What do you think?
Rate this book
Wealth & Privilege
Money. Family. Love. Hate. Obsession. Duty. Politics. Religion - or the lack thereof. Sex -- or, once again, the lack thereof.
Thomas Baldwin finds himself married to a woman he can’t stand, while head-over heels in love with another woman he can’t have. Talk about bad planning. He is something of a kite, buffeted by circumstances which blow him not only through personal crises, but also through some of the most significant events of the late 1800s, including the railroad riots of 1877, the creation of the Homestead Steel Works, the assassination of President Garfield, and the Johnstown Flood. Over time, and with the help of his muse, who dances maddeningly just beyond his reach, he takes control of his life, wresting it from the winds attempting to control him.
Thomas Baldwin finds himself married to a woman he can’t stand, while head-over heels in love with another woman he can’t have. Talk about bad planning. He is something of a kite, buffeted by circumstances which blow him not only through personal crises, but also through some of the most significant events of the late 1800s, including the railroad riots of 1877, the creation of the Homestead Steel Works, the assassination of President Garfield, and the Johnstown Flood. Over time, and with the help of his muse, who dances maddeningly just beyond his reach, he takes control of his life, wresting it from the winds attempting to control him.
414 pages, ebook
First published February 4, 2013
9 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Jeanette Watts
10 books314 followersJeanette Watts is a writer, dancer, seamstress, actress, fencer, video producer, and teacher. There aren't enough hours in the day to fit it all in. But she tries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 29, 2016
Watts put forth a tremendous effort in research. Her minute detail regarding historical events is outstanding. She clearly transports the reader to the time and place, you become part of the historical events mentioned, very interactive. Clearly Pittsburgh 1870 -1880's was felt along with social mores. The events grab hold of your attention as Watts weaves the characters and plot in tandem with events effortlessly.
I adored Thomas - a true gentleman possessing integrity. He's witty despite the fact he feels socially stunted. His situation is heartbreaking. The friendship he developed with Regina was well done. She is another character well elaborated by Watts. Regina is a woman clearly ahead of her time and I love how Watts stepped out of the box with her and her personality. All the characters were wonderful - motley blending nicely together.
I enjoyed the book but had issues with two items. First I felt the dialog was not fitting of the time, much to contemporary for my liking, language didn't appear late 1800's in the least. Second I was seriously disappointed with the abrupt ending. I can't imagine what Watts was thinking with such a sudden and unfinished conclusion. I felt she was exhausted and just called it quits. She created a major build up with the Johnstown Flood and poof DONE. Honestly I felt quite a bit of anger and frustration. Even if a sequel follows it won't temper my level of frustration with the poor ending in this book.
I adored Thomas - a true gentleman possessing integrity. He's witty despite the fact he feels socially stunted. His situation is heartbreaking. The friendship he developed with Regina was well done. She is another character well elaborated by Watts. Regina is a woman clearly ahead of her time and I love how Watts stepped out of the box with her and her personality. All the characters were wonderful - motley blending nicely together.
I enjoyed the book but had issues with two items. First I felt the dialog was not fitting of the time, much to contemporary for my liking, language didn't appear late 1800's in the least. Second I was seriously disappointed with the abrupt ending. I can't imagine what Watts was thinking with such a sudden and unfinished conclusion. I felt she was exhausted and just called it quits. She created a major build up with the Johnstown Flood and poof DONE. Honestly I felt quite a bit of anger and frustration. Even if a sequel follows it won't temper my level of frustration with the poor ending in this book.
Read
June 24, 2020Atlanta has Gone With the Wind, Pittsburgh now has Wealth and Privilege
April 5, 2022
A wonderful book! I was transported back in time and enjoyed empathy for Thomas, admiration for Regina. I highly recommend this book. I had it in audio form. The reader was really good.
June 21, 2018
Fascinating historical romance set in 1880s Pittsburgh among the industrial wealth of iron, steel, glass, and railroads. It's a time and place about which I knew virtually nothing, despite some familiar names (Carnegie, Frick, Mellon) and events (the Johnstown Flood). The author's prodigious research is evident--but it's smoothly integrated into the story, which takes place over more than a decade, so there are no distracting "info-dumps." For example, I was not familiar with the railroad riots and other labor/safety disputes, which significantly affect the main characters.
