grown-up version of the Luxe books. Or, how about this: ever had a gin fizz? This is the book equivalent of that light, frothy, fruity, delicious cocktail.
I had to post a Teaser earlier today because I was literally delighted by this story from the first handful of pages, and it honestly gets better from there. Set during the Gilded Age, the story follows American heiress Cora Cash as she hunts, and marries, an English noble. Even though Goodwin's writing is effortless it isn't thin: it's clear she's done her research and her tone balances the utterly serious way high society viewed itself with darkly comedic moments and pointed commentary offered in a very pointed manner. It has Gothic elements, fantastic descriptions of houses and dresses and meals, plenty of intrigue, and a heroine who is self-absorbed and guileless in equal part. Cora actually sold me on the story, from the first: she's outrageous and out-of-touch, but young and unsure in her own way. She made me care for her eventual happiness, even if I'm not normally the type to cheer for rich heiresses!
Bottom line: get this book, pour yourself a silly cocktail, and settle in for some very ostentatious fun!
*** *** ***
GIVEAWAY! The publisher has generously offered a giveaway of The American Heiress to one lucky reader! To enter, leave a comment with your email address. Open to US/CA readers, closes 8/5. I have an interview with the author, Daisy Goodwin -- comment there for another chance to enter!
Author: Daisy Goodwin
Genre: Fiction (Historical / late 19th century / American / British / Peerage / Marriage)
Publisher/Publication Date: St. Martin's Press (6/21/2011)
Source: The publisher
Rating: Liked a great deal -- ice cream sundae delicious!
Did I finish?: Yes -- gobbled it up like the aforementioned sundae.
One-sentence summary: A rich American girl sets off for Europe and lands a prize catch in the form of of a Duke -- but is it happily ever after?
Reading Challenges: British Books, Historical Fiction
Do I like the cover?: Love it -- although I'm not sure the dress exactly resembles one from the late 1890s. Still, it's a striking cover that evokes the luxury and elegance of the era.
I'm reminded of...: Jeanne Kalogridis, Amanda Prantera, Suzanne M. Wolfe
First line: The visiting hour was almost over, so the hummingbird man encountered only the occasional carriage as he pushed his cart along the narrow strip of road between the mansions of Newport and the Atlantic Ocean.
Did... I love richer-than-words Cora Cash?: YES. Typically this isn't the kind of heroine I'd fall for, but from the first page I found Cora a really marvelous mix of boldness and insecurity that felt real and compelling. I cared, from the first page to the last, about her.
Did... I enjoy this novel despite being unfamiliar with the Browning poem, 'My Last Duchess'?: YES, although after the fact I found the poem and it's fantastic -- short and delightful!
Does... this book have hints of Gothic, a la Henry James and Daphne du Maurier?: YES, and those are two of my favorite authors. Yum!
Buy, Borrow, or Avoid?: The paperback has just been released -- get it! It's exactly what I love in a summer read and as I describe it in my review, it's frothy like a sweet cocktail.
Why did I get this book?: The era is a favorite of mine and I just fell in love with the cover.
Review: This might win for best vacation fluff of the summer, and I mean that in the awesomest way. I've seen Anna Godbersen's YA Luxe series described as Edith Wharton meets Gossip Girl, and I would say that this novel is a grown-up version of the Luxe books. Or, how about this: ever had a gin fizz? This is the book equivalent of that light, frothy, fruity, delicious cocktail.
I had to post a Teaser earlier today because I was literally delighted by this story from the first handful of pages, and it honestly gets better from there. Set during the Gilded Age, the story follows American heiress Cora Cash as she hunts, and marries, an English noble. Even though Goodwin's writing is effortless it isn't thin: it's clear she's done her research and her tone balances the utterly serious way high society viewed itself with darkly comedic moments and pointed commentary offered in a very pointed manner. It has Gothic elements, fantastic descriptions of houses and dresses and meals, plenty of intrigue, and a heroine who is self-absorbed and guileless in equal part. Cora actually sold me on the story, from the first: she's outrageous and out-of-touch, but young and unsure in her own way. She made me care for her eventual happiness, even if I'm not normally the type to cheer for rich heiresses!
Bottom line: get this book, pour yourself a silly cocktail, and settle in for some very ostentatious fun!
*** *** ***
GIVEAWAY! The publisher has generously offered a giveaway of The American Heiress to one lucky reader! To enter, leave a comment with your email address. Open to US/CA readers, closes 8/5. I have an interview with the author, Daisy Goodwin -- comment there for another chance to enter!
Ooh! I would love the chance to read this one, and see what I make of the main character. It does sound like a really interesting read, and I thank you for sharing your thoughts on it with us. I'd love to be entered in your giveaway, and thanks for hosting it!
ReplyDeletezibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
I've seen this one and I REALLY want to read it. Please count me in. I love the way that you describe it!
ReplyDeleteteresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com
Great review! Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the contest!
ReplyDeleteanaavu@gmail.com
Would love to win a copy of this book!
ReplyDeleteslkenn79 (at) gmail (dot) com
Would love a chance to win this. Looks like a fun read.
ReplyDeleteamandask66 AT gmail DOT com
thanks!
This sounds like one both my mother and I would like. Please enter me in your great contest! kathy(at)bermudaonion.net
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway, and for the heads up on Shelfari!
ReplyDeleteLaura Hartness
CalicoCritic at gmail dot com
Now I want it too :D There is just something over it, and it is an age I seldom (if ever) get to read about
ReplyDeleteDoes...this book have hints of Gothic, a la Henry James and Daphne du Maurier?: YES
ReplyDeleteWhat?! Can't believe that none of the other reviews I have read pointed out that all-changing piece of deliciousness. Guess which book I am pulling out from my TBR stack tonight :-) (No need to enter me in the giveaway.) Thank you, Audra!
Oh, I would love to win this one. I keep hearing fun things about it!
ReplyDeletenomadreaderblog@gmail.com
Oh yay, yay, yay! I'm reading this one next week! Looking forward to it now! (So no need to enter me :)
ReplyDeletelooks super good
ReplyDeletecwyant3497@gmail.com
Henry James and Daphne du Marier? I'm sold!
ReplyDeletearcookson at yahoo dotcom
I would love to win! dthicks (at) yahoo (dot) com.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
OK, you've convinced me. AND now I want an ice cream sundae, too. or that cocktail but it is still mid day.
ReplyDeletebkclubcare AT gmail
I would love to win this book...you had me at an adult version of the Luxe books and the gin fiz comparison!
ReplyDeletejunegirl63(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the opportunity, would love to win.
ReplyDeletelittleone AT shaw DOt ca
This one sounds so good! I've been hoping to win one ever since I saw it on goodreads a while back. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMargaret
singitm@hotmail.com
This sounds like a very interesting read! Thanks for the chance to win a copy :)
ReplyDeletejwitt33 at live dot com
Count me in please :)
ReplyDeletequixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com
Glad to see you loved this one. I had the audio, but thought the story very descriptive, but the characters were not well developed IMO.
ReplyDeleteI listened to this on audiobook and LOVED it! I love this time period and loved Cora! And the cover is to die for!
ReplyDeletecount me in!
ReplyDeletejeskimo.kimono@gmail.com!
Ok, this review has me intrigued. I had no intention of being interested in this book until this in your review "Browning poem, 'My Last Duchess'" That has my attention!
ReplyDeleteplease enter me. savvyverseandwit at gmail
Thanks!
I don't think I've ever read anything about this era. I've seen this at the store and I think that now I need to buy it :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a delightful read (confessing to being tempted by the frothy cocktail description ;D.) Also I love a hint of duMaurier in my reading. And Newport. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. Please enter me into the giveaway...
ReplyDeletelitendeavors@gmail.com
Oh, I would love to read this book! Please enter me!
ReplyDeleteShana S.
shanaelyse@gmail.com
This book has definitely made it on my wish list. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteashley.l.mikowski@gmail.com
Great review, the book sounds amazing I would love to read this one, please enter me.
ReplyDeletenataliej0209@yahoo.ca
Great review! This sounds like a book I would definitely love to read. I'm a big fan of the time period and love Edith Wharton and Anna Godbersen's the Luxe. I can't wait for your interview tih Daisy Goodwin.
ReplyDeletelaarlt78(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thank-you for the chance to win!
would love to read this novel...thanks for the chance :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I would love the chance to win a copy of this! I'm looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeletemamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I'd love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteclenna at aol dot com
I'd love to read this book, it's on my tbr list, thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteLissette_125 AT hotmail DOT com
This book looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteteddybrgrrl@sbcglobal.net
This book sounds so good! I cannot wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletecandc320@gmail.com
I love there period and the subject. I think reading this book would give me a little window into my grandmother's life. She was a child in the 1890s but I think she experienced some of the richness of that era. I would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteCarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I would loveeee to read this book!! plus the cover is so beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteilepachequin(at)hotmail(dot)com
I saw this book at BN last week - I put it on my wish list! Thanks for the chance to win it!
ReplyDeleteJill
Seasidebooknook at yahoo dot com
Well, based on your rave review of this one, I'd love to give it a shot. Please count me in. Thank you!
ReplyDeletenfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Sounds like an interesting read! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletecarpenyx (at) gmail.com
Given you are comparing it to a sundae sign me up please.
ReplyDeletechocolate and croissants at yahoo . com
Please sign me up. Thanks!!!!
ReplyDelete