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The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander
Inspired by a real-life scandal that was shocking even for the tumultuous Roaring Twenties, this captivating novel tells the story of a pioneering Black journalist, a secret interracial marriage among the New York elite, and the sensational divorce case that ignited an explosive battle over race and class—and brought together two very different women fighting for justice, legitimacy, and the futures they risked everything to shape. From Denny S. Bryce, bestselling author of Wild Women and the Blues and In the Face of the Sun .
New York, 1924 . Born to English immigrants who’ve built a comfortable life, idealistic Alice Jones longs for the kind of true love her mother and father have. She believes she’s found it with Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander, the shy heir to his prominent white family’s real estate fortune. Alice too, is “white”, though she is vaguely aware of rumors that question her ancestry—gossip her parents dismiss. But when the lovers secretly wed, Kip’s parents threaten his inheritance unless he annuls the marriage.
Devastated but determined, Alice faces overwhelming odds both legally and in the merciless court of public opinion. But there is one person who can either help her—or shatter her hopes for Reporter Marvel Cunningham. The proud daughter of an accomplished Black family, Marvel lives to chronicle social change and the Harlem Renaissance’s fiery creativity.
At first, Marvel sees Alice’s case as a tabloid sensation generated by a self-hating woman who failed to “pass.” But the deeper she investigates, the more she will recognize just how much she and Alice have in common. For Rhinelander vs. Rhinelander will bring to light stunning truths that will force both women to confront who they are, and who they can be, in a world that is all too quick to judge.
New York, 1924 . Born to English immigrants who’ve built a comfortable life, idealistic Alice Jones longs for the kind of true love her mother and father have. She believes she’s found it with Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander, the shy heir to his prominent white family’s real estate fortune. Alice too, is “white”, though she is vaguely aware of rumors that question her ancestry—gossip her parents dismiss. But when the lovers secretly wed, Kip’s parents threaten his inheritance unless he annuls the marriage.
Devastated but determined, Alice faces overwhelming odds both legally and in the merciless court of public opinion. But there is one person who can either help her—or shatter her hopes for Reporter Marvel Cunningham. The proud daughter of an accomplished Black family, Marvel lives to chronicle social change and the Harlem Renaissance’s fiery creativity.
At first, Marvel sees Alice’s case as a tabloid sensation generated by a self-hating woman who failed to “pass.” But the deeper she investigates, the more she will recognize just how much she and Alice have in common. For Rhinelander vs. Rhinelander will bring to light stunning truths that will force both women to confront who they are, and who they can be, in a world that is all too quick to judge.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2024
121 people are currently reading
13868 people want to read
About the author
Denny S. Bryce
8 books956 followersDenny S. Bryce is a best-selling, award-winning author of historical fiction. A former dancer and public relations professional, Denny is an adjunct professor in the MFA program at Drexel University, a book critic for NPR, and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in USA Today and Harper’s Bazaar. She is also a member of the Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Tall Poppy Writers. Originally from Ohio, she likes to call Chicago her hometown but currently resides in Savannah, Georgia. You can find her online at DennySBryce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
July 30, 2024
In a Nutshell: A historical fiction based on the actual Rhinelander vs. Rhinelander case of 1925. I loved the historical details, but some writing choices didn’t work for me. Don’t expect a legal drama because of the title and blurb, else you will be disappointed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
I was not aware of the Rhinelander vs. Rhinelander case, so when I saw the blurb mention that this book is based on a pathbreaking legal case, I had to go for it. However, I have mixed feelings about the execution.
It was enlightening to read about people’s thinking and social attitudes in 1920s New York, especially their attitude towards coloured people. In fact, some of it is so outrageous that it might have felt far-fetched if this were ordinary historical fiction rather than being a story based on facts. The author’s research into the trial and the 1920s setting is visible.
I had assumed this to be a story of a Black/mixed race woman ‘passing’ as white because of her lighter skin tone. So I was surprised to see that Alice, and her entire family (her white mom, her mixed-race dad, and her two sisters), thought of themselves as ‘white’ (after all, the girls had ‘barely a drop of coloured blood’ in them), and they didn’t even consider the idea that they were ‘passing.’ This brought an unexpected dimension to the book. After all, it cannot be called a novel of "passing" as the family isn’t technically “passing”.