It's a longish book, but it moves along at a good pace. My only problem was the abrupt, cliffhanger ending. Luckily, I bought the book from the author at a literary festival, and she told me there was a sequel, so I bought both volumes! The first book is told from the point of view of Thomas, and the second from that of his love interest, Regina. It's an interesting approach, although I don't think that delaying the ending was strictly necessary; we spend so many years with the relationship that a lack of payoff is frustrating. But I will be very interested to read the second volume. I won't lie--I will probably peek ahead to the ending....
It's a longish book, but it moves along at a good pace. My only problem was the abrupt, cliffhanger ending. Luckily, I bought the book from the author at a literary festival, and she told me there was a sequel, so I bought both volumes! The first book is told from the point of view of Thomas, and the second from that of his love interest, Regina. It's an interesting approach, although I don't think that delaying the ending was strictly necessary; we spend so many years with the relationship that a lack of payoff is frustrating. But I will be very interested to read the second volume. I won't lie--I will probably peek ahead to the ending....
November 20, 2019
A History Buff's Paradise
This book kept me engaged from cover to cover. I could "see" each character, "feel" what they felt and and developed opinions about each one. I was able to travel from Pittsburg to Europe and elsewhere without leaving the comforts of my "reading space." Right now, I've got to go catch up with THOMAS, the main character. He needs my help. It is evident that much research went into rhe writing of this book.
This book kept me engaged from cover to cover. I could "see" each character, "feel" what they felt and and developed opinions about each one. I was able to travel from Pittsburg to Europe and elsewhere without leaving the comforts of my "reading space." Right now, I've got to go catch up with THOMAS, the main character. He needs my help. It is evident that much research went into rhe writing of this book.
May 28, 2022
Very interesting historical novel set in the industrial age in the city of Pittsburgh. Quite detailed characters and lots of actual historical events make the story come alive and make the book hard to put down. Will have to check out other books by the author.
June 5, 2014
Ms. Watts wrote an engaging book, from the viewpoint of One Man, Thomas Baldwin, without resorting to first person narrative. Bravo! Even so, I think she should be smacked, hard. Wealth and Privilege is an exceptionally provoking read. I gobbled it up in one setting, most of it with my mouth hanging open like a carp, not a good look for anyone. I had to set it aside for a couple days and re-read it to write this review, even I know when an author seasons her text with Thoreau, she means to be taken seriously.
Warning: You can read the words, take them at face value and find an ugly, but exceedingly interesting fish tale. OR. Look for the minutiae; allow the subtle humor to caress your work-a-day troubles away. In this way you can know, without a doubt, the book ended perfectly. And don't let the pretty cover fool you. This is not a traditional romance; it's barely a romance at all, except between the author and reader.
History and tabloids are littered with people that had great success in business and none in their personal life. Through One Man's eyes, we learn with shrewish, ignorant, selfish wives for companions, what choice did these great men have but to invent, design, and revolutionize the world? These men built cities and empires and companies because they were miserable everywhere BUT at the factory, foundry or negotiating table. He truly believes that.
With one exception, no one in this book knows how to love. They barely understand common courtesy. Second generation born to wealth and privilege, One Man has never known love expressed. He only knows how to despise, how to avoid, hide, pretend, sneer and fear even his family. Day in, day out, strolling side by side in complete accord is his most secret fantasy. One Man's life of quiet desperation seems a conclusion before the third chapter, but don't be fooled by the reflective surface.
The book appears to be all about One Man but it is really all about Regina. Never lose sight of that fact. She is an idol, living perfection on a pedestal no One Man can climb. She came from nothing. But she enters One Man's life boldly, unapologetic, beautiful, possessing superior business skills, and of course, is socially adept, witty, charming, always with the right opinions in her societal awareness, with not just college attendance but a degree - she's the Enjoli Woman on Steroids. Fortunately, she spends much of the book being unobtainable and unavailable, coming and going and involved with grief, business, her lover, and her grand mansion. Otherwise, she might make you feel inferior as a human being.
Though pitiable in the beginning, Thomas develops his character with outstanding business successes and by castigating his wife, mother and family. He feels justified by circumstance, by the inferiority of his targets. He has earned the right [and privilege] to be the one saying the cruel things; is surprised only by how long it took him to figure out being verbally violent gets people to do what you want.
