The Social Graces
Product ID: 300650353
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The USA Today Bestseller! Named one of 2021’s Most Anticipated Historical Novels by Oprah Daily ∙ SheReads ∙ Frolic ∙ BookReporter ∙ and more... The author of Park Avenue Summer throws back the curtain on one of the most remarkable feuds in history: Alva Vanderbilt and the Mrs. Astor's notorious battle for control of New York society during the Gilded Age. 1876 . In the glittering world of Manhattan's upper crust, women are valued by their pedigree, dowry, and, most importantly, connections. They have few rights and even less independence—what they do have is society. The more celebrated the hostess, the more powerful the woman. And none is more powerful than Caroline Astor— the Mrs. Astor. But times are changing. Alva Vanderbilt has recently married into one of America's richest families. But what good is dizzying wealth when society refuses to acknowledge you? Alva, who knows what it is to have nothing, will do whatever it takes to have everything. Sweeping three decades and based on true events, this is the mesmerizing story of two fascinating, complicated women going head to head, behaving badly, and discovering what’s truly at stake. Review: The book looked brand new - Great book great price great condition Review: good overall - I liked the characters but the story was a slow read for me personally. But historically it was pretty much on key
| Best Sellers Rank | #70,198 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #153 in Biographical Historical Fiction #2,107 in Literary Fiction (Books) #4,430 in Women's Literature & Fiction |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 6,517 Reviews |
M**A
The book looked brand new
Great book great price great condition
S**E
good overall
I liked the characters but the story was a slow read for me personally. But historically it was pretty much on key
K**R
The social graces
Fascinating reading about a bygone era , along with its main characters and valves, that once existed in New York City. What we now view as outlandish was once the norm. Great historical research.
K**R
Highly Readable, However......
This was an interesting and educational read, very true to history. I recommend it. My only complaints are the huge gaps in time leaving us unaware of how certain storylines played out and the dialect was far too modern. That makes it easier for people to understand but she could have come closer to the vernacular of the time. But I've been accused of being a purist. Still, I recommend it.
K**E
Book club read
We all agreed in our book club that this was a good read! I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it turned out to be. Just reading about the differences in culture between the mid to late 1800s and now was one thing but wow these ladies were dripping in cash! Lots of twists and turns and some good lessons in what is really important.
B**R
gilded age review
I love this book. Really gives you insight on the society of the gilded age. It makes me want to read more about it
J**I
Im here because i love the Gilded age tv show
Im here because I love the Gilded age show and im so glad I bought this book. I felt like I was exchanging letters with these titans of high society. Wonderfully written
S**Y
Entertaining, escapist, and educational tale of NY Society in the Gilded Age
Entertaining historical fiction about the Gilded Age and the true-life story of the formidable original “Knickerbocker” old New York money family, the Astors, and the upstart nouveaux riche (and crass) Vanderbilt clan. At the heart, this book is really about the rivalry between Society’s queen, “Mrs. Astor”, and fiery outsider, Alva Vanderbilt. The retelling of the two families’ fortunes takes place over 4 decades and is replete with detailed historical facts about the construction of the Metropolitan Opera house, the building of the famed Waldorf-Astoria hotel (the origin story is a hoot) and the excesses of the rich and famous behaving their worst at raucous parties while the poor literally picketed outside. It makes the 1980’s Wall St greed look tame. Rating this 4 stars as I appreciated not just the deft, if fictionalized, retelling of two Society families, but the education about the true essence of the Gilded Age and the horrible power imbalance between the sexes (not too far a cry from the early 19th century English Regency period, for those Bridgerton fans out there).
J**B
Great
So good!! Tore through it.
L**3
Un cadeau qui a fait plaisir !
Difficile d'en dire plus car je ne l'ai pas lu mais la personne a qui je l'ai offert été plus que ravie !
J**Y
Captivating
I love that this is based on real people and real events. Renee has a flair to give the story life.
E**Y
Absolutely Fabulous Book!
I so enjoyed this book which I stumbled on quite by accident via the The Newport Preservation Society. It opens the door onto a world which is within touching distance of our own but which was so very different. I loved the character portrayals which are rooted in history but have fictional stories woven around them. Excellent insight into the Gilded Age.
A**.
Buen libro
Ese libro lo compré para regalárselo a mi hijo
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