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Magnolia City
Houston in the 1920s is a city of established cotton kings and newly rich oil barons, where the elite live in beaux art mansions behind the gates of Courtlandt Place. Kirby Augustus Allen, grandson of the Allen brothers who founded Houston as a real estate deal, is grooming his daughter Hetty to marry Lamar Rusk, scion of the Splendora oil fortune. Instead, at the No-Tsu-Oh Carnival of 1928, beautiful, rebellious Hetty encounters a mysterious man from Montana dressed in the gear of a wildcatter--an outsider named Garret MacBride.
Hetty is torn between Lamar's lavish courtship and her instinctive connection to Garret. As Lamar's wife she would be guaranteed acceptance to the highest ranks of Houston society. Yet Garret, poor but powerfully ambitious, offers the adventure she craves, with rendezvous in illicit jazz clubs and reckless nights of passion. The men's intense rivalry extends to business, as rumors of a vast, untapped ocean of oil in East Texas spark a frenzy that can make fortunes--or shatter lives and dreams beyond repair.
A sweeping, sumptuous debut that evokes the turmoil and drama rippling through the history of the Lone Star State, Magnolia City is a story of love, greed, jealousy, and redemption, brought to life through the eyes of its unforgettable heroine.
Hetty is torn between Lamar's lavish courtship and her instinctive connection to Garret. As Lamar's wife she would be guaranteed acceptance to the highest ranks of Houston society. Yet Garret, poor but powerfully ambitious, offers the adventure she craves, with rendezvous in illicit jazz clubs and reckless nights of passion. The men's intense rivalry extends to business, as rumors of a vast, untapped ocean of oil in East Texas spark a frenzy that can make fortunes--or shatter lives and dreams beyond repair.
A sweeping, sumptuous debut that evokes the turmoil and drama rippling through the history of the Lone Star State, Magnolia City is a story of love, greed, jealousy, and redemption, brought to life through the eyes of its unforgettable heroine.
439 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
83 people are currently reading
1275 people want to read
About the author
Duncan W. Alderson
1 book13 followersDuncan W. Alderson was born in Oil Town, USA, where he began his career writing clever advertising copy to amuse a coterie of Houston socialites. He then escaped Texas to become an expat in England. He researched his Master's Thesis in the Reading Room of the British Museum, fancying that he sat in the same chair as E. M. Forster. After teaching for twelve years at the Toronto Waldorf School, Duncan founded the Rabbit Hill Writers' Studio in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Inspired by photos of his mother as a flapper in El Paso, Texas, he spent ten years researching and developing his epic historical novel, Magnolia City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 7, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
I was ecstatic when I finished Duncan W. Alderson's Magnolia City, euphoric even. I’d come, I’d read, and though it was an uphill battle from the beginning, I had conquered. This smug sense of triumph set the tone for my review, imbuing my commentary with a sarcasm Alderson’s work didn’t necessarily deserve, something I realized while proofing my work. Don’t misunderstand, I am still delighted at being done with this book. I’m simply acknowledging that quiet reflection afforded an appreciation for the story that was not evidenced until I’d said goodbye to Hetty Allen, Lamar Rusk and Garret MacBride.
From a historical perspective, Magnolia City is a masterpiece. Layers of minute detail provide an astounding backdrop, effectively transporting readers to a bygone age. Alderson’s subtle manipulation of fact is delicately refined and so seamless that one hardly realizes where truth meets fiction.
Alderson’s prose adds another dimension to the narrative. The glittering opulence of Bayou Bend, the fiery burn of mescal, the unmistakable scent of oil fresh from the earth. His evocative and lyrical descriptions produce a piercingly vivid portrait, one that wholly immerses his audience in Hetty’s experiences and complex affairs.