Which brings us to his wife, Meredith: A girl of beauty, money and family; nudged and coached by her mother and his, she and Thomas are discovered in a compromising position. For three months, he makes not one objection, asks no questions, offers no suggestion that he is anything but willingly marrying her. On his wedding night, he tells her it will be a marriage in name only. She may have been as "unmatable" as Thomas claimed. It's impossible to actually see Meredith through his eyes. Her words and actions are so corroded with his impressions they can't mean anything but what he decides they do. Meredith's only purpose was to be evidence of his development, proof his life was desperately miserable indeed. I don't pity her. I don't despise her. I don't think she was much different from hundreds of thousands of other young girls protected, sheltered and laced tight until it came time to serve their purpose in life, to seal an alliance between families. Meredith wasn't really a character at all; she was as much a symbol - the fallen women - as Regina - the prefect woman.
Which brings us back to "And always - always there was Regina."
Final Warning: The last four chapters will stun you. Don't think you'll be able to set the book aside and finish it later - not gonna happen. If you reach that point and have any doubt Ms. Watts excels at telling a damn good story, it will vanish before the end of the book.
I am so very grateful she ended it as she did. I could kiss her fingertips for not giving us an epilogue or, please no, a hint of a sequel. Some stories are meant to end with the possibilities open, left to the heart of the reader. We are blessed with so few of those precious acknowledgements of a reader's need to engage their imagination beyond the pages and covers of the author's domain. It was worth looking like a carp, just for that privilege.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Read an expanded review of this book w/excerpts at Page Traveler E-Book Reviews
Warning: You can read the words, take them at face value and find an ugly, but exceedingly interesting fish tale. OR. Look for the minutiae; allow the subtle humor to caress your work-a-day troubles away. In this way you can know, without a doubt, the book ended perfectly. And don't let the pretty cover fool you. This is not a traditional romance; it's barely a romance at all, except between the author and reader.
History and tabloids are littered with people that had great success in business and none in their personal life. Through One Man's eyes, we learn with shrewish, ignorant, selfish wives for companions, what choice did these great men have but to invent, design, and revolutionize the world? These men built cities and empires and companies because they were miserable everywhere BUT at the factory, foundry or negotiating table. He truly believes that.
With one exception, no one in this book knows how to love. They barely understand common courtesy. Second generation born to wealth and privilege, One Man has never known love expressed. He only knows how to despise, how to avoid, hide, pretend, sneer and fear even his family. Day in, day out, strolling side by side in complete accord is his most secret fantasy. One Man's life of quiet desperation seems a conclusion before the third chapter, but don't be fooled by the reflective surface.
The book appears to be all about One Man but it is really all about Regina. Never lose sight of that fact. She is an idol, living perfection on a pedestal no One Man can climb. She came from nothing. But she enters One Man's life boldly, unapologetic, beautiful, possessing superior business skills, and of course, is socially adept, witty, charming, always with the right opinions in her societal awareness, with not just college attendance but a degree - she's the Enjoli Woman on Steroids. Fortunately, she spends much of the book being unobtainable and unavailable, coming and going and involved with grief, business, her lover, and her grand mansion. Otherwise, she might make you feel inferior as a human being.
Though pitiable in the beginning, Thomas develops his character with outstanding business successes and by castigating his wife, mother and family. He feels justified by circumstance, by the inferiority of his targets. He has earned the right [and privilege] to be the one saying the cruel things; is surprised only by how long it took him to figure out being verbally violent gets people to do what you want.
Which brings us to his wife, Meredith: A girl of beauty, money and family; nudged and coached by her mother and his, she and Thomas are discovered in a compromising position. For three months, he makes not one objection, asks no questions, offers no suggestion that he is anything but willingly marrying her. On his wedding night, he tells her it will be a marriage in name only. She may have been as "unmatable" as Thomas claimed. It's impossible to actually see Meredith through his eyes. Her words and actions are so corroded with his impressions they can't mean anything but what he decides they do. Meredith's only purpose was to be evidence of his development, proof his life was desperately miserable indeed. I don't pity her. I don't despise her. I don't think she was much different from hundreds of thousands of other young girls protected, sheltered and laced tight until it came time to serve their purpose in life, to seal an alliance between families. Meredith wasn't really a character at all; she was as much a symbol - the fallen women - as Regina - the prefect woman.
Which brings us back to "And always - always there was Regina."
Final Warning: The last four chapters will stun you. Don't think you'll be able to set the book aside and finish it later - not gonna happen. If you reach that point and have any doubt Ms. Watts excels at telling a damn good story, it will vanish before the end of the book.
I am so very grateful she ended it as she did. I could kiss her fingertips for not giving us an epilogue or, please no, a hint of a sequel. Some stories are meant to end with the possibilities open, left to the heart of the reader. We are blessed with so few of those precious acknowledgements of a reader's need to engage their imagination beyond the pages and covers of the author's domain. It was worth looking like a carp, just for that privilege.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Read an expanded review of this book w/excerpts at Page Traveler E-Book Reviews
June 19, 2019
Loved it!
