It is 1901 and Buffalo, New York, stands at the center of the nation’s attention as a place of immense wealth and sophistication. The massive hydroelectric power development at nearby Niagara Falls and the grand Pan-American Exposition promise to bring the Great Lakes “city of light” even more repute.Against this rich historical backdrop lives Louisa Barrett, the attractive, articulate … headmistress of the Macaulay School for Girls. Protected by its powerful all-male board, “Miss Barrett” is treated as an equal by the men who control the life of the city. Lulled by her unique relationship with these titans of business, Louisa feels secure in her position, until a mysterious death at the power plant triggers a sequence of events that forces her to return to a past she has struggled to conceal, and to question everything and everyone she holds dear.
Both observer and participant, Louisa Barrett guides the reader through the culture and conflicts of a time and place where immigrant factory workers and nature conservationists protest violently against industrialists, where presidents broker politics, where wealthy “Negroes” fight for recognition and equality, and where women struggle to thrive in a system that allows them little freedom.
Wrought with remarkable depth and intelligence, City of Light remains a work completely of its own era, and of ours as well. A stirring literary accomplishment, Lauren Belfer’s first novel marks the debut of a fresh voice for the new millennium and heralds a major publishing event.
From the Paperback edition.
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This book is about a woman who learns to ascend within the power structures and limitations of her era–but also participates in perpetuating the inequities and suffers from them. Head mistress of an exclusive private school for young women in an era when education for women is questioned as a value, and when girls from working class families …
Very enjoyable read!!
Rank this closer to 4 stars than 3 stars, but no option listed for that. Historical novels can be a dual attraction, fun learning and entertaining. This book fills the bill. I like the sense of mystery that encompasses the book as secrets are slowly revealed.
I am a big fan of Historic Fiction and this book fits the bill. Strong characters and vivid locations. I have visited Niagara Falls and this book rang of the history around the use of the Falls for electrical power. Very interesting tale!
I very much enjoyed this book as a historical fiction perspective. The underlying theme of women’s rights and patriarchy could easily be matched up to current events and conversations around the #Metoo movement.
Set in Buffalo, NY at the advent of hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls, the book immerses you in metropolitan life in the early 1900’s, with all its power broking by the wealthiest men in the country. Throughout all this, the unforgettable narrator, a single woman and headmistress of a girl’s private school, seems to succeed at wielding her …
I grew up in the Buffalo area, and found the story and descriptions of the area fascinating. I learned things I wasn’t aware of reguarding the falls and the exposition. I lived about a half a block from the school described in the book.
Brilliantly written book that engaged my interest! Historic context brought life to a time gone by! I recommend it heartily!
Details in building the power plant at Niagra Falls…liked the history of it…but very long and drawn out with the story.
Wonderful info about Buffalo, NY back in its heyday. I could visually see what it must have been like to live there. It’s social structure was most interesting also.
Interesting history of Buffalo and introduction of electricity at the turn of the century. Also an interesting portrayal of “society” and the roles of women.
Paints a picture of the time when Buffalo was one of the most important American cities, and introduces us to a great character who finds a way to live above the suffering. Particularly relevant in the “MeToo” moment we live in today. And in the era of misogynist political leaders…
While there were parts of the book that seemed to “drag on”, overall it was very interesting; especially having just recently visited Niagara Falls and participated in 2 tours, (Canadian and American). As the places were described in detail in the book, it was like re-visiting Niagara Falls again.
I found this book very interesting because I live in upstate NY. All of the politics and subterfuge of bringing electricity to the region are repeated daily in our energy economy.
The characters are interesting and believeable. The trials of women have not changed as much as I would like.
This was an excellent story. A turn of the 20th century tale that encompasses the excitement of Buffalo NY invigorated by the newly harnessed power of electricity generated by Niagara Falls, the hubris of the powerf U.K. members of that community, and the difficulties of a single professional woman during that era with a dash of national …
Historical aspect of Buffalo and Niagara Falls at the turn of the century with well known leaders and politicians held my interest.
Too much historical background.
Sad ending. Woman as blank page – depressing
I usually finish a book, but just had to put this down. Needs additional editing.
Great story set in Buffalo at the time of the Pan American Exposition. Am familiar with the area and it was interesting to read about the time of the Exposition.