The problem I have with this piece, is its length. Alderson’s themes are introduced early on, but they so vague and scattered that pinpointing their nature and connecting one to the next is a practical impossibility. I’m not exaggerating, I spent most of the narrative frustrated at what I identified as lack of direction, fighting the urge to scream at what seemed a mishmash of unrelated concepts. I often felt lost in the immense scope of the narrative and though I was ultimately impressed with Alderson’s thesis, I can’t help feeling the novel is about two hundred pages longer than it needs to be.
Would I recommend the book? I don’t know. I suppose it would depend on the reader. Magnolia City is by no means an easy read and might not be the best choice for those seeking immediate satisfaction, but it is a dramatic and emotionally poignant story that shouldn't be undervalued.
I was ecstatic when I finished Duncan W. Alderson's Magnolia City, euphoric even. I’d come, I’d read, and though it was an uphill battle from the beginning, I had conquered. This smug sense of triumph set the tone for my review, imbuing my commentary with a sarcasm Alderson’s work didn’t necessarily deserve, something I realized while proofing my work. Don’t misunderstand, I am still delighted at being done with this book. I’m simply acknowledging that quiet reflection afforded an appreciation for the story that was not evidenced until I’d said goodbye to Hetty Allen, Lamar Rusk and Garret MacBride.
From a historical perspective, Magnolia City is a masterpiece. Layers of minute detail provide an astounding backdrop, effectively transporting readers to a bygone age. Alderson’s subtle manipulation of fact is delicately refined and so seamless that one hardly realizes where truth meets fiction.
Alderson’s prose adds another dimension to the narrative. The glittering opulence of Bayou Bend, the fiery burn of mescal, the unmistakable scent of oil fresh from the earth. His evocative and lyrical descriptions produce a piercingly vivid portrait, one that wholly immerses his audience in Hetty’s experiences and complex affairs.
The problem I have with this piece, is its length. Alderson’s themes are introduced early on, but they so vague and scattered that pinpointing their nature and connecting one to the next is a practical impossibility. I’m not exaggerating, I spent most of the narrative frustrated at what I identified as lack of direction, fighting the urge to scream at what seemed a mishmash of unrelated concepts. I often felt lost in the immense scope of the narrative and though I was ultimately impressed with Alderson’s thesis, I can’t help feeling the novel is about two hundred pages longer than it needs to be.
Would I recommend the book? I don’t know. I suppose it would depend on the reader. Magnolia City is by no means an easy read and might not be the best choice for those seeking immediate satisfaction, but it is a dramatic and emotionally poignant story that shouldn't be undervalued.
January 11, 2016
Give. Me. A. Xanax.
In the beginning the story line was very interesting but quickly became a big hot mess.
There was just too many things going on for me to actually enjoy.
Between Mother daughter issues, sibling issues, the daddy issues, the love triangle, the boom to bust; back to boom; back to bust.... the clairvoyance thing, the husband thing....
Add all the above to Hetty's inability of figuring out who she is as she goes from... I am going to rebel against the establishment; no, I am going to become a civil rights activist before my time; no, I am equal hear me roar; no, I am going to be a socialite; no, I am going to be a bootlegger; no, I really want to be a socialite; no, I am going to embrace my hidden heritage that has been denied me; no, I am going to be a oil tycoon; etc etc....
With soooo much going on, I just wanted it all to end.
Which is unfortunate. The book had really good bone structure but for all of this to happen in 300 pages and a few years... talk about Hetty suffering from ADHD.
It would be good to revisit as a book series or just completely different novellas... but rolling it all into one thing... ugh it was exhausting to read.
Also, just a quick history lesson, Mexicans working in the US were not called illegals... until the 1950s both US and Mexicans citizens zigged-zagged across the boarder without issue and/or documentation necessary. Calling them illegals is completely out of place.
In the beginning the story line was very interesting but quickly became a big hot mess.
There was just too many things going on for me to actually enjoy.
Between Mother daughter issues, sibling issues, the daddy issues, the love triangle, the boom to bust; back to boom; back to bust.... the clairvoyance thing, the husband thing....
