Product Description
Opera enthusiast and self-described worshipper of all things Victorian, first-time novelist Paula Cohen merges her two obsessions in Gramercy Park, a ripping good yarn set in Manhattan in 1894 that contains as many corsets as it does arias. When an elderly businessman and philanthropist dies, he leaves behind a Gramercy Park mansion and a beautiful but sickly ward named Clara. Enter the swarthy Italian tenor Mario Alfieri, who has recently arrived for his debut on the American opera scene, and whose velvet voice belies his womanizing swagger. Mario falls in love with Clara, whom he marries hastily as protection against Thaddeus Chadwick, the nefarious lawyer who covets his dead client's millions and his appealing ward--but not necessarily in that order. With plenty of standing ovations and fainting spells, vengeful threats and sexual deviancies, this is the sort of fiction that weaves a passionate tapestry of a tale and, in doing so, a reverent approximation of an era. Cohen concocts the repressed and proper past with plenty of titillation for a modern audience. In doing so, it's hard for the reader to decide which time period the book really belongs to, only you have to keep reading to see if the tenor sings a final, happy song. --Emily Russin
Product Details
| Publisher | St. Martin's Press |
| Format |
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| Author | Paula Cohen |
| Label | St. Martin's Press |
| Edition | 1st |
| Dewey Decimal Number | 813.6 |
| Studio | St. Martin's Press |
| Number Of Pages | 368 |
| Title | Gramercy Park |
| Release Date | 2010-04-01 |
| Publication Date | 2010-04-01 |
| Manufacturer | St. Martin's Press |
Customer Reviews
A Gem of a Book!Review by Dawn Sweeney, 2010-07-19
The author brings late Victorian era New York City to vivid life. I hadn't heard or seen anything on this book when I originally picked this up years ago and didn't know what to expect. What a nice surprise I found within the covers, simply stated I would call it a gem of a book.
Although Mario Alfieri is a celebrated tenor awaiting his premier at the Met as the book opens, you do not need an extensive knowledge of opera. When it is touched upon it is never in a heavy handed or intimidating way. On the other side Cohen is able to give the opera fan an enticing historical view of this world. Cohen has the ability to deftly handle Clara Adler's mystery, imbue it with a touch of true Victorian Gothic, and carefully unfolds each layer while building the relationship between Adler and Alfieri. Pick up this little jewel and and you will find yourself totally immersed in the past in this well crafted historical fiction, Gothic mystery, romance.
Incredibly readable-- believably historic and romantic
Review by Lili :], 2008-04-12
A real page-turner-- believable history and romance, April 11, 2008
By Lili :] "Lili !" (D.C.) - See all my reviews
I just finished this book and it was the best book that I have read in a very long time. Much of the subject matter (such as the quick, passionate love and the happy coincidences) would seem trite and unbelievable if they were written in any other way. Paula Cohen has created a cery realistic and beautifully sketched setting that really brings the characters to life. I was constantly either smiling or reading with eager fright, completely feeling for the characters. The emoton was palpable and the personalities intricate. I loved this book and very highly recommend it.
Romance or Tragedy?
Review by J. Houston, 2007-06-25
I kept fearing that this book would suddenly morph from a dark sort of romance into a tragedy of Othello-ic proportions. It very easily could have, all the archetypes are there, even down to a vengeful Iago lurking in the background, waiting to set events in motion. The author does an excellent job of building suspense. But, thank goodness, the book didn't turn into a tragedy at all! Instead, this page turner becomes more a story of a woman struggling to overcome her past and less a tale of revenge.
A deeply satisfying read for New Yorkers-at-heart who revel in a smart Victorian twist
Review by Therese Steen, 2007-05-11
Paula Cohen's first novel is fluid and luxurious. I recommend you pair it with an equally good wine or brandy of similar character, and settle-in for a wholly pleasurable evening!
This is a thinking person's Victorian romance, with well-crafted reference to the predominant themes of the day: Astor wealth, the attraction to all things European and Argentine, the passion for collecting bric-a-brac and society gossip, and an elegant touch of Gothic gore draped along side for good measure.
Lovingly-detailed descriptions of New York in a bygone era - a dirty, entangled, and consummately beautiful city at the birth a new century - parallel the near trampling and eventual flourish of Cohen's heroine. Wagner, Puccini and Strauss play in the background as befits all the brimming ecstasy and suspense.
I most appreciate that Paula's literary voice mimics (with incredible artistry) what I imagine to be the unique conventions and conversational rhythms of the period. I look forward, with great anticipation, to hearing that lovely voice again in her forthcoming second book, and with another good bottle of wine in reserve!
Fun, but no Woman in White
Review by Middle-aged Professor, 2007-03-10
Gramercy Park is a successful, but neither outstanding nor original, execution of a nearly 150 year-old genre that started with The Woman in White. Readers fond of that genre (as I am) will enjoy it.
Like the Woman in White, there is a beautiful but fragile pontential heiress, who is vulnerable to two different scheming villians whose machinations are intricate and gradually revealed. Like the Woman in White, she is protected by a "Dudley Doright" artist-hero who has a pure love for her angelic perfection. Unfortunately, this story has no Marion Halcomb, and no Villian with the depth and complexity of Count Fosco.
The characters are well-enough drawn and the plot spun out with sufficient adroitness to keep you rooting and turning the pages, but shallow and formulaic enough that it will not stay with you. In short, a pleasant snack. If you are choosing between this book and the Thirteenth Tale, choose the latter.
While readers of Victorian romance will be satisfied, those whose primary interest is historical fiction may not be. Details of 1890's New York are conjured adequately, but with an anachronistic feeling. There are references to carriages, to Washington Square being "uptown" and to New York Society of the day, but one is viewing these things as curiosities through museum glass from the 21st century. It lacks the immersion, you-are-there historical detail of such books as Time and Again or The Alienest.
