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Belle Cora
Based loosely on the life of the 19th-century prostitute of the same name, the book is written in the form of a two-volume memoir by one of San Francisco’s richest and most revered dowagers. In it, the heroine tells the story of her moral fall and material rise over the course of the century, carrying her from the farms, mills, drawing rooms (and bedrooms) of New York to the California gold rush.
608 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 524 reviews
February 2, 2014
An amazing book about an amazing woman and loosely based on a real life 19th century prostitute. How does one go from being a well sought out prostitute to a dowager of stellar reputation on San Francisco's Nob Hill?
In this novel, written as a two part memoir the reader finds out exactly how this happened. Generally I am not a big fan of first person narrations, but in this book it worked wonderfully well. Belle is an amazing woman, of unquestionable strength and her story is engaging and vividly portrayed. The amount of history covered is staggering, the amount of research that went into this book is nothing short of amazing.
I loved this story about a woman, a victim who takes charge and shapes her life as she so wants. So hard to do in the 19th century when women has so little say or control over their own lives. Another thing I find interesting is that this book is written by a man. Seriously, I could not tell. Well written, history from the textile mills to the Gold Rush, the San Francisco fire with is the scene where the book begins, are all wonderfully described. I was hooked from the very beginning.
In this novel, written as a two part memoir the reader finds out exactly how this happened. Generally I am not a big fan of first person narrations, but in this book it worked wonderfully well. Belle is an amazing woman, of unquestionable strength and her story is engaging and vividly portrayed. The amount of history covered is staggering, the amount of research that went into this book is nothing short of amazing.
I loved this story about a woman, a victim who takes charge and shapes her life as she so wants. So hard to do in the 19th century when women has so little say or control over their own lives. Another thing I find interesting is that this book is written by a man. Seriously, I could not tell. Well written, history from the textile mills to the Gold Rush, the San Francisco fire with is the scene where the book begins, are all wonderfully described. I was hooked from the very beginning.
February 14, 2014
Read my full review: http://bit.ly/1fmxdKy
My rating: My first 10/5 stars for 2014.
My opinion: Good freakin' lord THIS BOOK WAS AWESOME!
If I had ANY faith in Hollywood not to screw it up, this would be a great book made into a movie-even if it was only a Lifetime movie. Alas I don't, so please don't touch it! Also, a complaint...I don't know what numbnut is calling this a chicklit book, so please don't insult it that way.
This book was incredibly well written, engrossing and heartwarming/edge of seat intensity that masterfully doesn't beat you over the head. I know it sounds sexist, but I still can't believe that such a strong, complex female protagonist was written by a male. There were so many "lessons" to walk away from in this book.
This book was so refreshing, non-"cookie-cutter" read coming that came from the "traditional" publishing house. At first, my concern was that it was over-hyped. It wasn't!
My recommendation has been if you need to wait at the library for it...GRAB IT. It is one of those rare gems that is worth the $$$$'s. I happen to feel that it boosted my reading experience by the feel of the paper. I have put the print copy of this book into my Amazon cart because it will be one of those very rare books that I read multiple times. Don't feel like grabbing the print version, it was fine on my ereader.
My rating: My first 10/5 stars for 2014.
My opinion: Good freakin' lord THIS BOOK WAS AWESOME!
If I had ANY faith in Hollywood not to screw it up, this would be a great book made into a movie-even if it was only a Lifetime movie. Alas I don't, so please don't touch it! Also, a complaint...I don't know what numbnut is calling this a chicklit book, so please don't insult it that way.
This book was incredibly well written, engrossing and heartwarming/edge of seat intensity that masterfully doesn't beat you over the head. I know it sounds sexist, but I still can't believe that such a strong, complex female protagonist was written by a male. There were so many "lessons" to walk away from in this book.
This book was so refreshing, non-"cookie-cutter" read coming that came from the "traditional" publishing house. At first, my concern was that it was over-hyped. It wasn't!
My recommendation has been if you need to wait at the library for it...GRAB IT. It is one of those rare gems that is worth the $$$$'s. I happen to feel that it boosted my reading experience by the feel of the paper. I have put the print copy of this book into my Amazon cart because it will be one of those very rare books that I read multiple times. Don't feel like grabbing the print version, it was fine on my ereader.
February 12, 2014
Wow. It is possible for a 600-page book to be a lightning fast read as well as way too short. Belle Cora is the fictional “autobiography” of a “New York City merchant’s daughter, a farm girl, a millworker, a prostitute, a madam, a killer, a missionary, a spirit medium, a respectable society matron…” I guess you need 600 pages for all of that! Though there really was a San Francisco Madam named Belle Cora, the author says all details are purely fictional, other than the greater historical context in which the novel is set.