Add all the above to Hetty's inability of figuring out who she is as she goes from... I am going to rebel against the establishment; no, I am going to become a civil rights activist before my time; no, I am equal hear me roar; no, I am going to be a socialite; no, I am going to be a bootlegger; no, I really want to be a socialite; no, I am going to embrace my hidden heritage that has been denied me; no, I am going to be a oil tycoon; etc etc....
With soooo much going on, I just wanted it all to end.
Which is unfortunate. The book had really good bone structure but for all of this to happen in 300 pages and a few years... talk about Hetty suffering from ADHD.
It would be good to revisit as a book series or just completely different novellas... but rolling it all into one thing... ugh it was exhausting to read.
Also, just a quick history lesson, Mexicans working in the US were not called illegals... until the 1950s both US and Mexicans citizens zigged-zagged across the boarder without issue and/or documentation necessary. Calling them illegals is completely out of place.
November 28, 2013
Lovely, wonderfully well written! I will fess up that Duncan is a friend - I attended a couple of his writing classes back in...well, it was a while ago. He's a great teacher and writer and he's been working on this historical fiction for the last 10 years! And you can tell, the research is unbelievably detailed - I thought I was back in the late 1920s Houston during the oil rush and depression. but it's not all facts and details, the story about Hetty and her family is so well done - I read this 400 page book in a matter of days.
If you're a historical fiction fan, this is a must read for you! It'll be out in April 2014 and I hope to have a Q&A with Duncan on my blog and do a give away at the end of March.
He sent me the book to get a cover blurb and this is what I wrote: "Masterfully written, this story of oil, love, and family will grab you by the heart and not let you go.”
If you're a historical fiction fan, this is a must read for you! It'll be out in April 2014 and I hope to have a Q&A with Duncan on my blog and do a give away at the end of March.
He sent me the book to get a cover blurb and this is what I wrote: "Masterfully written, this story of oil, love, and family will grab you by the heart and not let you go.”
June 25, 2016
I received this book through GoodReads "First Reads" as a courtesy in exchange for my honest review of this book.
Duncan Alderson takes the reader to 1920s Houston as seen through the eyes of debutante Hetty Allen. Hetty envisions herself to be the bright young thing that a modern woman of a new flapper generation should be. This vision puts her at odds with her parents who have invested themselves towards arranging a suitable marriage between Hetty and Lamar, heir to Splendora oil fortune. Hetty The world is changing after the war and men are out to make their fortunes in the Texas oil fields. Hetty meets Garrett MacBride, son of a Montana senator, who plans on making his fortune in Texas. Hetty is charmed by MacBride and must choose between the path her parents' have chosen for her or make her own trail in life with Garrett. Hetty comes to terms with a secret her mother has been hiding. That secret begins to define her and her choices in life.
This book will take the reader from the elaborate halls of Houston society to the grime and muck of the Texas oil fields. Alderson researched the time period and addresses issues of race-both African American and Mexican prejudices of the time, the rise of the Jazz movement, the impact that oil rushes have on areas, Prohibition, the Mexican community living near Texas, and the Freudian movement in psychoanalytical theory. I found myself going back and forth between liking this book and disliking this book- but I always found myself drawn into the story to see how it turns out. At times I found Alderson's descriptions and prose dramatic and over the top. He made efforts to write through the eyes of a female protagonist which at times fell flat. I appreciated his research and learned about oil drilling, Texas history, and influences the Mexican community had at the time in Texas. My main disappointment was in the ending. I would have liked more plot resolutions between Hetty and her family. Overall, it was a nice read and I would recommend it to others.
February 27, 2014
Action packed storyline and a quick read. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the period fashion.
However, I found the random and frequent sex and wild adventures to be humorous, when I think that may not have been the author's intention. It was very obvious that it was written by a man, as I think the female narrator's idea of romance and seduction was way off base.
However, I found the random and frequent sex and wild adventures to be humorous, when I think that may not have been the author's intention. It was very obvious that it was written by a man, as I think the female narrator's idea of romance and seduction was way off base.
