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| A Splendid Ruin |
I just finished a wonderful historical novel by Megan Chance and I couldn't wait to start this post and review it for you. The novel takes place in San Francisco before and after the historic earthquake of 1906.
Plot Synopsis
The story unfolds as May Kimble, whose mother has died, leaves New York and travels to San Francisco to live with relatives she didn't even know existed. When she arrives she finds her relatives living in luxury and she is introduced to a life she only dreamed existed. Her cousin Goldie takes her under her wing and introduces her to society and everything about San Francisco. Goldie helps her shop for a new wardrobe, introduces her to all her friends, and takes her to see the sights of the city. For the first time May wears beautiful gowns and attends balls.
As the plot continues to unfold May sees that everything is not what it seems and she may be in real danger. She wonders who she can really trust and must use her wits to survive a possible terrible future. How will she escape? This is a compelling novel that shows just what a human being must endure in order to survive.
Main Characters
This book is full of interesting characters. Of course there is May who is a talented undiscovered artist.
May's relatives the Sullivans are certainly interesting. Goldie the cousin who is all about being in societies limelight. Uncle Jonny is so generous to May, but is there an ulterior motive? Aunt Florence is May's mothers sister. Why is she so ill she cannot visit with May? There are so many questions May wants to ask her about her Mother and Father. In the Sullivan household are several servants and one in particular, Shinn, is a big help to May.
Other characters of interest include Ellis Farge, an architect who admires May's artwork and Stephen Oelrichs, an attorney and Goldie's former fiance. Then there is Alphonse Bandersnitch, a writer for the society pages of the newspaper. Don't you just love that name? Bandersnitch is not his real name and everyone is trying to guess his identity. He does a great job of remaining anonymous even while attending all of the society happenings around town.
Recommendation
I could go on and on talking about the book, but I don't want to spoil it for you. Let me just say it is full of mystery and intrique with lots of twists and turns. I recommend this as a must read!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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