We follow Belle through her childhood, into her thirties, and eventually old age. We go from New York City to an upstate farm to San Francisco during the Gold Rush. As a native Californian, I loved the contrast between the more refined New York and the gritty, wild west. I’ve always wanted to read more “early California” novels. There aren’t many but this is by far the best I’ve read. I loved Belle from page 1 to page 600 and positively hated putting the book down. She is a tough, broken, winning character, written by a man, no less (well done, sir!) I adored every second of this juicy historical epic and am so very sad it’s over. I'd say they should make it into a movie but there's no way for it to compare.
We follow Belle through her childhood, into her thirties, and eventually old age. We go from New York City to an upstate farm to San Francisco during the Gold Rush. As a native Californian, I loved the contrast between the more refined New York and the gritty, wild west. I’ve always wanted to read more “early California” novels. There aren’t many but this is by far the best I’ve read. I loved Belle from page 1 to page 600 and positively hated putting the book down. She is a tough, broken, winning character, written by a man, no less (well done, sir!) I adored every second of this juicy historical epic and am so very sad it’s over. I'd say they should make it into a movie but there's no way for it to compare.
September 6, 2014
I wanted to like this book but read 75% and gave up because I really didn't care. I did not like the heroine and she herself says "I was a whore in my character, in my instinct to deceive and manipulate..." I grew tired of all her lies and manipulations. She always had to best her antagonist by being an even worse person. Agnes did some horrible things in the beginning but she was a child. This was Belle's character her entire life. The author did not succeed in helping me like her.
I did enjoy the historical aspects of the novel but felt most of the book was irrelevant, wasted pages, making the book way too long. I thought it was about a madam in SF but it took 350 pages before she even started her journey there, and once she was in SF it became too political and I became bored, giving up. I also disliked the gross details the author seemed to like to write but were unnecessary, like all the brutality of butchering an animal or the color of sputem....yuck!
I did enjoy the historical aspects of the novel but felt most of the book was irrelevant, wasted pages, making the book way too long. I thought it was about a madam in SF but it took 350 pages before she even started her journey there, and once she was in SF it became too political and I became bored, giving up. I also disliked the gross details the author seemed to like to write but were unnecessary, like all the brutality of butchering an animal or the color of sputem....yuck!
January 22, 2014
I am really enjoying this book, it is well written and the characters are so real. The book makes you think about our ideas about right and wrong. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction. Having read many other books about this time period, the author did an excellent job in describing life back then. Definitely a great read.
May 24, 2013
“Belle Cora” is Dazzling!
Phillip Margulies has scored a stunning success with “Belle Cora” the fictionalized account of a woman who was a madam in Gold Rush era California. The story traces Arabella Goodwin from her privileged upbringing in New York through the tragedies that set her life on a course that would place her at the center of the politics and controversies of California’s early days. A grand love story told in a manner to do it justice, Margulies brings Belle and her various and sundry friends, lovers, family and acquaintances to life on the page. Margulies also captures the essence of the Gold Rush and subsequent power struggles in San Francisco and the political factions who fought to control the city.
“Belle Cora” is an engaging novel which gives the reader a fresh view into the sex trade of the 1800’s told from the perspective of a successful career ‘madam.’ Belle is not just a madam but a smart and calculating business owner. Her rise from sought after call girl to power-wielding madam and her attempts to recreate herself to win her lost love will sweep you into another time and place. Exquisitely written, beautifully paced and sympathetically told, this story will touch your heart.
“Belle Cora” is scheduled for release from Doubleday on January 7, 2014. Mark your calendars…you’ll be glad you did!
This book was provided to me by Doubleday for this review. The opinions, however, are entirely my own!
Phillip Margulies has scored a stunning success with “Belle Cora” the fictionalized account of a woman who was a madam in Gold Rush era California. The story traces Arabella Goodwin from her privileged upbringing in New York through the tragedies that set her life on a course that would place her at the center of the politics and controversies of California’s early days. A grand love story told in a manner to do it justice, Margulies brings Belle and her various and sundry friends, lovers, family and acquaintances to life on the page. Margulies also captures the essence of the Gold Rush and subsequent power struggles in San Francisco and the political factions who fought to control the city.
“Belle Cora” is an engaging novel which gives the reader a fresh view into the sex trade of the 1800’s told from the perspective of a successful career ‘madam.’ Belle is not just a madam but a smart and calculating business owner. Her rise from sought after call girl to power-wielding madam and her attempts to recreate herself to win her lost love will sweep you into another time and place. Exquisitely written, beautifully paced and sympathetically told, this story will touch your heart.
“Belle Cora” is scheduled for release from Doubleday on January 7, 2014. Mark your calendars…you’ll be glad you did!