July 6, 2015
Did not like it. I can't believe I even finished it. I thought there was way too much meandering away from the story as well as too many trite phrases and cheesy descriptions. Would not recommend it. And has ANYONE noticed that the title is magnolia city but on the cover are gardenias?? Ugh. That was the beginning of the end for me.
October 19, 2016
At first I didn't want to give this book 5 stars. At times the story frustrated me.. The changes in plot and setting are quick and without apology, it actually reads more like a series, and here's why: we start out in 1920s Houston where a young socialite must choose between a well off man from a rich family, and a mysterious man from Montana who's intent on making money in the oil business. Then we're taken to a story about the bootlegging business, then the oil wells of East Texas. San Antonio plays a role as the one place our protagonist, Hetty, feels most comfortable. Also, Hetty's transformation from spoiled party girl to a woman capable of taking care of her family and herself reminds me of Scarlet O'Hara.
Being a native Houstonian, I was excited to hear the different street names and places mentioned in this book. St Joseph hospital is still here, and Bayou Bend. I have a whole new appreciation for my city after reading this.
Being a native Houstonian, I was excited to hear the different street names and places mentioned in this book. St Joseph hospital is still here, and Bayou Bend. I have a whole new appreciation for my city after reading this.
April 6, 2014
This novel is a bit overwritten, but offers some neat historic detail of Houston, which is where the author grew up. It's kind of Gatsby-meets-Giant, a story that focusses on love, class and race in the face of Texas' original oil boom.
January 27, 2023
I don't think I can bring myself to finish it. You know things are a bit dull when you're polishing off a whopping chapter a day lol. I started reading this book during an 8 hour wait time in the emergency department. I think in a way it tainted the book because it's all I had to do for the entire day while waiting on a health scare. I felt like things started off ok. The writer has a really flowery, descriptive prose, and you get a feel for the sumptuous decadent lifestyle they lead in the 20's into the 30's, but he fails to add this sort of depth to any of the characters, they're extremely one dimensional. I hate the protagonist, Hetty. She doesn't have a whole lot of thought or autonomy, she just sort of floats through the book attaching herself to random men and the events that surround them. She basically piggybacks on other people's stories which in and of themselves aren't terribly engaging.
I also really hated her being kinda sorta not really Mexican. This isn't a spoiler in my opinion because it happens early in the book, but she's described as being like a second gen descendent from a bi-racial Mexican and German union. Once her cultural ties are out of the bag she instantly starts speaking in Spanish. Like, what? This is a woman who hides this fact from her predominantly white peers. She was raised as a white woman in an upper crust society, passing for her entire life as white. How on earth am I just supposed to accept that she suddenly speaks Spanglish?! But it happens and it feels ultra cringe.
Speaking of cringe, the sex in this book is forced and nearly every other chapter ends with a boring, unnecessarily drawn out sex scene. I'm a firm believer sex has no place in film or literature if it doesn't support some kind of plot point. She has a lot of boring sex because I guess it's all new and shiny or something and we need to be reminded that she's not a pure virginal little debutante any more, but it's unnecessary and serves no purpose. The genital kiss thing was just laughable. Reading that she's going to "charm the snake, later" was cringe.
As far as excitement there's not a lot to be had. I thought there was going to be a lot of tension and drama but when the "adventures" start they're mostly glazed over and come to very matter of fact resolutions. There's a lot to be desired.
I'm about two thirds of the way through but I'm not sure I can pull myself together to finish it. I just can't believe I'm that far in and nothing of significant interest is happening. Unless you really care about weak family squabbles and a bunch of flat characters, then this book really isn't worth buying at full price. Maybe borrow it from somebody if you're really curious.
