McMillan, Claire

A smoothly presented historical novel that pairs well with Michaela Carter’s Leonora in the Morning Light.

Readers of historical fiction and those who are interested in women’s roles in art and occultism will enjoy.

In McMillan's (Gilded Age) charming new novel, the historical narrative shines (Ambrose is a winning character) and the modern setting crackles with wit, as Nell outmaneuvers her kin with ease and maybe finds true love herself. Kate Morton fans will enjoy.

McMillan cleverly uses Wharton's classic novel to draw parallels between the social mores of two starkly different centuries. While at times the characters' viewpoints on sex and gender roles seem jarring and antiquated, this is an honest, if cynical, critique of feminist progress. An engrossing first novel that will appeal to readers of Sheila Kohler and Susan Rebecca White. [See Prepub Alert, 12/19/11.]