This book was provided to me by Doubleday for this review. The opinions, however, are entirely my own!
December 27, 2014
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More rational review later. This was one of the best books I've read this year. You need to read this. I don't care who you are and what you usually like.
More rational review later. This was one of the best books I've read this year. You need to read this. I don't care who you are and what you usually like.
March 26, 2016
3.5 stars - It was really good.
Sometimes life does not work out the way we planned and we choose paths that would surprise our younger selves. Sometimes first loves do not fade away - "To make life endurable, I had put the part of me that loved Jeptha to sleep, but I had never been able to bring myself to kill it." And sometimes, one meets their arch nemesis at the tender age of 9, and that mortal enemy is in the form of a clever, conniving first cousin - "I was a simpler person than she was. I knew it, because I could think of nothing to say to hurt her. I simply wished her dead."
Historical Fiction is my favorite genre, in part I believe, because real figures and events are often weaved into the story, which makes it far more intriguing, even if only loosely based on truth. Such is the case with this novel, though from the best I can tell, the majority of the novel is fully fictionalized, with the "loose truth" appearing towards the end of the story when Belle is in San Francisco.
The author presents the novel as a fake memoir, including a fake forward, which makes it difficult to tell what exactly is based loosely on truth vs fully fictionalized, though the author does address that somewhat in the author's note. Had the author's note been placed at the beginning, before the fake forward to the fake memoir, I believe it would make everything come together more cohesively and be less confusing. A quick wiki search, which I do NOT recommend until you have finished the book unless you already know the story of Mr. and Mrs. Cora, details a major event that involves murder as happening significantly differently than presented in the book, and that irked me a wee bit. Taking some liberties is expected, but when you alter who pulled the trigger, it feels more like alternate historical fiction.
I enjoyed this novel quite well and would recommend it to anyone that likes historical fiction and is interested in the Gold Rush era. It put me in mind at times of East of Eden by John Steinbeck (a favorite of mine). The pacing was inconsistent however, and while I never found it to be slow, some parts were much less fascinating than others. A couple of people on Goodreads have it shelved as "chick lit" which I do not think is appropriate as it is not a light, "beachy" read. On the other hand, I do think women will enjoy this more than most men, as there is a consistent exploration of relationships - both romantic male/female, and those of a female/female feudal nature (see arch nemesis reference above), yet I would definitely not classify this as a romance.
Favorite Quote: Philosophers know that all choices are fateful. Each decision destroys worlds of possibility and permits others to survive at least a little longer. In a gold rush, the process is visible to ordinary men, and since they're not philosophers, it unsettles them, and they begin to do strange things.
First sentence: My experiences in the April 1906 earthquake in San Francisco have led me to write this book, so I suppose I'll begin there.
Sometimes life does not work out the way we planned and we choose paths that would surprise our younger selves. Sometimes first loves do not fade away - "To make life endurable, I had put the part of me that loved Jeptha to sleep, but I had never been able to bring myself to kill it." And sometimes, one meets their arch nemesis at the tender age of 9, and that mortal enemy is in the form of a clever, conniving first cousin - "I was a simpler person than she was. I knew it, because I could think of nothing to say to hurt her. I simply wished her dead."
Historical Fiction is my favorite genre, in part I believe, because real figures and events are often weaved into the story, which makes it far more intriguing, even if only loosely based on truth. Such is the case with this novel, though from the best I can tell, the majority of the novel is fully fictionalized, with the "loose truth" appearing towards the end of the story when Belle is in San Francisco.
The author presents the novel as a fake memoir, including a fake forward, which makes it difficult to tell what exactly is based loosely on truth vs fully fictionalized, though the author does address that somewhat in the author's note. Had the author's note been placed at the beginning, before the fake forward to the fake memoir, I believe it would make everything come together more cohesively and be less confusing. A quick wiki search, which I do NOT recommend until you have finished the book unless you already know the story of Mr. and Mrs. Cora, details a major event that involves murder as happening significantly differently than presented in the book, and that irked me a wee bit. Taking some liberties is expected, but when you alter who pulled the trigger, it feels more like alternate historical fiction.
I enjoyed this novel quite well and would recommend it to anyone that likes historical fiction and is interested in the Gold Rush era. It put me in mind at times of East of Eden by John Steinbeck (a favorite of mine). The pacing was inconsistent however, and while I never found it to be slow, some parts were much less fascinating than others. A couple of people on Goodreads have it shelved as "chick lit" which I do not think is appropriate as it is not a light, "beachy" read. On the other hand, I do think women will enjoy this more than most men, as there is a consistent exploration of relationships - both romantic male/female, and those of a female/female feudal nature (see arch nemesis reference above), yet I would definitely not classify this as a romance.
