Magnum Opus
Paperback & eBook; 495 pages
Series: Newport's Gilded Age, Book 2
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis
From the bestselling author of GILDED SUMMERS comes a powerful novel of the last eight years of the American Women’s fight for suffrage.
The battle for the vote is on fire in America. The powerful and rich women of Newport, Rhode Island, are not only some of the most involved suffragettes, their wealth - especially that of the indomitable Alva Vanderbilt Belmont - nearly single-handedly funded the major suffrage parties. Yet they have been left out of history, tossed aside as mere socialites. In GILDED DREAMS, they reclaim their rightful place in history.
Pearl and Ginevra (GILDED SUMMERS) are two of its most ardent warriors. College graduates, professional women, wives, and mothers, these progressive women have fought their way through some of life’s harshest challenges, yet they survived, yet they thrive. Now they set their sights on the vote, the epitome of all they have struggled for, the embodiment of their dreams.
From the sinking of the Titanic, through World War 1, Pearl and Ginevra are once more put to the test as they fight against politics, outdated beliefs, and the most cutting opponent of all... other women. Yet they will not rest until their voices are heard, until they - and all the women of America - are allowed to cast their vote. But to gain it, they must overcome yet more obstacles, some that put their very lives in danger.
An emotional and empowering journey, GILDED DREAMS is a historical, action-packed love letter to the women who fought so hard for all women who stand on the shoulders of their triumph.
My Thoughts
Twelve years have passed since Pearl, a socialite, and Ginevra, an Italian immigrant, fled Newport, Rhode Island, to escape a scandal and follow their dreams. They have since returned to Newport as wives, mothers and graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design, with successful careers in their chosen fields: Pearl as an artist and Ginevra as a fashion designer.
Their lives are happy until Pearl receives the shocking news that her parents, her brother and his wife are victims of the Titanic sinking. When Pearl learns she cannot inherit her father's estate, as by law it passes to her husband, she is devastated, hurt and angry. Ginevra is equally dismayed to learn that if her husband dies, even though she is a naturalized American citizen, she is liable to be deported back to Italy.
The unfairness of these two laws act as a catalyst for Pearl and Ginevra to become actively involved in the suffragette cause. Over the following eight years, as the campaign escalates, they are subjected to violence, harrassment and vandalism. Their livelihoods are also threatened. However, they refuse to be intimidated and continue to work steadfastly towards their goal, bemoaning the set backs and celebrating the small victories, and sometimes jeopardising their friendship.
No scene has touched me more than Pearl's harrowing and heartbreaking task of identifying her family in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. The horror of seeing all those bodies laid out and then having to look at each one until she found her relatives remains imprinted on my mind. This is not the only emotionally charged event in the novel, for World War I also brings sadness and loss for Pearl and Ginevra.
I'm not as familiar with the struggle for women's votes in America as I am of that in my own country, although I am familiar with the various historical figures who appear in this novel: Susan B. Anthony, Julia Ward Howe, Consuelo Vanderbilt and her mother, Alva, who sheds her socialite persona to become a driving force for women's rights. No matter which country, women from all classes of society were united in a common cause and the sacrifices made were the same.
While Gilded Dreams does well as a standalone, if possible, I recommend you read the series in order. Reading Gilded Summers first gave me a better understanding of Pearl and Ginevra's friendship and the way of life that Pearl relinquished to pursue her dreams.
Gilded Dreams is a wonderful novel. Donna Russo Martin has delivered a compelling, informative and emotionally engaging story that will resonate with all readers. It is definitely a must-read for all historical fiction fans who enjoy novels with strong female characters.
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Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, August 10
Review at Books, Cooks, and Looks
Wednesday, August 12
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Friday, August 14
Review at Books, Writings, and More
Saturday, August 15
Review at Reading is My Remedy
Monday, August 17
Review at Amy's Booket List
Wednesday, August 19
Review at Book Bustle
Friday, August 21
Guest Post at The Intrepid Reader
Monday, August 24
Review at Books and Zebras
Tuesday, August 25
Feature at What Is That Book About
Wednesday, August 26
Review at The Love of Books
Friday, August 28
Interview at Passages to the Past
Monday, August 31
Review at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, September 2
Excerpt at Bookworlder
Friday, September 4
Review at A Darn Good Read
Giveaway (US only)
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of the book + a painting of a scene from the book painted by the author! To enter, please use the Gleam form HERE.
Giveaway is open to US residents only and on September 4th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Thank you so much for this excellent review, Yvonne!
ReplyDeleteAmy
HF Virtual Book Tours
It was a great read!
DeleteNice review!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marg!
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