Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia
Format: Paperback
Pages: 672
Genre: Historical Fiction, Family Saga
Synopsis
Obstetrician Dr. Sophie Savard returns home to the achingly familiar rhythms of Manhattan in the early spring of 1884 to rebuild her life after the death of her husband. With the help of Dr. Anna Savard, her dearest friend, cousin, and fellow physician she plans to continue her work aiding the disadvantaged women
society would rather forget.
As Sophie sets out to construct a new life for herself, Anna's husband, Detective-Sergeant Jack Mezzanotte calls on them both to consult on two new cases: the wife of a prominent banker has disappeared into thin air, and the corpse of a young woman is found with baffling wounds that suggest a killer is on the loose. In New York it seems that the advancement of women has brought out the worst in some men. Unable to ignore the plight of New York's less fortunate, these intrepid cousins draw on all resources to protect their patients.
My Thoughts
Where the Light Enters is the sequel to The Gilded Hour. I considered reading the first book before diving into this one, but was concerned that I wouldn't have time to read two large books before my review deadline. In hindsight, I could have done it easily and I'm a little annoyed with myself for not making the attempt. I found, however, that Where the Light Enters can be enjoyed as a standalone novel as the author weaves snippets of previous events and family history into the current narrative. There is enough backstory to satisfy those who have not read the first book.
Part I of the book is unusual as it is made up of letters, newspaper articles, telegrams and even a New York City Police case file. These immediately bring the reader and Sophie Savard, who is in Switzerland as the story opens, up to date with what has been happening in New York during her absence.
On her return, Sophie faces a new phase of her life as a wealthy widow. Her aim is to fund a scholarship programme for coloured girls who want to study medicine. To do so, she has to battle the prejudices against women and race, the fallout from her own inter-racial marriage, the constraints of society and the ever watchful eyes of the press. But Sophie, like her cousin Anna, is courageous and has the support of her extended family, loyal friends and employees.
Apart from Sophie's adjustment to being a widow and newly wed Anna's to being a wife, there is a mystery element to this story which is carried over from the previous novel and is referred to as the multipara murders. When two new cases are investigated by Detectives Jack Mezzanotte and Oscar Maroney, Sophie and Anna's medical expertise proves invaluable.
This is a very complex novel with many sub-plots, characters and themes: the plight of orphans and the poor, religion, women's health, racism, crime and politics to name a few. It is a story of strong women who are acknowledged, loved and respected by their families and especially by the men in their lives. There is adversity and sadness counterbalanced by the security of a loving family and its traditions.
The scope of this novel is impressive. I loved every aspect of it. Sara Donati's skill as a story teller had me flying through those 672 pages, totally immersed in the lives of the characters and New York of the 1880s. Yes, it can be read as a standalone, but it left me wanting to know how Jack and Anna's relationship started and that of Cap and Sophie. So, what I'm saying is, perhaps it's a good idea to read The Gilded Hour first, although you're in for a treat no matter what you decide!
Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia for a complimentary copy of this book.
Links to the other participants in the blog tour can be found HERE.
No comments:
Post a Comment