Favorite Quote: Philosophers know that all choices are fateful. Each decision destroys worlds of possibility and permits others to survive at least a little longer. In a gold rush, the process is visible to ordinary men, and since they're not philosophers, it unsettles them, and they begin to do strange things.
First sentence: My experiences in the April 1906 earthquake in San Francisco have led me to write this book, so I suppose I'll begin there.
January 4, 2014
If anything, Belle Cora questions what it means to be bad or good. Through Arabella’s journey from New York City to San Francisco, Mr. Margulies casts doubt on the true meaning of these arbitrary adjectives. At the same time, he raises questions about the oldest profession in the world as he forces readers to see that life from Belle’s up-close perspective. Her initial abhorrence of such a life, followed swiftly by acceptance of its perks, her reluctance to leave that life with its perks, and her eventual flaunting of her position support Belle’s opinion that such a life is not as horrible as her experiences in more pious societies. The fact that she accepts even the worst behaviors among her clientele but refuses to forgive those from her childhood who caused her the most heartbreak is telling. Indeed, it is a scathing commentary on the hypocrisy of religion, politics, the law, and everything else that most people consider to be good in society both then and today.
Belle Cora is like Scarlett O’Hara had Scarlett grown up without money and connections. She is ruthless, fiercely independent, intelligent, devoted, and fearless. The tough lessons taught to her by her aunt and her cousins serve her in good stead as she learns how to not only survive but to thrive in corrupt and remorseless New York City. One may not support her methods but will still admire her resolute determination to succeed.
The love story within Belle Cora is a poignant surprise. One never expects her childhood crush on Jeptha to last as long, to become as complicated and adult, and to be quite as endearingly sweet as it does. More importantly, just as Belle’s chosen profession examines society’s opinion of right and wrong, Jeptha and Belle’s relationship further probes the issue. Both make unique and costly decisions to be with one another, sometimes to the detriment to their individual benefit as well as that of their relationship.
Belle Cora is ambitious in scope and excellent in execution. The topics addressed and the questions poised create a story that refuses to let go of a reader, burrowing under a reader’s skin and forcing one to consistently evaluate previous assumptions, values, belief systems, and the like. Its vibrant and thorough descriptions of a bygone era create a full-fledged image replete with aromas. Along with its unforgettable characters, Belle Cora is a book for the ages.
Belle Cora is like Scarlett O’Hara had Scarlett grown up without money and connections. She is ruthless, fiercely independent, intelligent, devoted, and fearless. The tough lessons taught to her by her aunt and her cousins serve her in good stead as she learns how to not only survive but to thrive in corrupt and remorseless New York City. One may not support her methods but will still admire her resolute determination to succeed.
The love story within Belle Cora is a poignant surprise. One never expects her childhood crush on Jeptha to last as long, to become as complicated and adult, and to be quite as endearingly sweet as it does. More importantly, just as Belle’s chosen profession examines society’s opinion of right and wrong, Jeptha and Belle’s relationship further probes the issue. Both make unique and costly decisions to be with one another, sometimes to the detriment to their individual benefit as well as that of their relationship.
Belle Cora is ambitious in scope and excellent in execution. The topics addressed and the questions poised create a story that refuses to let go of a reader, burrowing under a reader’s skin and forcing one to consistently evaluate previous assumptions, values, belief systems, and the like. Its vibrant and thorough descriptions of a bygone era create a full-fledged image replete with aromas. Along with its unforgettable characters, Belle Cora is a book for the ages.
February 19, 2015
Belle Cora is the story of Arabella Godwin. She grew up wealthy with her brothers, their invalid mother and their hardworking father. When her mother dies and her father follows soon after, she and one of her brothers are sent off to live with their aunt and uncle in the country. It's a move that will change her entire life.
The beginning started off very slow and my advise to future readers is to skip the prologue completely – its utterly tedious and does not really add anything to this story.
Belle goes through a lot of growth in character and even as a young girl showed the strength she would need later in life to carve out a niche for herself in a society where women are only allowed to fulfill the role of daughter, wife and mother.
Belle is no angel and makes one mistake after another especially when it comes to her love for Jephta, a man that I found charming as a child but boring as an adult.
From a historical perspective I really enjoyed reading about New York during the early 18-hundreds and the madness that came with the California gold rush. This is a typical story of a good girl gone bad taking you from the plush seats of high class brothels to the Wild West during the Gold Rush.
Overall the story did not sweep me away as much as I had hoped. Other books I enjoyed a bit more than this one, set in the same time period, was My Notorious Life and The Crimson Petal and the White.
