Good historical fiction teaches at a gut level and Cartier's Hope does not disappoint. As we follow our main character, a woman with two identities, one inherited the other invented, through the streets, townhouses and tenements of New York City in the early 20th century,
…more our senses and emotions are bombarded with visceral detail. For example, you experience the growing anxiety, then outright terror, of women marching in protest, followed by a group, then a gang, of men taunting them initially with words then with physical brutality.
That said, there is a disappointing glut of stale language, as well, and early in the book my eyes were rolling with sentences like, "...I try to pretend I am not really crying. That what looks like tears are simply snowflakes melting on my cheeks."
There is also a Wikipedia-like narrative when M. J. Rose gives the reader necessary plot information, such as the history of the Hope Diamond. Her fine ability to create realistic dialog fails her when she needs to give us facts.
Overall, this book is a good read and would appeal to many audiences. The mystery, gender issues, emotional appeal, and historical re-creation make it ripe for book club discussions. (less)