Now to the flip side.
Roberta’s timeline begins excellently with a clear intro about her ambition and spunky attitude. However, her role in the story is mainly to ask questions to Alice, who then provides answers and fills in the gaps left by the 1920s timeline. There is barely anything about Roberta’s life, and except for one passing mention of the Pearl Harbor attacks, nothing about the events of 1943 except what concerns Alice. It is a timeline curiously bereft of descriptions and era-setting.
The character development is quite flat. The writing is clearly tilted in favour of Alice, even before we hear Kip’s thoughts or Roberta’s inquiry. Alice isn’t a likeable character, so it is tough to sympathise with her situation. But even this complexity is presented in a fairly shallow approach that tells us the whats but doesn’t dig into the psyche of the whys. Roberta’s opinion of Alice swings randomly from supporter to opponent. Kip never becomes a well-defined character, though his role was vital. The secondary characters are even more vaguely sketched. Some of these issues could have been sorted had the writing been in third person.
As Roberta and Alice both are in their early twenties in their respective timelines, their thoughts and actions have a strong YA feel to them. This might not bother readers who enjoy YA, but I found their repetitive thoughts, lengthy inner monologues, and self-centred approach towards life somewhat annoying.
The details of the physical intimacy were a bit beyond what I prefer in historical fiction. As I read this as a historical legal drama and not a historical romance, this content annoyed me.
The biggest disappointment to me is the complete lack of courtroom scenes. For a book based on a real-life trial and with a title mentioning the word ‘Trial’, I had expected a nail-biting legal drama. However, the trial stays conspicuously off the page. We hear the development of the case and all related proceedings through later conversations between the key characters, and a few times, from small excerpts of newspaper articles that appear before a few chapters.
The title itself is misleading. The trial referred to by the titular "Trial" begins only around the 70% mark. There are actually two trials, one in each timeline, but we don’t see the glimpse of the inside of the court in either, so this doesn’t make any difference to our experience. The blurb is also inaccurate, as it assigns reporter Marvel Cunningham a prominent role, though she is just one of the secondary characters.
As we learn all key plot developments through the dialogues, and both perspectives are written in first person, we effectively get a whole load of first-person rambling. Even introductions of new characters are done through odd dialogues that leave us wondering why they are giving out their bio in between an interaction. Also, because of this writing decision, the passage of time within each narrative isn’t always clear.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 9 hrs 16 min, is narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt and Chanté McCormick. With two first-person character perspectives, it helps to have one narrator each for Roberta and Alice. The narrator for Roberta was fine. But the one who voices Alice didn’t voice intense emotions such as crying well as she read even those sentences in the same tone as the rest. The rest of her performance was good.
There was no author's note in my ALC, so I am unsure if the final print copy includes one. I sure would have appreciated an update from the author about her writing choices. Such stories always need a word from the author.
All in all, I liked the potential of the story more than the execution itself. I don’t regret reading this, but I did want a legal drama, so my overall feelings are muted.
Still recommended, but not with gusto. The book might appeal to historical fiction readers who would enjoy details of a real-life scandal of the 1920s. This isn’t for those who seek a courtroom drama.
Do note that the language is authentic to the times, so there are many offensive racist slurs in this book.
2.5 stars, rounding up for the historical insights and the audiobook.
My thanks to Recorded Books for providing the ALC of “The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
1924. New York. Alice Jones, born to working class English immigrants, believes that she has found true love with the wealthy real-estate scion Leonard ‘Kip’ Rhinelander, four years her junior. Alice considers herself “white”, so when, after their elopement, Kip’s parents threaten to cut him off from his inheritance for marrying a coloured woman, Alice is stunned. As events continue to spiral, Alice finds herself in a court battle against her new husband.
1943. Roberta is an ambitious journalist. When she is given the task of speaking to her estranged aunt Alice and getting the inside scoop about the latest development in the Rhinelander family saga, Roberta is initially hesitant. But for her job, she goes ahead with the interaction, and finds herself learning more about Alice and what happened in the 1920s.