January 25, 2014
This synopsis is incredibly short, and that's probably for the best. I didn't know very much going in, and this has turned into one of my favorite reads of the year. (And yes, I realize that it's not saying very much as we are barely into February, but still. This book is amazing and I can't imagine that it won't be on my best of list at the end of the year.)
This is a long book and it takes time to unfold. Readers should be patient going in, but be aware that it will pay off relatively quickly.
Belle Cora (Arabella, last name changes multiple times over the course of the novel) is an amazing heroine and narrator. The closest person I can compare her to is Scarlett O'Hara, someone who just flat out will not be defeated, no matter what circumstances life throws at her. I think she's a great deal more likable than Scarlett is (although, to be far, I also liked Scarlett very much, so maybe take that for what it's worth).
I absolutely adored this book and it makes me want to read more historical fiction.
Highly recommended.
This is a long book and it takes time to unfold. Readers should be patient going in, but be aware that it will pay off relatively quickly.
Belle Cora (Arabella, last name changes multiple times over the course of the novel) is an amazing heroine and narrator. The closest person I can compare her to is Scarlett O'Hara, someone who just flat out will not be defeated, no matter what circumstances life throws at her. I think she's a great deal more likable than Scarlett is (although, to be far, I also liked Scarlett very much, so maybe take that for what it's worth).
I absolutely adored this book and it makes me want to read more historical fiction.
Highly recommended.
February 10, 2017
Impeccably researched. And I found many turns of phrasing remarkable, making me stop and ponder the beauty of the thought. However, this story became far too lengthy. A wonderful story, it grew unwieldy by its midpoint. I made myself keep reading because it was part of my book club, and admittedly the pace picked up at the 3/4 mark and became quite appealing, but getting there was difficult. A remarkable writer, but the publisher should have edited this book down by at least a third. At that size, I could see this book turning into an incredible best seller. Instead, the writer made us not quite willing to pick up another book by him, for fear it will be just as cumbersome. Shame, because he's good.
March 12, 2014
Wordy with some very unrealistic character twists; but interesting picture of the late 19th century in America and some very interesting moral philosophy.
December 19, 2013
This story is truly breathtaking. Arabella’s character is one to be admired for her strength and resilience. This isn’t necessarily a story about a good girl gone bad or a prostitute with a soft spot or any of the those other cliches.
This is the story of a woman who endured many hardships and made the choices she had to, in order to survive. She was unapologetic and real, I absolutely loved her. She was an inspiration.
The novel started out a little slow for me. Her childhood and her struggles as a young girl were obviously important to her character development and the over all story, but for me it was a little thick and sluggish.
The beginning of the novel is heavily rooted in fundamental Puritanism and a lot of the character names were very traditional, old Puritan names and a little difficult to keep straight. I also don’t know much about the Puritan religion but it seemed very restrictive…..a very ‘fire and brimstone’ feel to it at least for me.
For me this wasn’t a fast read, nor did I want it to be a fast read. The novel is a bit of a long one at over 600 pages in the ebook version, but the story was worth every page. That said, this isn’t a novel you want to rush through. All of the characters were marvelously developed and written, I loved how they all fit in the story so you will want to savor each page to fully appreciate the novel as a whole.
See my full review here
This is the story of a woman who endured many hardships and made the choices she had to, in order to survive. She was unapologetic and real, I absolutely loved her. She was an inspiration.
The novel started out a little slow for me. Her childhood and her struggles as a young girl were obviously important to her character development and the over all story, but for me it was a little thick and sluggish.
The beginning of the novel is heavily rooted in fundamental Puritanism and a lot of the character names were very traditional, old Puritan names and a little difficult to keep straight. I also don’t know much about the Puritan religion but it seemed very restrictive…..a very ‘fire and brimstone’ feel to it at least for me.
For me this wasn’t a fast read, nor did I want it to be a fast read. The novel is a bit of a long one at over 600 pages in the ebook version, but the story was worth every page. That said, this isn’t a novel you want to rush through. All of the characters were marvelously developed and written, I loved how they all fit in the story so you will want to savor each page to fully appreciate the novel as a whole.
See my full review here
April 6, 2017
First and foremost oodles of praise to author Phillip Margulies for crafting such a rich, juicy, scandalous, extensive epic of a novel! This is how you do historical fiction! The amount of research and attention to detail is outstanding. Belle Cora covers nearly 80 years loosely following the life of the famed San Francisco Madam. Belle's life is quite a journey but to avoid spoilers I won't give much detail.
The setting is mid 1800's until early 1900's covering tons of history. This book is hard to put down and will consume hours of your day!!! My only criticism of this novel, the ending seemed a bit hurried...which is amusing to say at page 800. ( I read the Ebook) sorry it had to end.