I also really hated her being kinda sorta not really Mexican. This isn't a spoiler in my opinion because it happens early in the book, but she's described as being like a second gen descendent from a bi-racial Mexican and German union. Once her cultural ties are out of the bag she instantly starts speaking in Spanish. Like, what? This is a woman who hides this fact from her predominantly white peers. She was raised as a white woman in an upper crust society, passing for her entire life as white. How on earth am I just supposed to accept that she suddenly speaks Spanglish?! But it happens and it feels ultra cringe.
Speaking of cringe, the sex in this book is forced and nearly every other chapter ends with a boring, unnecessarily drawn out sex scene. I'm a firm believer sex has no place in film or literature if it doesn't support some kind of plot point. She has a lot of boring sex because I guess it's all new and shiny or something and we need to be reminded that she's not a pure virginal little debutante any more, but it's unnecessary and serves no purpose. The genital kiss thing was just laughable. Reading that she's going to "charm the snake, later" was cringe.
As far as excitement there's not a lot to be had. I thought there was going to be a lot of tension and drama but when the "adventures" start they're mostly glazed over and come to very matter of fact resolutions. There's a lot to be desired.
I'm about two thirds of the way through but I'm not sure I can pull myself together to finish it. I just can't believe I'm that far in and nothing of significant interest is happening. Unless you really care about weak family squabbles and a bunch of flat characters, then this book really isn't worth buying at full price. Maybe borrow it from somebody if you're really curious.
November 18, 2014
Hetty Allen privileged in Houston’s upper crust, forced to choose between two men, a choice that will change both the course of her life and the lives of her entire family. She quickly learns the consequences of her actions, transforming her from a spirited, fun-loving girl into an independent and calculating woman.
Alderson certainly delved in the history of Houston during the 1920′s, the vast history of this city was well done, fascinating and educational.
Magnolia City is an ambitious piece of work, almost too much. Alderson needs to minimize all the events occurring in such a short period of time, this would add merit and plausibility to the narrative. As it is, it feels forced and quantity takes over quality. With sound editing this story has endless potential.
The array of characters evolve as the story progresses, surprising given the amount and pace of the narrative.
An interesting story especially with the depth of Houston’s history explored and obviously well researched. Fine tuning, tempering of romantic scenes leading to a promising novel. I appreciate Alderson’s enthusiastic effort, detailed for a debut, impressively researched. I’d explore future endeavors from this author, his research cannot go unnoticed.
Alderson certainly delved in the history of Houston during the 1920′s, the vast history of this city was well done, fascinating and educational.
Magnolia City is an ambitious piece of work, almost too much. Alderson needs to minimize all the events occurring in such a short period of time, this would add merit and plausibility to the narrative. As it is, it feels forced and quantity takes over quality. With sound editing this story has endless potential.
The array of characters evolve as the story progresses, surprising given the amount and pace of the narrative.
An interesting story especially with the depth of Houston’s history explored and obviously well researched. Fine tuning, tempering of romantic scenes leading to a promising novel. I appreciate Alderson’s enthusiastic effort, detailed for a debut, impressively researched. I’d explore future endeavors from this author, his research cannot go unnoticed.
March 2, 2015
I just couldn't get into this book. It was recommended to me on good reads based on other books I've enjoyed and it just fell short.
Sadly, unlike my fellow readers I did not enjoy Hetty as a main character. She actually started to irritate me, especially in regards to her relationships with the men in the book.
I had extremely high expectations and am very disappointed in how I felt. I love a book where I can connect with the characters and this just wasn't it.
Sadly, unlike my fellow readers I did not enjoy Hetty as a main character. She actually started to irritate me, especially in regards to her relationships with the men in the book.
I had extremely high expectations and am very disappointed in how I felt. I love a book where I can connect with the characters and this just wasn't it.
September 19, 2023
This is one of my favorite books ever. Right now is my third time through and I’m reading it along with my husband. This time around, we found out through his parents we have family who lived in the area during the oil boom. While we read, we picture ourselves in Hettie’s shoes and fall in love with her all over again. It’s a magical read for us since we have been so many of the places her life takes her. I feel like it was written special for me and I am in love.
