Author: Cynthia G Neale
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Fireship Press
Publish Date: 2011
Source: I received a copy from the publisher; however, this did not affect my review.
Why You're Reading This Book:
- You're a historical fiction fan.
- You love memorable characters.
Summary: "Once she was a
child of hunger, but now Norah McCabe is a woman with courage, passion, and
reckless dreams. Her story is one of survival, intrigue, and love. This Irish
immigrant woman cannot be narrowly defined! She dons Paris fashion and opens a
used-clothing store, is attacked by a vicious police commissioner, joins a
movement to free Ireland, and attends a National Women's Rights Convention. And
love comes to her slowly one night on a dark street, ensnared by the great Mr.
Murray, essayist and gang leader extraordinaire. Norah is
the story of a woman who confronts prejudice, violence, and greed in a city
that mystifies and helps to mold her into becoming an Irish-American woman."
My Two Cents:
"Norah"
is the story of a young Irish immigrant woman making her way through
the wilds of New York City in the mid-1800s. I have always been
fascinated by immigrant stories. It's amazing to me how many people came
to the United States without knowing anyone or almost anything about
the country that was to become their home. Norah has an uphill battle to
fight as she is both Irish and a woman, two groups that were not
treated particularly kindly. I enjoyed following her story.
Norah is a really good character and I definitely enjoyed reading about her. In many ways, she seems to have come well before her time. She is independent and fearless. She realizes that because she is a woman and Irish that she is going to have to work just that much harder in order to be accepted but she is most definitely up for the challenge, which you have to appreciate about her. There is a lot going on in this book, which sometimes made it hard to keep track of Norah's story but overall, I really enjoyed following her story.
I did want to understand a little bit more about Norah's motivations, especially when it came to her romances in the book. Why did she fall so quickly? Was there an ulterior motive that we didn't see? Was it her way of trying to make a place in the world for herself?
I really liked the setting of the book. New York City is one of my favorite places to read about. I especially like reading about NYC in the 19th century and early 20th century. I really thought the author did a great job of capturing the setting and the danger that was present in all of the corners of Norah's neighborhood with all of the gangs and political implications. The setting definitely felt lifelike and will be a great treat for my fellow historical fiction fans.
Norah is a really good character and I definitely enjoyed reading about her. In many ways, she seems to have come well before her time. She is independent and fearless. She realizes that because she is a woman and Irish that she is going to have to work just that much harder in order to be accepted but she is most definitely up for the challenge, which you have to appreciate about her. There is a lot going on in this book, which sometimes made it hard to keep track of Norah's story but overall, I really enjoyed following her story.
I did want to understand a little bit more about Norah's motivations, especially when it came to her romances in the book. Why did she fall so quickly? Was there an ulterior motive that we didn't see? Was it her way of trying to make a place in the world for herself?
I really liked the setting of the book. New York City is one of my favorite places to read about. I especially like reading about NYC in the 19th century and early 20th century. I really thought the author did a great job of capturing the setting and the danger that was present in all of the corners of Norah's neighborhood with all of the gangs and political implications. The setting definitely felt lifelike and will be a great treat for my fellow historical fiction fans.
Review at Broken Teepee
Feature & Giveaway at Bibliophilic Blog
Tuesday, January 28
Review at Daisy Row Diaries
Friday, January 31Guest Post at The Little Reader Library
Saturday, February 1
Review at HF Book Muse News
Review to appear in Montreal Examiner
Monday, February 3
Review at A Bookish Affair
Giveaway begins at English Historical Fiction Authors
Guest Post: "Advice to Aspiring Authors and Finding Joy in Everyday Life" Karen Randau
Tuesday, February 4
Review at Reaching Out With Reviews
Wednesday, February 5
Review at Reflections of a Reader
Thursday, February 6
Review at Me, Bookshelf and I
Friday, February 7
Review at She Reads Novels
Monday, February 10
Guest Post at The Bookworm
Tuesday, February 11
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Interview with Cynthia Neale February 14
Wednesday, February 12
Review at Confessions of an Avid Reader
Thursday, February 13
Guest post at Outtakes from a Historical Novelist with Kim Rendfeld
Monday, February 17
Review at Mary Donnarumma Sharnick
Tuesday, February 18
Review at TheBookAddictedHousewife
Interview with Cynthia Neale February 20
Wednesday, February 19
Review and Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
Thanks for the engaging review. Glad you enjoyed Norah. I also find immigrant stories particularly fascinating and courageous. Going to a new country with no safety net whatsoever and no way to return home is an act of great bravery!
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