The setting is mid 1800's until early 1900's covering tons of history. This book is hard to put down and will consume hours of your day!!! My only criticism of this novel, the ending seemed a bit hurried...which is amusing to say at page 800. ( I read the Ebook) sorry it had to end.
January 8, 2017
This book, "loosely" based on a real women, starts with the main character as a child, growing up with a consumptive mother and a often- absent-for -work father. It follows her falls and rises and trips and eventual material and romantic successes as she becomes one of the richest madams of her time. It kind of reminded me of a tree grows in Brooklyn in style. Great gender studies fodder, as sex work often is. Speaking of which, there wasn't much sex, lots of "after we were done" and stuff like that.
January 13, 2015
Loved it!!! Loved it!!! Loved it!!!
This book read like a really fast race car. I devoured it this morning and literally just finished it. I'm still giddy over it. Written so beautifully I keep checking to make sure the end was really the end and no pages were missed. Excellent book indeed!! :)
This book read like a really fast race car. I devoured it this morning and literally just finished it. I'm still giddy over it. Written so beautifully I keep checking to make sure the end was really the end and no pages were missed. Excellent book indeed!! :)
June 5, 2014
Really enjoyed the first half, by by the final quarter I couldn't wait to be finished. Too long!
June 22, 2015
After finding this book on the end cap of a library display I thought it sounded familiar and gave it a shot.
Briefly this is a story of a prostitute born in the early 1800s and written as though it is her memoir. It is her familiy history and travels across America from her N.Y.City birth, to Western New York to San Francisco. Phillip Marguilies has based his novel on an actual person with made up details but recounting actual historical events. While Marguilies is a male author I think he did a fine job writing as a female.
It is terribly long, 591 pages but full of so many things that I loved that I would stop and write them down on a piece of paper - so I forgave the length. I loved the historical details about life in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. I love it when I find a writer who is clearly well read and can capture those fleeting thoughts and emotions that skitter across our brains - those crazy ideas that we never write down ourselves or those descriptions of people that are priceless and if we were allowed to voice them others would say "yes,ha ha, right!". There were words that I looked up - and although their meanings were obvious from the sentence, I was happy to find words that were strangers to me before: octoroon, demimonde. My favorite passage:
"Something was missing. Something always is. Is anyone ever really perfectly content? Unless we are crushed by care, or in a desperate struggle that leaves no time for reflection, we are all restless and dissatisfied, if only because none of us can have his cake and eat it, too."
Well, one more.....describing being the one person at a Christian revival who does not go up to be 'saved', Marguilies uses popcorn to explain the feeling of being an outsider: "But always in the end there remain a few hard kernels, roasted but not popped-who knows why?-and I was always one of those." Amen.
Briefly this is a story of a prostitute born in the early 1800s and written as though it is her memoir. It is her familiy history and travels across America from her N.Y.City birth, to Western New York to San Francisco. Phillip Marguilies has based his novel on an actual person with made up details but recounting actual historical events. While Marguilies is a male author I think he did a fine job writing as a female.
It is terribly long, 591 pages but full of so many things that I loved that I would stop and write them down on a piece of paper - so I forgave the length. I loved the historical details about life in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. I love it when I find a writer who is clearly well read and can capture those fleeting thoughts and emotions that skitter across our brains - those crazy ideas that we never write down ourselves or those descriptions of people that are priceless and if we were allowed to voice them others would say "yes,ha ha, right!". There were words that I looked up - and although their meanings were obvious from the sentence, I was happy to find words that were strangers to me before: octoroon, demimonde. My favorite passage:
"Something was missing. Something always is. Is anyone ever really perfectly content? Unless we are crushed by care, or in a desperate struggle that leaves no time for reflection, we are all restless and dissatisfied, if only because none of us can have his cake and eat it, too."
Well, one more.....describing being the one person at a Christian revival who does not go up to be 'saved', Marguilies uses popcorn to explain the feeling of being an outsider: "But always in the end there remain a few hard kernels, roasted but not popped-who knows why?-and I was always one of those." Amen.
February 13, 2014
I'm amazed how well this story was woven that I couldn't not become a part of as I read. Belle came alive. I truly felt that her life could have happened. It's always amazes me when I come a crossed a book that makes me wonder if a book has based its main character on someone in real life. This book did that I actually looked up all of Belle's names to see if she was person outside of the book. Her life and trails and all that she overcame just pulled me into her story. I became the bystander in the book able to see and feel everything. I know I wouldn't have survived as well as Belle did nor do I think I would have had the outcome that she did. She was a strong individual and did what she had to do to survive the hand she was dealt. She's an amazing woman in a wonderful book. I'm so glad that I got to read this!