April 10, 2014
I really disliked this book & was unable to finish it. I was initially excited to read this as it took place in the 20's and in Houston, but I couldn't really bring myself to care about the characters. I find very few male authors can write female characters. For it being so long, very little was gone in depth or really explained.
July 3, 2015
Was rather a slow read for me. Its about Texas family, mother is part Mexican, she hides the fact that her kids are part Mexican. Rich family, 2 daughters, one runs off with a man she loves but her family doesn't, the other daughter marries the rich man who wanted to marry the daughter who ran off.....the characters were not real strong. Sorry I just didn't care for it.
April 9, 2016
A number of historical figures mentioned or included in the book and Alderson did a good job of developing his main character, but with a number of others, who were central to the novel, seemed to be given short shrift. I do have to say, however, that I had not heard of Ima Hogg before and know if I had had that name, I would have had it legally changed as soon as I was allowed to do so.
April 8, 2014
Finished this novel last night at midnight. My first thought was Bravo. I loved this book. Good read, fast read. The protagonist, dear Hetty was a brilliant mesh of human emotions, conflicts, and endurance.
Congratulations Duncan. Must read!
Congratulations Duncan. Must read!
Read
October 27, 2014switching to audio book it is available on Hoopla
May 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! Magnolia City was nothing like I thought it would be and I was wonderfully surprised. Set in 1920's Texas south -Houston-, it was great to go on the journey with Hetty and Garrett. From eloping to bootlegging liquor (prohibition time) to oil rigging it is quite and adventure! Hetty trying to navigate on her love interests and seeing the highs and lows of money (Great Depression) coming in and out of your life, these experiences give her the strength to keep going and help her family pursue a better one. It didn't end the way I wanted but this book seemed more real than most. Love historical fiction and haven't read many books on the 1920's with the start of oil rigging. Very fascinating!
March 31, 2024
There were a few things that were off putting - the writing, to begin with, instead of saying “mom” or “”dad”, the writer would instead use their names. As someone who takes awhile to read I’d forget who was who and wished he just used mom/dad so I wasn’t having to go back and figuring out who that person was.
I felt that the chapters, especially halfway in, were long for no real reason. A lot of details which seemed sort of bland/or unimportant to the story.
With that being said, the book felt long and at the end of it all, there was no real closure. Hetty and Garret, what? They just live in this no man’s land? Do they visit Garrets mother? Does Nella ever see Lamar as the scum that he is?
Overall, I’d say I did enjoy the story, I wish it was shorter, but dont regret reading it.
I felt that the chapters, especially halfway in, were long for no real reason. A lot of details which seemed sort of bland/or unimportant to the story.
With that being said, the book felt long and at the end of it all, there was no real closure. Hetty and Garret, what? They just live in this no man’s land? Do they visit Garrets mother? Does Nella ever see Lamar as the scum that he is?
Overall, I’d say I did enjoy the story, I wish it was shorter, but dont regret reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2019
I LOVED this book, and I am incredibly picky, finding it difficult to get sucked into a story without scoffing, rolling my eyes, skipping paragraphs, etc. But I could NOT put this down. I read all 400-some odd pages in three days despite having to work!
My obsession with this story is that it wasn't about falling in love with a diamond in the rough and striking a fortune together, proving everyone wrong. It was about proving themselves wrong, and I loved it! It was about strength in femininity, celebrating heritage, and discovering true happiness. I implore anyone who is considering picking this book up to do so!
My obsession with this story is that it wasn't about falling in love with a diamond in the rough and striking a fortune together, proving everyone wrong. It was about proving themselves wrong, and I loved it! It was about strength in femininity, celebrating heritage, and discovering true happiness. I implore anyone who is considering picking this book up to do so!
