Boston, 1779. A nation in revolution. An innkeeper’s wife will change its fate. There is something peculiar about the group of men who have begun to frequent The Red Pearl. Their clandestine meetings and hushed conversations suggest dark secrets: secrets which Lucy Finch has been forbidden to listen to. However, when a horrific assault makes her ache for revenge, Lucy will risk everything to pass … everything to pass on the explosive information she hears while pouring drinks. What she finds may be the fodder for a historic victory – but it may also lead to her ruin.
more
Strength and courage.
A beautiful book with a beautiful cover this was a wonderful story. I do not read many historical in the Revolutionary time and this was highly entertaining. The author has a realistic flavor to this book you feel in touch with the character. I am looking forward to additional books by Ms. Helton. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
The Red Pearl by Chloe Helton
Moving memorable story that made me think deeply while taking me back to visit the life of one woman living in Boston during the Revolutionary War. It made me think and feel and care about the characters in the book. It made me wonder what choices I would have made if I had been Lucy and experienced what she had.
Lucy Finch has been married to Jasper for six years when this book begins. She works hard as the wife of a tavern keeper with sheets to clean, food to cook, customers to keep satisfied and so much more. Jasper was not her choice of husband but she made the best of it. Sure, she had thoughts from time to time about the man she had cared for when she married the man who is her husband BUT a woman really did belong to her father and as such usually ended up passed on to the father’s choice for her.
Lucy sometimes worries about Jasper’s willingness to allow any paying customer to come into their establishment and really worries about the Tory group that frequents their tavern nightly. Her worries do not seem to outweigh the money they bring in, though. And, that may prove to be a mistake in more ways than one.
Lucy is intelligent, keeps a diary, has friends and hears more than most might think as she works. An event that occurs one evening sets her on a different path than she might otherwise have followed, a rather dangerous path that she follows till the end of the war when Britain concedes defeat.
What I liked:
* Lucy – she is strong, determined, wise and eventually makes the best choice, I think
* Jasper – he seems wise and really does care for Lucy
* The history within the story
* The unflinching look at Lucy’s life
* The significance of the pearl necklace
* The punch this story packed
What I did not like:
* The man I was meant not to like
* Realizing once again that humans never learn that wars do not create peace
Thank you to the author for asking if I would be willing to read her work – it was well worth reading. I have to say this is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be the last.
5 Stars
While I don’t typically read historical fiction, when I do, I always enjoy the narrative journey that takes me into another time and, usually, another place. The Red Pearl did not disappoint in either regard.
The story is set in Boston shortly after the infamous Tea Party, centered around Lucy Finch, a young wife working together with her husband, Jasper, in the local pub they own, The Red Pearl. Through Lucy’s point of view, we are introduced not only to the hard-scrabble streets of Boston during those Revolutionary War years, but the tensions and debates undulating amongst parties on all sides of the political divide, the tenuous loyalties and the compromises often made to keep a business like the Red Pearl alive. Some of this involves serving, and being gracious to, those considered the enemy.
This is never more the case than when Lucy attracts the predatory attentions of one of the British Loyalists who’ve made their bar a regular meeting place. His aggressive, hostile manner puts her in a state of constant anxiety and, ultimately, danger, which creates a compelling tension. Though her husband tends towards a kind of “keep the peace” passivity, Lucy herself is a fighter, with conscience and perspective that pushes her beyond that expected, social compromise. When violence does finally occur, rather than it shattering her, it compels her toward a courageous—and dangerous—role as an informer and resister.
With the help of her closest female friend, and with certainty that the information she passes on will aid the country in their battle for freedom, she quietly and deftly fends off those who would harm her, while reconnecting with an old love who becomes the conduit for her espionage. Feelings are stirred, concerns are voiced; she questions both her role as a wife and a member of the resistance, but is it ultimately her strength and conviction that prevails.
The Red Pearl is relatively short and, given that, the narrative and character development never go as deep as they could, keeping the story largely on the surface of the various points and plot lines involved, but Helton is a good storyteller. The details of the time and place are well researched and colorful (you’ll learn more about the favorite cocktails of the time than you might imagine!), and the characters—most notably, the female characters—are thoughtfully drawn and sympathetic. We care about them, want to know what happens with them, particularly Lucy, a heroine of courage and conviction.
A good read.
Chloe Helton’s The Red Pearl: A Novel of the American Revolution is an awesome read. I was fascinated from start to finish. I loved every single page. I enjoyed Lucy and admire her strength, bravery, courage and determination.
I give The Red Pearl: A Novel of the American Revolution a well deserved five plus stars. I would love to read more by Miss Helton in the near future. I highly recommend this one.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.