ARC courtesy of Doubleday Books via Netgalley
ARC courtesy of Doubleday Books via Netgalley
December 6, 2013
I had originally planned to review Belle Cora by Phillip Margulies closer to its publication date but I decided I couldn’t wait that long. This novel is inspired by a real person and has quite rightly been compared to Defoe’s Moll Flanders and Thackery’s Vanity Fair. Sometimes a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do if she’s to survive. So, if you like an engrossing story about a smart, good girl gone bad and/or you’re a historical fiction fan, this Civil War era tale may be just the thing to put on your TBR list for January. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6879.
March 13, 2014
There were parts of this book that were excellent. However, it just kind of ended. I wanted more about how the protagonist re-invented herself yet again. I also would like to know just how much of this is based on historical fact. The use of a "fake editor" and "fake memoirs" is actually a confusing convention at first, and I disliked any "dear reader" reference. But the story holds up and was enjoyable for the most part. That said, it's not one I'm going to run out and purchase in paperback. The Kindle edition is just fine.
April 5, 2014
New York and San Francisco as seen through the eyes of infamous madam Belle Cora in her fictional memoir. A book of biblical proportions, metaphors and drama, this is a committing read but enjoyable. A mini-series with corsets, fans of historical events watered down with blackgaurds and religious zealots and knives in every back will love it. As did I. As did I.
January 12, 2025
Interesting historical premise but an absolute chore to finish.
July 25, 2025
My second favorite book of all time I think. Second only to the picture of Dorian gray. Similar time period, other side of the world. Written like “Booth” by Karen Joy Fowler and similar in theme- creative nonfiction- taking a real person and real events and filling in the details.
January 7, 2014
Prostitutes! Gun Fights! Vigilantes! Unitarians! This book has pretty much everything. It tells the story of how an orphaned, but well-off girl named Arabella Godwin became the notorious San Francisco Madam, Belle Cora. At over 600 pages, it might seem intimidating to some readers, but I found it enthralling and very readable.
There was a real Belle Cora in San Francisco in the mid-19th century, and she was a madam. She was the lover of a gambler named Charles Cora, who was executed by The Vigilance Committee for the murder of US Marshall William Marshall. Yet, the story of her life--before and after this infamous episode--is the creation of Margulies. It would be tempting to dip into melodrama to frame such a sensational event, but Margulies takes the high--and more believable--road. While Arabella Godwin finds herself in the world of prostitution through some very unfortunate events, her rise to the role of the highest madam in the rough and tumble young city of San Francisco is the result of very shrewd decisions on her part.
Belle is not always a likable character, and she does do some rather shocking things, but she is authentic enough for the reader to believe that this really could have been the life of Belle Cora. Nothing in her narrative is so outrageous that I would question the possibility that it might have really happened.
One thing about this book I really enjoyed was Margulies's depiction of San Francisco. Other than the airport, I haven't visited that city since I was in diapers (despite being able to drive to it from my house in one long day). I was captivated about how it started out as a violent outpost populated by desperate and ambitious men and a handful of women, most of whom expressed their own desperation and ambition between the sheets. As Belle Cora's business grows, so does San Francisco so, by the time of Charles Cora's execution, it is a true American city.
I have very few complaints about this book. There were times when I questioned why Belle was so in love with Jeptha Talbot, a boy from her youth who grew up to be a minister and whose presence was one factor leading her on her life's path. But, in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't that much of a big deal to me.
I'll admit that, after finishing this book, I spent some time on the internet trying to find out more about the infamous Belle Cora, but was able to find little more than the facts regarding Cora's execution. Margulies does list some other sources about this woman in his afterward, which I may check out--but, honestly, I'm quite satisfied with this version of her life, no matter how fictional it may be.
I received and electronic copy of this book in return for this review. I received no other compensation for this post.
There was a real Belle Cora in San Francisco in the mid-19th century, and she was a madam. She was the lover of a gambler named Charles Cora, who was executed by The Vigilance Committee for the murder of US Marshall William Marshall. Yet, the story of her life--before and after this infamous episode--is the creation of Margulies. It would be tempting to dip into melodrama to frame such a sensational event, but Margulies takes the high--and more believable--road. While Arabella Godwin finds herself in the world of prostitution through some very unfortunate events, her rise to the role of the highest madam in the rough and tumble young city of San Francisco is the result of very shrewd decisions on her part.
Belle is not always a likable character, and she does do some rather shocking things, but she is authentic enough for the reader to believe that this really could have been the life of Belle Cora. Nothing in her narrative is so outrageous that I would question the possibility that it might have really happened.
