She Walks in Beauty

Bethany House recently sent me this book to review as well (kudos to them for their great blogger book review program); I thought it would be just like all of the other easy-read historical fiction books, but this one definitely had a little more substance to it!  She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell is the story of Clara Carter, a young debutante in the Gilded Age of New York City.  Her aunt is determined that Clara should make a good match and in doing so, save the family's honor.  Clara, however, longs for more than just corsets and balls for her life; she wants to go to university, to see the world, and to experience life before she hands over her dreams and wishes to a husband.  She realizes, however, that as a woman she has few options and is obliged to follow her aunt's advice and secure a proper marriage proposal from an eligible heir.  But when she meets the heir's brother, he begins to show her that she does not have to abide the expectations others place on her. 

What was really interesting about this book was that the author did not shy away from addressing the less 'desirable' aspects of life in the late-Victorian age.  She brings to light the chasm between the haves and the have nots and specifically focuses on the immigrants of New York City.  Clara soon discovers the book How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis and calls into question not only how her life affects others but also what she is called and required to do for those who are less fortunate.  Truly, Mitchell does a great job of subtly discussing these issues; hopefully individuals reading this book will be interested in these issues as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Behtny House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."