The story comes to us in the first-person perspectives of Alice and Roberta from two timelines.
I was not aware of the Rhinelander vs. Rhinelander case, so when I saw the blurb mention that this book is based on a pathbreaking legal case, I had to go for it. However, I have mixed feelings about the execution.
It was enlightening to read about people’s thinking and social attitudes in 1920s New York, especially their attitude towards coloured people. In fact, some of it is so outrageous that it might have felt far-fetched if this were ordinary historical fiction rather than being a story based on facts. The author’s research into the trial and the 1920s setting is visible.
I had assumed this to be a story of a Black/mixed race woman ‘passing’ as white because of her lighter skin tone. So I was surprised to see that Alice, and her entire family (her white mom, her mixed-race dad, and her two sisters), thought of themselves as ‘white’ (after all, the girls had ‘barely a drop of coloured blood’ in them), and they didn’t even consider the idea that they were ‘passing.’ This brought an unexpected dimension to the book. After all, it cannot be called a novel of "passing" as the family isn’t technically “passing”.
Now to the flip side.
Roberta’s timeline begins excellently with a clear intro about her ambition and spunky attitude. However, her role in the story is mainly to ask questions to Alice, who then provides answers and fills in the gaps left by the 1920s timeline. There is barely anything about Roberta’s life, and except for one passing mention of the Pearl Harbor attacks, nothing about the events of 1943 except what concerns Alice. It is a timeline curiously bereft of descriptions and era-setting.
The character development is quite flat. The writing is clearly tilted in favour of Alice, even before we hear Kip’s thoughts or Roberta’s inquiry. Alice isn’t a likeable character, so it is tough to sympathise with her situation. But even this complexity is presented in a fairly shallow approach that tells us the whats but doesn’t dig into the psyche of the whys. Roberta’s opinion of Alice swings randomly from supporter to opponent. Kip never becomes a well-defined character, though his role was vital. The secondary characters are even more vaguely sketched. Some of these issues could have been sorted had the writing been in third person.
As Roberta and Alice both are in their early twenties in their respective timelines, their thoughts and actions have a strong YA feel to them. This might not bother readers who enjoy YA, but I found their repetitive thoughts, lengthy inner monologues, and self-centred approach towards life somewhat annoying.
The details of the physical intimacy were a bit beyond what I prefer in historical fiction. As I read this as a historical legal drama and not a historical romance, this content annoyed me.
The biggest disappointment to me is the complete lack of courtroom scenes. For a book based on a real-life trial and with a title mentioning the word ‘Trial’, I had expected a nail-biting legal drama. However, the trial stays conspicuously off the page. We hear the development of the case and all related proceedings through later conversations between the key characters, and a few times, from small excerpts of newspaper articles that appear before a few chapters.
The title itself is misleading. The trial referred to by the titular "Trial" begins only around the 70% mark. There are actually two trials, one in each timeline, but we don’t see the glimpse of the inside of the court in either, so this doesn’t make any difference to our experience. The blurb is also inaccurate, as it assigns reporter Marvel Cunningham a prominent role, though she is just one of the secondary characters.
As we learn all key plot developments through the dialogues, and both perspectives are written in first person, we effectively get a whole load of first-person rambling. Even introductions of new characters are done through odd dialogues that leave us wondering why they are giving out their bio in between an interaction. Also, because of this writing decision, the passage of time within each narrative isn’t always clear.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 9 hrs 16 min, is narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt and Chanté McCormick. With two first-person character perspectives, it helps to have one narrator each for Roberta and Alice. The narrator for Roberta was fine. But the one who voices Alice didn’t voice intense emotions such as crying well as she read even those sentences in the same tone as the rest. The rest of her performance was good.
There was no author's note in my ALC, so I am unsure if the final print copy includes one. I sure would have appreciated an update from the author about her writing choices. Such stories always need a word from the author.
All in all, I liked the potential of the story more than the execution itself. I don’t regret reading this, but I did want a legal drama, so my overall feelings are muted.