May 2, 2016
Reading a historical fiction set in America was a difference experience. The culture, the dress, the behavior, and etiquette – every minute tiny detail was described in detail making the story a pleasurable read.
Our protagonist, Thomas, falls in love with a married woman – bad idea when the woman in question is not your typical meek housewife but a sharp business woman who charms her way into making money and cuts ruthless deals. The writer traces the history of Pittsburgh – from the Railroad strikes to the assassination of President Garfield and the Johnstown flood while narrating Thomas’s story. Though the story was narrated from Thomas’s point of view, it was not a first person narration.
The story on the outset seemed much like a chronicle of Thomas’s life on the outset but eventually turned into an interesting tale of love and tolerance. The characterization was simply spot on but at times bordered on being a bit unrealistic. Both Thomas’s and Meredith’s character were unconvincing and a bit too good to be true. Particularly, Thomas was too much of a gentleman and I wondered if there are still such species like him around. The narration was bliss to read. Having read enough historical fiction set in the Victorian era or in Britain, this story was an interesting read. The narration brought out the beautiful similarities as well as the stark differences between the American and British cultures. The writer seems to have researched well and also excelled in presenting her research. In fact, at one point, when there were hardly any twists in the story, the research and facts came to rescue. The pacing of the story evidently was uneven. I do understand that a person’s life in 180o would have been a bit mellow and slow due to the absence of modern technology, but that doesn’t mean there would have been other scandals. It’s fiction afterall, there sure was immense scope to make the story a bit more evenly paced.
MY SAY: Perfect read for that lazy summer day.
RATING:
PLOT: 3/5
CHARACTERISATION: 3/5
NARRATION: 4/5
OVERALL RATING: 4/5
Our protagonist, Thomas, falls in love with a married woman – bad idea when the woman in question is not your typical meek housewife but a sharp business woman who charms her way into making money and cuts ruthless deals. The writer traces the history of Pittsburgh – from the Railroad strikes to the assassination of President Garfield and the Johnstown flood while narrating Thomas’s story. Though the story was narrated from Thomas’s point of view, it was not a first person narration.
The story on the outset seemed much like a chronicle of Thomas’s life on the outset but eventually turned into an interesting tale of love and tolerance. The characterization was simply spot on but at times bordered on being a bit unrealistic. Both Thomas’s and Meredith’s character were unconvincing and a bit too good to be true. Particularly, Thomas was too much of a gentleman and I wondered if there are still such species like him around. The narration was bliss to read. Having read enough historical fiction set in the Victorian era or in Britain, this story was an interesting read. The narration brought out the beautiful similarities as well as the stark differences between the American and British cultures. The writer seems to have researched well and also excelled in presenting her research. In fact, at one point, when there were hardly any twists in the story, the research and facts came to rescue. The pacing of the story evidently was uneven. I do understand that a person’s life in 180o would have been a bit mellow and slow due to the absence of modern technology, but that doesn’t mean there would have been other scandals. It’s fiction afterall, there sure was immense scope to make the story a bit more evenly paced.
MY SAY: Perfect read for that lazy summer day.
RATING:
PLOT: 3/5
CHARACTERISATION: 3/5
NARRATION: 4/5
OVERALL RATING: 4/5
July 4, 2014
Will Thomas and Regina find each other? At the end of the novel, we're left with this compelling question that only Watts can answer. I hope she does. In this her wonderful first novel, Watts weaves dynamic elements into a vibrant tapestry of historical fiction. The tensions within characters' romantic hearts provides a range of carefully interwoven subplots. But for me, the plot's more powerful heaves and cracks emanate from its historic elements set in the late 19th century: the Pittsburgh rail workers' strike against the Pennsylvania railroad company, the brilliant invention of glass and steel wintergardens, the devastating Johnstown flood, and others. These events shift and re-shape characters thereby providing the novel with a strength that only attentive research can render. Not to be overlooked are Watts' passions for the fashions of the times, paying attention not only to clothing and manners but also to colloquial expressions that were indigenous to Pittsburgh in 1870's. Finally, no review would be complete without commenting on the tasteful treatment of sexual tension between the two central characters. I feel equal respect on two sides of this spectrum. On the one hand I admire Thomas's sense of restrained decorum while at the same time I bristle at Regina's bold flirtations. Despite these differences, they are well suited to each other. For me, painting these characters' romantic hearts throughout the novel is where Watts' writing stands most masterfully. And, in the tradition of a good 19th century novel, we await the next episode. Don't forget, Thomas saw that the body in coffin was not her...