One thing about this book I really enjoyed was Margulies's depiction of San Francisco. Other than the airport, I haven't visited that city since I was in diapers (despite being able to drive to it from my house in one long day). I was captivated about how it started out as a violent outpost populated by desperate and ambitious men and a handful of women, most of whom expressed their own desperation and ambition between the sheets. As Belle Cora's business grows, so does San Francisco so, by the time of Charles Cora's execution, it is a true American city.
I have very few complaints about this book. There were times when I questioned why Belle was so in love with Jeptha Talbot, a boy from her youth who grew up to be a minister and whose presence was one factor leading her on her life's path. But, in the grand scheme of things, it wasn't that much of a big deal to me.
I'll admit that, after finishing this book, I spent some time on the internet trying to find out more about the infamous Belle Cora, but was able to find little more than the facts regarding Cora's execution. Margulies does list some other sources about this woman in his afterward, which I may check out--but, honestly, I'm quite satisfied with this version of her life, no matter how fictional it may be.
I received and electronic copy of this book in return for this review. I received no other compensation for this post.
July 5, 2014
I am in two minds about this book, written as though it is the memoir of Belle Cora, a flamboyant San Francisco madam whose life as the granddaughter of a wealthy Yankee merchant is derailed by a scheming female cousin and a brutal male cousin, ruining her love affair with a local farm boy, and eventually driving her into a life of prostitution. While I enjoyed the sweep of the story, there were several sections I found myself skimming. And though the author is a good writer, I can't help but think that for his name and reputation as a nonfiction writer, the same story and characters with a more lurid cover and a female author would have ended up dismissed as just another slightly bawdy bit of historical fiction, and not a "rollicking good time." Anyway, as a portrait of a place and time that we've seen before (Gold Rush San Francisco) but with new information (Know Nothings, Committee of VIgilance, etc.) it IS a bit of historical fact wrapped in a fun time. Would make a good bit of beach reading.
February 22, 2017
This is fiction. But it is fiction with good research.
Belle Cora is only one of the names that the main character in this book uses during her long lifetime in the 1800s. Now that I finished the book, I fear that if I started telling the story to someone it would sound like a soap opera. Usually I would turn my nose away from either a soap opera or chick lit. IF this is chick lit, it is well-written chick lit.
I was not familiar with the author or the book prior to it being picked for my library's book discussion. All through my reading, I wondered what shoe was going to drop next.
Basically, it's the story of a strong woman who did was she needed to do to survive when she had no one else to rely on. For that, I really liked this book.
Belle Cora is only one of the names that the main character in this book uses during her long lifetime in the 1800s. Now that I finished the book, I fear that if I started telling the story to someone it would sound like a soap opera. Usually I would turn my nose away from either a soap opera or chick lit. IF this is chick lit, it is well-written chick lit.
I was not familiar with the author or the book prior to it being picked for my library's book discussion. All through my reading, I wondered what shoe was going to drop next.
Basically, it's the story of a strong woman who did was she needed to do to survive when she had no one else to rely on. For that, I really liked this book.
July 26, 2017
It sounded SO good! But after about 50 pages, with the prospect of another 500+, I knew I wasn't going any further.
I did like the conceit of a book "written" by a famous prostitute/businesswoman/farm girl/factory worker/rich man's wife who made her way across the country from NY to San Francisco, lived through the 1906 earthquake and fire and then endeavored to tell all. If I had more time, and inclination, I may have muddled through, but I no longer feel obliged to finish a book I start. 50 pages or one audio disk is the limit - if I'm not seriously hooked by then, it is not going to happen.
There was potential, and if I had unlimited time or youth, perhaps I would have tried longer and harder to continue with Belle Cora.
I did like the conceit of a book "written" by a famous prostitute/businesswoman/farm girl/factory worker/rich man's wife who made her way across the country from NY to San Francisco, lived through the 1906 earthquake and fire and then endeavored to tell all. If I had more time, and inclination, I may have muddled through, but I no longer feel obliged to finish a book I start. 50 pages or one audio disk is the limit - if I'm not seriously hooked by then, it is not going to happen.
There was potential, and if I had unlimited time or youth, perhaps I would have tried longer and harder to continue with Belle Cora.
April 18, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much. It's a long story and sometimes the author goes into great details. But this is necessary for what is to follow. It's based on the life of a real woman. A very fascinating woman of her time! The one thing I didn't like about this book was the author's introduction. It was quite long, and almost made me decide that I didn't want to read this book. I'm glad I kept reading! When book one starts, the story takes right off and it's very interesting.
I'm dying to give spoilers, but I won't.
I would give this book a lot more than five stars!
This book is hard to put down and I lost three nights sleep!
I'm dying to give spoilers, but I won't.
I would give this book a lot more than five stars!
This book is hard to put down and I lost three nights sleep!
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