Still recommended, but not with gusto. The book might appeal to historical fiction readers who would enjoy details of a real-life scandal of the 1920s. This isn’t for those who seek a courtroom drama.
Do note that the language is authentic to the times, so there are many offensive racist slurs in this book.
2.5 stars, rounding up for the historical insights and the audiobook.
My thanks to Recorded Books for providing the ALC of “The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
June 21, 2024
Alice Jones parents George and Elizabeth immigrated to New York from England and she has two sisters Emily and Gracie. Her dad’s family are from Jamaica, the Jones consider themselves white and her father works as a cab driver.
Alice meets Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander the shy and stuttering heir to his father Phillips’s real estate company at Orchard School, in Stamford, Connecticut. His father finds out and sends him away on a tour, the couple keep in contact by writing letters to each other. When he returns Kip works for his dad, he keeps his relationship with Alice a secret, and her family know about it, he proposes and they get married and all hell breaks loose when it’s front page news in the papers.
Kip’s father is used to getting his own way, he threatens to disinherit him unless he annuls the marriage and Alice is devastated. Kip assures her he won’t follow through with his father’s demands and to trust him. Yet reporters are banging on Alice's parent's front door, hiding in bushes and accusing her of deliberately deceiving Kip.
Alice meets Marvel Cunningham, she works for Amsterdam News, she’s a proud coloured woman and Alice is very wary of reporters and the press and will Marvel manage to change Alice's mind and stick up for herself and fight back.
The narrative has a dual timeline and it's set in 1924 and 1941 and told from Alice’s and her niece Roberta’s points of view, and it’s easy to follow.
I received a copy of The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander by Denny S. Bryce from Kensington Books and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. Using real facts and fiction Ms. Bryce has written a fascinating novel about an infamous scandal that took place during the Roaring Twenties, at a time when interracial marriage was legal in New York and not common.
The court battle raged for over two years, Rhinelander vs Rhinelander and it looks at what was the definition of “white” and “coloured” and did Alice deceive Kip for financial gain and I don't think so!
An interesting story about racial anxiety, class, society, hate, justice, legitimacy, marriage, money, control, jealousy, and passing or not. Five stars from me I highly recommend The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander and the author’s previous book In the Face of the Sun.
Alice meets Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander the shy and stuttering heir to his father Phillips’s real estate company at Orchard School, in Stamford, Connecticut. His father finds out and sends him away on a tour, the couple keep in contact by writing letters to each other. When he returns Kip works for his dad, he keeps his relationship with Alice a secret, and her family know about it, he proposes and they get married and all hell breaks loose when it’s front page news in the papers.
Kip’s father is used to getting his own way, he threatens to disinherit him unless he annuls the marriage and Alice is devastated. Kip assures her he won’t follow through with his father’s demands and to trust him. Yet reporters are banging on Alice's parent's front door, hiding in bushes and accusing her of deliberately deceiving Kip.
Alice meets Marvel Cunningham, she works for Amsterdam News, she’s a proud coloured woman and Alice is very wary of reporters and the press and will Marvel manage to change Alice's mind and stick up for herself and fight back.
The narrative has a dual timeline and it's set in 1924 and 1941 and told from Alice’s and her niece Roberta’s points of view, and it’s easy to follow.
I received a copy of The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander by Denny S. Bryce from Kensington Books and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. Using real facts and fiction Ms. Bryce has written a fascinating novel about an infamous scandal that took place during the Roaring Twenties, at a time when interracial marriage was legal in New York and not common.
The court battle raged for over two years, Rhinelander vs Rhinelander and it looks at what was the definition of “white” and “coloured” and did Alice deceive Kip for financial gain and I don't think so!
An interesting story about racial anxiety, class, society, hate, justice, legitimacy, marriage, money, control, jealousy, and passing or not. Five stars from me I highly recommend The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander and the author’s previous book In the Face of the Sun.
July 23, 2024
The Trial of Mrs Rhinelander by Denny S Bryce
Historical fiction inspired by a real-life scandal of the time. Dual time line.
