What do readers think of Strong Passions by Barbara Weisberg? Write your own review.

Barbara Weisberg has given the world another fine book. Even in light of the unfolding of this true tale of a tempestuous union, with all its details, she manages to keep us engaged through all the passions and the circumstances that both bind and divide a marriage and a family. The story may be centered within privileged New York society in the 1860's, yet STRONG PASSIONS comes along when marriage, sexuality, and gender seem front and center, even in these times, both legally and within the court of public opinion.

This non fiction account of a scandalous divorce in the 1860s reads like a novel. We learn much about societal norms, gender inequality, class and the court system of the time. Truth can be stranger than fiction and this story must have been the height of gossip in the upper middle class parlors of old New York. Well written, I would highly recommend.

This book hooked me from the first page, and I couldn't read it fast enough. Sometimes non-fiction can be dry, but this book reads like a novel. Such a well-written and well-researched book on a divorce from the 1800s - when divorce was scandalous. I really enjoyed reading this one and feel as if it would appeal to a very large audience. Very good book!

This book has all of today's current issues at the forefront - adultery, abortion, child custody, and women's rights to name a few. But what is remarkable about it is that it takes place in the 19th century. The more things change, the more they stay the same. At times I found myself in a state of disbelief at what was expected from women and the power men wielded over them. The author is very successful in pulling the reader in as a "member of the jury" when reading the various testimonies at the trial. At times I was on the edge wondering if the divorce would be denied and who wasn't telling the truth. This is non-fiction reading like fiction and hard to put down. This would be an excellent book for book groups. There is so much to talk about the discussion could go on for hours. In conclusion, if you are a history buff or you like how historical fiction reads or you are fiery about women's rights, then put this book on your "Want to Read" list.

A fascinating and thorough recounting of the divorce trial of Peter Strong vs Mary Strong which takes the reader back to the days when society ruled old New York. Details of the life styles of these families along with the mores of the day, including abortion practices, make the book a captivating read. If you are watching "The Gilded Age" on television, this book is a great companion piece.

A little something for everyone. If you like courtroom drama, or civil war-era history, or stories about "old" New York high society, or all of the above, then read this book! Meticulously researched, Strong Passions presents a page-turning account of the 1865 divorce proceedings between Peter and Mary Strong set against the backdrop of Victorian Era NYC. But it is not just about what happened in the courtroom. Barbara Weisberg introduces us to Mary and Peter as children growing up in highly privileged families, then guides us through their courtship and early years of marriage, to Mary's explosive admission of adultery. The book seems to be written to evoke sympathy for Mary, particularly because of the lack of rights women held at that time in terms of marriage and custody. However, I think it would have been interesting to have more reflection on what Peter, the wronged partner in the marriage, might have experienced throughout the ordeal. The book is very well written and I will be recommending it to my book club.

An excellent read. Sometimes non-fiction can be very dry; Strong Passions read like a novel , although definitely a true story. The author made the ins and outs of the early 20th century "justice" system (regarding divorce) in New York understandable. The obvious bias against women is an integral part of this story. This would be an great choice for book clubs. Discussions would be ENDLESS !

One wore blue, one wore gray. The Civil War had divided the country. The Strong v Strong Divorce Trial opened on November 23, 1865, lasted for five weeks and captivated the nation. "Seven months after Abraham Lincoln's assassination, the case provided a war-torn country with a shocking distraction and an unusual glimpse into the private world of New York's powerful and privileged elite." "The elite nature of the embattled parties, the accusations of adultery, abortion, and child abduction made for multiple headlines and the public's voyeuristic fascination."

"Ideally matched" storybook couple, Mary Stevens and Peter Strong were born to privilege in New York. Mary was raised in a home with a "high-toned puritanical atmosphere" however, she "veered slightly from the nineteenth century ideal of the passive, perfectly genteel young lady." Peter "enjoyed the life of leisure of a well-to-do gentleman, the occupation of choice for many young men of his class." His law degree from Columbia sat on a shelf, unused.

After marrying, Mary ceased "legally to exist"...A married woman's identity was 'covered' or subsumed by her husbands...the domestic realm...was 'defined a separate sphere' from the heady public, political, and economic sphere of a man." Mary's desire for a dwelling of her own would never be realized. The couple lived at the Strong family estate in Queens, New York, under the thumb of Peter's mother. Peter, leading a free-wheeling carefree life on his mother's dime, often left Mary to fend for herself. No emotional support was provided even during her several miscarriages. Her joy was their two children, Mamie and Allie. The bedroom across the hall from Mary's was occupied by Peter's brother, Edward who was recently widowed.

Strong v Strong was portrayed by the press as a cross suit: "Peter and Mary each accused the other of adultery, requested a divorce, and asked for custody of the children." "The freedom to legally remarry depended on obtaining a divorce decree, at least for the party judged innocent. The guilty party generally was barred from remarrying during the innocent party's lifetime." Peter demanded full custody of his daughters considering it to be "his traditional paternal right." Mary having a "will few could withstand", disappeared with younger daughter, Allie.

Strong v Strong. Reliable v unreliable (perhaps paid-off) witnesses. Evidence v hearsay. She said, he said. Author Barbara Weisberg presents a well researched, documented case of a salacious divorce in Old New York. Highly recommended.

Thank you W.W. Norton and BookBrowse for the print ARC in exchange for an honest review.