January 15, 2022
The book starts in Houston in 1928 as Hetty Allen, the main character, is attending the big cotton ball (No-Tsu-Oh), and spans about 4 years across Houston, San Antonio, Galveston, and Kilgore. I loved learning about society life in Texas during that time - the main social event of 1928 was Ima Hogg's unveiling of her new Diana Garden at Bayou Bend - but oh my! the purple prose! and a lot of melodrama. The most interesting tidbit was that Houston was nicknamed Magnolia City because of the huge park along Buffalo Bayou with over 3750 magnolia trees, said to rival Central Park in NYC, all paved over by urban sprawl in the 20's and 30's.
August 27, 2019
Great historical novel
Great story. You can tell a lot of research and passion went into this story. At times it seemed to drag for me, but honestly, I don't think anything should have been taken out. There are many stories being told, but it's not too complicated and there are no lose ends. My curiosity would like to know a little more about some relationships, but I don't think anyone will feel deprived. I recommend this as a glimpse into Texas history and the start of the oil boom!
Great story. You can tell a lot of research and passion went into this story. At times it seemed to drag for me, but honestly, I don't think anything should have been taken out. There are many stories being told, but it's not too complicated and there are no lose ends. My curiosity would like to know a little more about some relationships, but I don't think anyone will feel deprived. I recommend this as a glimpse into Texas history and the start of the oil boom!
April 22, 2025
This book had the potential to be a wonderful story and it fell flat. The heroine is dull and boring. The “trials” she undergoes and her motivations are trivial and shallow. (It is clear a man is trying to write a woman’s perspective and has no idea how women think.) The “drama” of hidden family secrets are also superficial and shallow and add noting to the plot and it seems like they were added in to make the story more compelling but it failed dramatically. It was very hard to finish the book and the only motivation to keep reading is the hope that it will get better, but it never does.
February 8, 2020
I enjoyed following Hetty through the ups and downs of the late 1920’s and early 1930’s in the Texas aristocratic society. It was a book I couldn’t put down. I’m not completely sure why there are so many negative reviews. I do believe there were opportunities within the story that could have spanned into their own books. So maybe that’s where the negativity comes from; the longing of wanting to know more! I won’t give spoilers to explain. I will be reading any book that Mr. Anderson releases.
January 25, 2024
LOVED this most recent pick for our book club. I couldn’t put it down because I was totally obsessed with the lead character Hetty. And Alderson’s prose really captures the time period! It’s jazzy and sexy but not like your typical romance novel. It’s fascinating and chock full of Houston’s actual history. I don’t know if the author ever lived there but WOW, he brings it to life!!!! Highly recommend.
September 24, 2025
I listened to the audiobook of this one and was able to follow along at times with my personal copy if I wanted to. It was a good read although probably longer than it needed to be but it didn’t really bother me. I enjoyed the characters and the way they all fit together in the story. Lamar and Hetty’s sister are both such losers and deserve each other’s spiteful company. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction about the oil days in Texas during the depression.
June 30, 2019
Only giving on star since 0 stars isn’t an option. By far the worst book I’ve ever read. There was no point in it whatsoever. Only reason I finished it was because I hate leaving a book unread. It was so all over the place. So poorly written. One or two paragraphs would start to get my attention then lose it just as quickly. The ending was just as horrible. I’m very disappointed.
May 22, 2019
Wonderful read
I loved this book more than I thought I would. Being a Houston girl I loved the old world glimpse to its past and it’s entrance into the melting pot of determined people that it is.
I loved this book more than I thought I would. Being a Houston girl I loved the old world glimpse to its past and it’s entrance into the melting pot of determined people that it is.
August 15, 2019
I loved it. I could not put it down. There was a common thread of what truly is important in life. The struggle to stay true to yourself against the temptation of money. The importance of integrity. The depth of love.
I was concerned it did not win awards . Now I wonder why it hasn’t.
I was concerned it did not win awards . Now I wonder why it hasn’t.
May 13, 2020
I loved this book - probably since it was set in Houston and East Texas, during the 20's and while the early wildcatting of the oil boom was happening. So interesting with lots of history about the area where I live and where I grew up.
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