Finished 6-29-10, rating 5/5, historical fiction, pub. 2002
A jealous anger surged through Fiona. Sod good relations; Millie Peterson had just crossed the line. “You feeling ill, Millie?”
“Ill?” Millie eyeing her like so much rubbish. “No, I’m fine.”
“Really? You look like you might fall over, leaning on Joe like that. Joe, why don’t you get Millie a crate to sit on?
“There’s no need, thank you,” Millie snapped. She removed her hand from Joe’s arm.
“If you say so. Wouldn’t want you to faint away. Maybe your jacket’s too tight.”
“Why, you little cow!” Millie cried, her cheeks turning red.
“Better a cow than a bitch.”
Chapter 1
Fiona, a tea factory worker, and Joe, a born salesman, grow up and in love in the working class neighborhood of Whitechapel in 1880’s East London. They are both saving every cent they can so that one day they can open up their own tea business. But life has way of changing in a heartbeat. Joe makes the mistake of a lifetime and Fiona loses almost everyone she loves. Forced to flee the country Fiona makes her way to New York City and her indomitable spirit and smarts give her a life she had hardly imagined.
I loved it and I feel like that should be enough to convince you to pick it up. Need more? It is a heavily addictive, 550+ page saga that will have you reading every spare moment you have. It covers the true plight of the working class, Jack the Ripper, a new and vibrant New York City, the tea trade, and the forming of the unions. I listed it as historical fiction, but I do think it is at heart a love story. Take away all of the excitement, the struggle, and the success and you really have two people struggling with the loss of each other. It has many elements of a romance, but is so much more.
Fiona is a strong, bold woman, which is why I included the excerpt above, who is capable of making her own way in a man’s world. The losses in her life are heartbreaking and I was rooting for her happiness. I loved her story. And Donnelly also tells the story of Joe, back in London and his plight of finding his own happiness.
I know there is a sequel and I plan on getting my hands on it soon. I highly recommend you give this one a read and see what you think.
This is from my personal library and was chosen by Mary, Linda, Melody, Jennifer, ‘Nise, Sandee, Bonnie, and Kathrin. Here’s what they had to say…
“This is one of my favorite books. Richly written saga based in England and there is a sequel that is just as good.” Bonnie
“It was a favorite read of 08” “Nise
“I enjoyed it and hope to read The Winter Rose this winter.” Jennifer
“A lovely rags-to-riches saga about an Irish girl. I also enjoyed the sequel, and am anxiously awaiting a third book.” Linda
“Entertaining saga with a sequel to follow it – which is always nice!” Mary
“I want to read that one in 2010 as well” Kathrin
This sounds so good – like the perfect book to get lost in. I bet my mother would love it!
It is the perfect book to get lost in 🙂
This is not one that I would normally gravitate to, but you since you loved it, I’ll have to keep an eye out for it. I need a story to get lost in.
I really think you’d like it, Carol.
I devoured this in just a few days back in the pre-blogging era. Glad you enjoyed it, too!
I like the sound of this one! Terrific review, Stacy.
It’s my third 5 star book of the year. Either Im getting soft or I’m reading better books 🙂
Did not read your review but saw the 5/5 and that was enough for me. I’ll come back and read this after I read my copy.
P.S.
Don’t think you are getting soft. Just finding really great books to read.
Hope you like it 🙂
I don’t need any convincing to pick up a Jennifer Donnelly book! (but reminders are good – I tend to get waylaid by my TBR pile – but heaven forbid I should be restricted by it!)
This is my first Donnelly book but it won’t be my last.
Oh good! I’m so glad you liked it 🙂
Thanks for the great pick 🙂
Glad you liked this one. I am looking forward to the third book in the series The Wild Rose due in 2011, I think.
Not sure when I’ll get to the second one, but I’m obviously looking forward to it!
I’ve been hearing raves about this book for years. It sits on my shelf, naturally, and is still unread. Is this the year for it? Hope so!
Hope you can find the time to read it.
I really enjoyed it, too.
Here’s my take on it… http://bagsbooksandbonjovi.blogspot.com/2009/07/23-of-31.html
I hope you read the sequel, soon. You’ll like it, too.
I looked at your review post and think that’s how the book ended up on my shelf in the first place. Thanks 🙂
I read this book twice – the second one accidentally! But I enjoyed it both times. This is the perfect historical romance and I did get emotionally invested in the plights of Joe and Fiona. Addictive is a good description for it.
Between you and Nise I really need to read this series!!!
I loved this book as well when I read it. I have the followup Winter Rose, but have not read it.
How can I resist the cow/bitch line!
This looks like one I would love too.
I loved the cover when i saw it. I would buy this for that 🙂
I am glad you like it, I would definitely give it a try 🙂
I’m glad you liked it! I totally devoured this book and the sequel and am really, really impatient for the next one. I thought it was due out this year, but sadly no. Looks like she has a new YA novel coming out, I’ll have to let that tide me over.
Seems like a great book to tuck in our bags for vacation! I really like this format, with your friends choosing the book, and listing their comments along with your review.
I read the 2nd book The Winter Rose first so it was fun for me to go back to the beginning. Both are awesome. The Wild Rose is due out in 2011.
This sounds like a great book. I love the cover and the passage you quoted. I’m adding this to my list of books to check out.
I really liked this book, but absolutely loved The Winter Rose! There were a lot less near misses, and coincidences in Winter Rose than there were in this one!
I am so excited at the prospect of finally knowing that The Wild Rose is on it’s way. I have been waiting for that book for what feels like forever.