There's nothing better for me than a book that makes history come alive. This book succeeds. The author has a marvelous ability to take dry facts and turn them into an engrossing story that let me feel like I was in the midst of the world in 1889.

My only criticism is that I wanted to know how the outcome would have changed had Bly waited for the rails to be cleared of snow. Regardless, a great read. Definitely recommended.

I didn't know what to expect so I entered cautiously. It is unlike anything I'd read before, but in a good way. Fun story with a great dry sense of humor. I enjoyed the characters the most, particularly Henri. (I wanted to hang out with him!). Recommended.

One of the few books that had me nodding and smiling in agreement with the author as I read along. I was so "in sync" with the feelings and emotions Ms. Napoli used to describe her life at the mid-career point that I felt validated that I wasn't the only one who was experiencing the world the way I do. This sense of identification with an author happens very rarely for me so I really enjoyed the book. Highly recommended.

A fantastic story told by a very talented writer with a gift of picking ideal adjectives. To wit: "capacious nostrils" and "mouthful of humiliation" -- and that's in the first 10 pages. I wish I could pay a visit to Ms. Stuart's Tower!