In 1924 New York, Alice Jones is from an English immigrant family. She meets and falls in love with Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander, a shy heir to his prominent family real estate fortune. When they secretly marry, Kip’s parents threaten his inheritance, because they believe she is not white. Kip freely admits, he cannot live without the money and his father’s approval even though he loves Alice. He knew it would come to this while Alice was completely unaware. It’s the start of what will become a famous trial and news story about race, Justice, and social class. Reporter Marvel Cunningham is a pioneering Black journalist is following the trial and has formed her opinions of Alice but after they meet one night and trade stories, Marvel is realizing how much they have in common and how the world has already put them into a specific lane.
In 1941 Roberta is told by her boss that she is to interview her Aunt Alice. Roberta hasn’t talked to her aunt in years, and isn’t really given a choice but to reconnect and try to get more details from the reclusive woman.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook copy and an audiobook. The narration is done by Chante McCormick and Joniece Abbott-Pratt who do a fantastic job with the performance. The two have very distinct voices and can easily be identified. Both have strong voices and are able to express emotions clearly. I liked their voice contrasts which made it easy to hear the timeline and POV change. That’s not always as easily heard as it is here.
As usual, I listened to this at 1.5 which is the best to match local conversational speed.
I found this story sad in so many ways. Alice thinks she’s white and even asking her parents, is told that “your mother is 100% white, so you’re white” regardless of her skin color, regardless of her father. She believes what she’s been told but Kip knew what everyone else thought and married her anyway. Alice continues to love Kip though he’s gone back for the money.
There’s a whole lot more through the annulment and trial and then support payments. More social injustice. More family thrown into turmoil when Alice declares herself black for the trial. It’s sad that it mattered then. Even more so that it is still a factor.
The story is sad but also enlightening.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and RB Media.
Historical fiction inspired by a real-life scandal of the time. Dual time line.
In 1924 New York, Alice Jones is from an English immigrant family. She meets and falls in love with Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander, a shy heir to his prominent family real estate fortune. When they secretly marry, Kip’s parents threaten his inheritance, because they believe she is not white. Kip freely admits, he cannot live without the money and his father’s approval even though he loves Alice. He knew it would come to this while Alice was completely unaware. It’s the start of what will become a famous trial and news story about race, Justice, and social class. Reporter Marvel Cunningham is a pioneering Black journalist is following the trial and has formed her opinions of Alice but after they meet one night and trade stories, Marvel is realizing how much they have in common and how the world has already put them into a specific lane.
In 1941 Roberta is told by her boss that she is to interview her Aunt Alice. Roberta hasn’t talked to her aunt in years, and isn’t really given a choice but to reconnect and try to get more details from the reclusive woman.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook copy and an audiobook. The narration is done by Chante McCormick and Joniece Abbott-Pratt who do a fantastic job with the performance. The two have very distinct voices and can easily be identified. Both have strong voices and are able to express emotions clearly. I liked their voice contrasts which made it easy to hear the timeline and POV change. That’s not always as easily heard as it is here.
As usual, I listened to this at 1.5 which is the best to match local conversational speed.
I found this story sad in so many ways. Alice thinks she’s white and even asking her parents, is told that “your mother is 100% white, so you’re white” regardless of her skin color, regardless of her father. She believes what she’s been told but Kip knew what everyone else thought and married her anyway. Alice continues to love Kip though he’s gone back for the money.
There’s a whole lot more through the annulment and trial and then support payments. More social injustice. More family thrown into turmoil when Alice declares herself black for the trial. It’s sad that it mattered then. Even more so that it is still a factor.
The story is sad but also enlightening.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and RB Media.
May 1, 2024
This spectacular historical novel, set in the 1920s in the U.S., is based on the true story of a young woman, Alice Jones, whose father-in-law wants her marriage to his wealthy white son to be annulled. She and her family immigrated from England, where the "one drop of Black blood" rule didn't apply. But in the U.S., where it does, Alice tries to pass as white despite her Jamaican father.
Denny S. Bryce perfectly captures the racism and classism that pervade this high profile divorce case, as well as the incredible efforts of pioneering Black female reporter Marvel Cunningham to uncover the truth.
