The sensational THE GIRL PUZZLE** No#1 in America No#1 in the UK No#1 in Canada No#1 in Australia No#1 in India No#1 in Spain ** Her published story is well known. But did she tell the whole truth about her ten days in the madhouse?Down to her last dime and offered the chance of a job of a lifetime at The New York World, twenty-three-year old Elizabeth Cochrane agrees to get herself … offered the chance of a job of a lifetime at The New York World, twenty-three-year old Elizabeth Cochrane agrees to get herself admitted to Blackwell’s Island Lunatic Asylum and report on conditions from the inside. But what happened to her poor friend, Tilly Mayard? Was there more to her high praise of Dr Frank Ingram than everyone knew?
Thirty years later, Elizabeth, known as Nellie Bly, is no longer a celebrated trailblazer and the toast of Newspaper Row. Instead, she lives in a suite in the Hotel McAlpin, writes a column for The New York Journal and runs an informal adoption agency for the city’s orphans.
Beatrice Alexander is her secretary, fascinated by Miss Bly and her causes and crusades. Asked to type up a manuscript revisiting her employer’s experiences in the asylum in 1887, Beatrice believes she’s been given the key to understanding one of the most innovative and daring figures of the age.
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I read my first biography as a child–maybe 4th grade?–about Nellie Bly. I still have that paperback book packed somewhere, so I felt I was ready for a “grown-up” version of her story. This is certainly it. Well put together, accurate, kept me reading even though I knew the ending. This is a gritty look with some soft edges look at this woman’s life. The ending that sums up her life, was a bit haunting. We know what she did for women, but this makes up think at what price for herself.
A lot of historical facts about Nellie Bly
Informative in and entertaining manner. Makes me want to learn more about her.
A sad recounting of life for many women a century ago.
Unique story, told well, with interesting characters.
Amazing story of an amazing woman!!!!
I have read biographiesof Nellie Bly. Thid was well written and came at things from adifferent angle.
Interesting historical novel. I know the older time song, “Belly Bly”, and now I know a bit about the girl the song is about.
based on truth. very interesting. easy to read. the headings make it easy to see past and present
Interesting re-telling of Nellie Bly’s story. Good for a quick read.
Not the kind of book I usually read but once I started it I was intrigued. I usually read fiction. This is a very interesting book about a very determined woman.
Very interesting. And the author told the true story in a few pages at the end of the book!
I love historical fiction and this was based on a real life story
It was difficult to put it down.
Thoroughly enjoyed!
The book is good and well written. The beginning was slow and just didn’t hold my interest but if you love the subject and journalists you will love it. In the end it was very interesting and I liked it, just not 5 star for me.
Interesting story
Fabulous telling of the story of Nellie Bly through her own eyes and that of her assistant many years later. This author does her research well, and informs the reader whilst being entertaining and gripping at the same time.
Loved this book.
Everything a historical novel should be – illuminating, intriguing and intelligent. Kate Braithwaite has woven a fascinating and atmospheric story from what is known about the pioneering feminist journalist Nellie Bly (née Elizabeth Cochrane). Braithwaite skillfully blends Bly’s early and later career to give a new insight into a remarkable and complex woman.
Grounded in historical research, brought to life by a novelist’s imagination, here is Nellie Bly in all her fascinating complexity: outspoken, courageous, kind, clever, sometimes headstrong, other times self-doubting. In The Girl Puzzle Kate Braithwaite has created a character who is not easily forgotten.