Author: Lindsay Faye
Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books
Series: Timothy Wilde Mystery, Bk 1
ISBN: 9780399158377
Length: 411
Obtained: Library copy
Why this book?:
I have an ARC of the second book, Seven for a Secret and had to read in order.
Comments:
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this. It sounded pretty dark and gloomy, so I was concerned. And yet I was intrigued at the same time. What would life in early New York have been like? What would the start of what is now the NYPD Blue be like?
It is dark. With child prostitution, people starving and doing horrible things because of it, extreme poverty, overcrowding, and rampant prejudices/discrimination/etc.... Wow. It's a look at history that I, personally, haven't seen, or at the least considered, before. Anyway, a major focus of this book is the extreme Irish immigration, the negative feelings toward them, and of course the religious clash of Catholic versus Protestant.
I saw it compared to Gangs of New York... I honestly can't say whether this is or isn't like that, because I don't remember details of that movie, just the feelings of dislike. But this. This I really enjoyed. In fact, I'd have to say this is one of the top books I've read so far this year.
Perhaps the largest part of my enjoyment, despite the atrocities and outrageously disgusting events and "realities" portrayed is the main character, Timothy Wilde. I accidentally saw a review (I try to avoid reading them before writing a post) that said something about Timothy being too perfect. I believe that particular reviewer felt that no one during that time could be that free of prejudices. I think that is poppycock. You don't have to have the same beliefs as everyone around you. Part of change is people believing in something and making that change. Besides, Timothy had prejudices, he just didn't assume they made other people less than human.
Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox. I read the ARC of the second book in this series, Seven for a Secret, already and should be posting on that soon.
Some videos for you....
Kinda lengthy, but includes reading and talk/answers to questions:
And a walking tour (poor quality video, but interesting to see where everything would take place):
I like your review very much! I saw part of the dvd Gangs of New York with hunky Leo DiCaprio, then left my husband to watch the rest himself as I found it kind of violent for my taste. (I do better handling violence in books than in movies). I think I would like this book very much. First of all, I am somewhat familiar with NY history as I have lived in the state off and on during my life and some of my relatives were from Ireland, so I've heard stories of the early years here.
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing this title out to me. I will check into it further and probably put on my wishlist. :)
Thanks! I saw Gangs of New York theaters with a cousin/friend, and we almost walked out early. But it I don't remember what I disliked or even know if I still would dislike it.
DeleteIn a very distant sort of way I know details of the history. I know there was the potato famine, vast numbers of Irish coming in, prejudice, etc. But knowing that in some abstract way and reading details (even fictional details) is incredibly different.
Let me know what you think once/if you read it.