Company of Women

by Doug Villhard, Doug Villhard

At the time of the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, E.G. Lewis is poised to become the richest man in America. His Woman's Magazine employs legions of women and reaches nearly every household in the country, creating a national platform to promote progressive views (including a woman's right to vote). His outsized charm and entrepreneurial spirit attract clever, creative women who fight passionately for a new American dream. However, the magazine's success soon exposes a tangled web of envy and manipulation that threatens men at the highest levels of business and government, inviting a conspiracy that could erase everything. As E.G. Lewis's wealth, power, and influence grow, new temptations challenge his family, coworkers, and especially his marriage. His only chance for redemption comes from the smart, capable women in his circle, reminding the world to never underestimate the company of women.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Book Club

364 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2022

Reviews

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1898, Edward Gardner Lewis (E.G. for short) lived in Nashville with his wife, Mabel. During the week, E.G. is an enterprising door-to-door salesman traveling from farm to farm in rural Tennessee. His cleverness blends with a charming persona, and he's a top performer from week to week. He was a top performer until his wife was hospitalized, and a sister-in-law unexpectedly showed up on his doorstep with children in tow. The hidden strength of the man is his awareness of the present but his infallible spirit to succeed, and he's always achieved in sales by listening to women.

Capturing the essence of E.G. Lewis, the author writes a fascinating historical fiction novel. The writing style immediately engages the reader with character development, setting, and dialogue, allowing the reader to visualize the period of the late 1890s and the turn of the century. It particularly highlights the life of E.G. Lewis and his appreciation and respect for women. The women in his family and the women he employs also become his extended family.

Although I wasn't aware of E.G. Lewis before reading this novel, the number of his accomplishments is surprising. It is also a remarkable story of the women surrounding him who encouraged his endeavors and helped him achieve every accomplishment. The achievements were as diverse as they are surprising, especially to realize that simultaneously gaining wealth and recognition, he consistently improved women's lives. I highly recommend adding this novel to your tbr list.

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit that I was a bit nervous about reading and discussing a book written by someone locally. Luckily, I very much enjoyed reading this story and especially enjoyed discussing it in the company of some wonderful women and the author himself!
As someone who grew up just outside of St. Louis, this novel had a high degree of interest for me. Not only was the setting familiar, but the characters were interesting and relevant. In my opinion, good stories are the ones that spark further interest and investigation, and I spent quite a bit of time outside of the book looking up further information about the characters and events. I highly recommend this read for anyone local to the St. Louis area with an interest in local history!

[Roberta Goeckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy historical fiction and this one had me hooked! Easy read that keeps you interested as you follow EG Lewis on his ambitious business ventures that focus on women's interests at the turn of the century in St. Louis, Mo. The authors passion for growing new businesses for women's opportunities at a time when women could not even vote, is refreshing to read. In addition, the history of the World's Fair, politics of the time and the development of a University City was so much fun to read about. I found myself looking up articles about the author and historical times as I made my way through the book. The chapters are short and sweet!

[Helenk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. Set about 1904 and the St. Louis World's Fair. I found the descriptions of the growth of St. Louis fascinating. Have lived all my life in St. Louis I loved the references to Washington University and University City. The land marks referenced were part of my childhood. I would like to take a drive there and see what I can find that still remains. However, I found the story line rather weak.

[Jess | The_Afterword · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so fun learning more about the life of E.G. Lewis. Having grown up in the St. Louis area, I had zero clue this man accomplished so much for the city.

While this book is historical fiction, it could absolutely double as a type of business book.

While there are a lot of lovable (and some unlikable) characters, the one that stood out the most to me was Fulton. He was such a rule-follower, sometimes to a fault. I still think about that character months after reading the book, and that definitely says something.

Recommend for historical fiction fans, entrepreneurs, and St. Louis, MO natives and locals.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts from our book discussion: First off, we live in St. Louis and often heard talks about the 1904 Worlds Fair. However, we were not familiar with Eddie, his factories, newspapers, and connections with the World's Fair and University City. While this book is historical fiction, and some characters were romanticized (I personally liked those parts), other members were disappointed some parts weren't true. Overall, we were glad to learn about St. Louis history and wish more stories like this entrepreneur's were taught in school.

[Sarah Minkoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical aspects of this story and found several of the characters to be quite compelling. I also loved discussions around equitable rights for women and Black people that were discussed. I found the writing to be lacking throughout but it did compel me to cry twice through the story at moments of loss and love. It’s a quick read and you can learn a lot about St. Louis history so all in all I enjoyed it.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so great! Romance, scandal and STL history! It’s written very well with strong character development. It kept me interested the whole way through the book just wanting to see what the next chapter brought!

[Jen Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Highly recommend. Wonderfully written story that is easy to read but keeps your attention throughout. Very funny! And a true story to boot. And written by a local St. Louis author- find a copy as soon as you can, and enjoy :)

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3

[Vicki Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story! For everyone, especially for people who live in St Louis, Mo. I enjoyed it very much and I would recommend it.

[Holly Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Getting to meet the author to see how much of it is true.

[Marcia Neisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended by Joy.

[Michael Whipkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!! Anyone who loves history should read this book. This is the long forgotten story of one man rising to the top of the publishing industry only by utilizing the talents of many women. A truly captivating telling of a story that should never have been lost to history.

[Jeremy Kovarik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and charming read, featuring several well-developed characters, including a wonderfully hate-able villain.