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There are currently 22 member reviews
for Cartier's Hope
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Patty S. (Towson, MD)
Secrets abound
I love historical fiction, and CARTIER'S HOPE didn't disappoint. It was a little slow going at first, but I'm glad I stuck with it because at one point I found myself not wanting to put it down! I cared about M.J. Rose's characters. If you like stories based in New York City during the early 1900s, I'm pretty sure you'll like this one.
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Nancy K. (Perrysburg, OH)
Slow start- great finish!
Please stick with this book as it gets ever so much better once the author decides which theme she wants to emphasize,
It could have been just a romance story, or a brief history of the famous Hope diamond, or a study of gems; instead the author chooses a path and the book captures the reader.( I won't tell which theme as that would be a spoiler) The characters come to life and by the end the reader can feel the anguish each of the two main figures go through when they must make a decision.
Recommended for book clubs as there are many points to discuss,
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Joan P. (Owego, NY)
Cartiers Hope
If you want to learn more about New York high society in the early 1900s, this novel gives you a glimpse into the times. It also gives insight into the world of jewelers, gems, and especially the fabled Hope diamond.
Vera Garland, the main character, leads a double life. She enjoys the privilege of a woman welcomed in the highest social circles. As Vee Swann, she is an investigative reporter for a city newspaper where she the gossip column and also some undercover work. As such, she addresses many problems of the time such as the plight of the poor immigrants, woman's rights and homosexuality and the law. Throw in the curse of the Hope diamond plus a little romance and you have an interesting read.
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Shirley L. (Norco, LA)
People Can Surprise You
Although I read a good amount of historical fiction, I was unfamiliar with this author. Like other reviewers I found the author's style of giving the reader clues about future events at the beginning the book to be somewhat confusing. Once the story developed I found it to be interesting and the background events to be informative. The details about gems, marketing, social mores, and the press in the early 20th century were gracefully weaved throughout the main story line. I thought the ending was satisfying. Overall an enjoyable read.
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Diana C. (Delray Beach, FL)
Historical Fiction Chick-Lit
While I have enjoyed a couple of this author's previous novels, I would categorize them as historical fiction chick-lit. This book, while entertaining, fits perfectly within that description. It tells the story of an early 20th century woman born into privilege yet yearning for the women's rights she deems unalienable. With the House of Cartier and the Hope Diamond as a backdrop, her story is part early suffragette, part investigative reporter and part vulnerable lonely heart. While a quick read with some interesting jewelry history throughout and a surprise right before the actual ending, it fails to live up to it's potential with mediocre prose and predictable situations.
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Mary B. (Laguna Woods, CA)
Cartier's Hope
A wealthy socialite in 1911 New York who wants to be a journalist at a time when women were not even allowed to vote. Interesting historical details She investigates the tales of bad luck with the Hope diamond that Pierre Cartier is selling.
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Lisa W. (Deerfield beach, FL)
Love the Guilded Age
I found this book to be an enjoyable read. I love historical fiction but would describe Cartier's Hope as "Chick Lit" or perhaps a great beach read. I felt the writing style was quite simplistic and did not challenge me at all. This being said, I can see why many people gave it great reviews. The time period is fascinating and there were many interesting themes that are still relevant today. I would not recommend this as a book club read but perhaps as an interesting page turner.