September 14, 2015
Take one young man who lives in the shadow of his dead brother, who is belittled by his father, and who is the target of his mother’s plans for marriage and grandchildren. Thomas Baldwin’s mother has thrown a birthday party as a way of finding him a wife. Add a chance meeting with an intelligent independent young married woman who bewitches him. Add a scheming mother who machinates a plan to trap Thomas into marriage by having the daughter pull him into an empty room to tell him a secret. Instead, she opens the front of her dress to expose her breasts and attempts to get Thomas to touch them. The girl’s mother has Thomas’s mother in tow as they walk into the room while Thomas is extricating himself. A marriage soon follows. A recipe for disaster.
Author Watts writes a well-researched novel based on Pittsburg history around the late 1800s with complicated and relatable characters. While character driven, the plot engaged this reader into staying up too late at night. I would recommend Wealth and Privilege by Jeanette Watts to anyone who likes a complicated character driven story with a plot designed to keep the reader involved. And to anyone who is interested in the culture and economics of Pittsburg during the late 1800s.
Author Watts writes a well-researched novel based on Pittsburg history around the late 1800s with complicated and relatable characters. While character driven, the plot engaged this reader into staying up too late at night. I would recommend Wealth and Privilege by Jeanette Watts to anyone who likes a complicated character driven story with a plot designed to keep the reader involved. And to anyone who is interested in the culture and economics of Pittsburg during the late 1800s.
March 30, 2016
Jeanette Watts has done a great job in giving us a Historical Romance novel that has all of the elements I look for with a couple of things that set it apart from others like it. I enjoyed the fact that the heroine was independent and a bit hard headed about what she thought her future was going to look like. It was different in the fact that she was already married and that I don't see a lot in Historical Romance.
Historical Romance writers always blow me away with their authenticity and Jeanette Watts is no different. You can tell she did her homework and knows what she is talking about. The era feels real!
This was a real feel good Historical Romance. I enjoyed it!
Historical Romance writers always blow me away with their authenticity and Jeanette Watts is no different. You can tell she did her homework and knows what she is talking about. The era feels real!
This was a real feel good Historical Romance. I enjoyed it!
March 30, 2016
Do you like to be swept off to a different time and place? If yes, this is definitely a great choice. I loved the way that Jeanette really sets the scene for novel. I was completely immersed in the year and it felt real to me. Kudos to her for doing her research.
The characters were probably my favorite part. I really enjoyed each of their stories. I didn't feel like anyone was out of place or didn't fit.
The plot was smooth and I liked the way it flowed from chapter to chapter. A quick and easy read and overall great Historical Novel.
The characters were probably my favorite part. I really enjoyed each of their stories. I didn't feel like anyone was out of place or didn't fit.
The plot was smooth and I liked the way it flowed from chapter to chapter. A quick and easy read and overall great Historical Novel.
August 3, 2015
I love this book, these people, this time period and the city. Artfully written, impeccably researched and mesmerizing. This book picked me up, sucked me in and kept right on going. You knew these people, felt for these people and wanted to be a part of what these people were going through. I impatiently await the next story!
July 8, 2015
I usually read history, but enjoyed this historical-fiction trip to nineteenth century Pittsburg. Having Carnegie and Mellon on the periphery gives insight into the creation of wealth in the industrial era. Those who don't like the end, should realize that it leaves open the possibility of volume two!
January 31, 2016
I very much enjoyed Wealth and Privilege. The writing is descriptive and wonderfully engaging; the dialog was realistic, warm and witty. I was drawn into the lives of the characters and the interplay between them and felt and emotional connection. What a movie this would make! Highly, highly recommended.
April 3, 2014
A great story, somehow I don't like the ending. It seems lacking, Thomas thinks that Regina was alive, during the avalanched that wrecked the whole town of Johnstown. The novel just ended on Thomas looking for her?
April 21, 2013
Awesome, awesome, awesome. An absolute must read. Will leave you missing the characters when the story is over.
April 30, 2013
I found Thomas and Regina's story to be quite stirring. Regina likely would have been subjected to a great deal more ostracism than was apparent, but I enjoyed her wit and joie de vivre.
June 20, 2014
----review to come---
July 31, 2015
Life is messy. Having wealth and privilege may sound like fun, but it doesn't make life any less messy!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews