Another splendid piece of work by Charles Belfoure. I immensely enjoyed The Paris Architect and Faberge Secret was also a good read. This one too is not far behind.
Setting
The story is set in New York in the late 1800s, the Gilded Age, wherein men dressed in tailored frock coats and women in beautiful dresses, society parties were a show of magnificent ostentation and source of enjoyment. It was the time when men in top hats drove broughams, hansoms and Victoria’s. During this period there was a clear distinction even amongst the upper class i.e. between old and new money. The old were called Knickerbockers, the descendants of Dutch founders of New Amsterdam (New York). They followed a rigid and stringent social code to be strictly adhered to. On the other hand were the nouveau class made up of people who had built their fortune from railroads, steel etc. They were often patronisingly referred to as parvenus by the so-called Knickerbocker aristocracy.
Storyline
John Cross, an architect is the main protagonist who belongs to this New York high society. His elder son George's gambling debts force him to do something that he considers morally reprehensible. Despite the initial hesitation, with time he finds the whole experience of planning the robberies exhilarating. Gradually his entire family starts leading a double life, away from their cocoon of entitlement and stifling social rules. To seek adventure, excitement and a sense of freedom Helen, Julia and Charlie cross the threshold of strict social code. This gives them the thrill of living life on the edge.
My Thoughts
Charles Belfoure has beautifully knitted architecture into the fabric of his plot. His elucidation of the architectural features of the era paints a vivid image. All the characters have their flaws. No one is portrayed as perfect which is very relatable. Even the main protagonist John Cross's character is not all-knowing but is delineated as an average architect who admires and learns from other contemporary architects. It's a book worth reading.
Star rating - 4/5
Recommend - Definitely
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