Tiffany Girl : A Novel

First of all I had no intention of finishing it all at once. Unlike most books I read I had decided to savor this one. But, somewhere along the way, the story latched on to me and wouldn't let go until the book came to a close. I am rather certain that you too will find it quite difficult to put down once you begin. It is an unforgettable story about change and life in the 19th century.

Tiffany Girl, a intriguing historical fiction novel, is a spellbinding tale that gives us a glimpse into what life may have been like for the real life Tiffany Girls. If some of the letters from one of the girls hand not discovered in 2005, no one would know the story of these talented and intrepid women of the 19th century. In 1892, months before the Chicago World's Fair was due to open, Tiffany's glass workers went on strike, leaving him without workers to finish his stained glass windows for the fair. He threw all of the strikers into an uproar when he decided to hire women to replace them. Those he hired endured all sorts of mistreatment at their hands, especially since women of "good repute" did not work outside of the home. This time period marked the start the "New Woman" movement.

Upon opening the pages of Tiffany Girl, the very first people you will meet are Reeve Wilder and Flossie Jayne, the story's central characters. Flossie is an art student whose fortune changes when she receives a job offer from Tiffany that she cannot resist. From thence, she moves into a boarding house to be closer to her place of work. It is there that she meets Reeve, who is a local journalist, and a host of others who lodge there as well. They all prove to be quite an interesting lot and undertake a rather fascinating journey together. But, as all things go in life, they run into some roadblocks along the way and their faith is sorely tested.

Personally, what drew me into the story was the complexity, emotional depth, and growth of the hero throughout the entirety of the book. The heroine also undergoes a transformation as she is faced with reality in all its ugliness. The author's masterful gift for storytelling really shines throughout every page, especially in her attention to historical detail. I truly enjoyed reading this rich, vibrant novel and would recommend it to readers of historical fiction. On an aside note, the author did switch to writing for the general market several books ago, but I have found her books to still be a good read.

* I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.