Such a heartbreaking story, meticulously researched and beautifully written. Highly recommended for loyal Bryce fans and readers who love gripping historicals about brave women of color fighting to be seen, heard, and treated with respect.
Denny S. Bryce perfectly captures the racism and classism that pervade this high profile divorce case, as well as the incredible efforts of pioneering Black female reporter Marvel Cunningham to uncover the truth.
Such a heartbreaking story, meticulously researched and beautifully written. Highly recommended for loyal Bryce fans and readers who love gripping historicals about brave women of color fighting to be seen, heard, and treated with respect.
April 17, 2025
1.5Stars
Lawd!
This was not good.
The author states in her authors note that she read hundreds of archival newspapers and magazines about The Trial Of Mrs. Alice Rhinelander.....
I couldn't tell.
Dont read it.
Lawd!
This was not good.
The author states in her authors note that she read hundreds of archival newspapers and magazines about The Trial Of Mrs. Alice Rhinelander.....
I couldn't tell.
Dont read it.
July 10, 2024
DIDN'T IMPRESS ME, EVEN THOUGH THE TRUE STORY WAS VERY INTERESTING
Actual rating: 2.5⭐
I'll preface this by saying that I see how much others enjoyed this, and perhaps I am just not in the right state of mind at the moment to be reading this book. But I do feel like it has some shortcomings, which kept me from fully enjoying this book.
What I didn't like
Alice: I probably would have enjoyed this book more, if I had been able to connect with the main character, Alice. I just couldn't get a sense of her, her personality or her motivations. Her character seemed superficial. She lacked depth.
Kitty: This might be a small issue, but apparently Alice has a best friend who's always there for her. Problem is, we only meet her half way through the book. She came out of nowhere and suddenly she was there. It felt really odd. She should have been left out or introduced earlier in the story.
Evelyn Hugo: I got a really strong The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo-vibe from this book early on. A (in)famous recluse finally decides to give an exclusive tell all. I might have liked the book better, if the Roberta-story was cut.
Writing: The writing was not to my liking wither. It felt a bit clumsy. Bryce was obviously very conscious of the setting of her story (New York in the 1920's) and made an effort to make the era come alive. Only problem is, it was just too much. It was too heavy. It felt overworked and just clumsy. It didn't make me think 1920's. It made me thing 2020's-trying-to-be-1920's.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating: 2.5⭐
I'll preface this by saying that I see how much others enjoyed this, and perhaps I am just not in the right state of mind at the moment to be reading this book. But I do feel like it has some shortcomings, which kept me from fully enjoying this book.
What I didn't like
Alice: I probably would have enjoyed this book more, if I had been able to connect with the main character, Alice. I just couldn't get a sense of her, her personality or her motivations. Her character seemed superficial. She lacked depth.
Kitty: This might be a small issue, but apparently Alice has a best friend who's always there for her. Problem is, we only meet her half way through the book. She came out of nowhere and suddenly she was there. It felt really odd. She should have been left out or introduced earlier in the story.
Evelyn Hugo: I got a really strong The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo-vibe from this book early on. A (in)famous recluse finally decides to give an exclusive tell all. I might have liked the book better, if the Roberta-story was cut.
Writing: The writing was not to my liking wither. It felt a bit clumsy. Bryce was obviously very conscious of the setting of her story (New York in the 1920's) and made an effort to make the era come alive. Only problem is, it was just too much. It was too heavy. It felt overworked and just clumsy. It didn't make me think 1920's. It made me thing 2020's-trying-to-be-1920's.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
July 23, 2024
This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Denny S. Bryce, RB Audio/Recorded Books, and NetGalley.
This audiobook is narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt and Chanté McCormick. I like that each point of view character got their own narrator. It helps to keep track of who said what to whom, which is important in an audiobook. Also, Joniece Abbott-Pratt is one of my favorite narrators.
This is told in alternating chapters and timelines. Roberta Brooks is the 20 yr old niece of Alice, and her timeline begins in 1940. She works at the New York Amsterdam, a local Black paper as an assistant. She's hoping to be a reporter in the future. Her first real reporting assignment is to meet with her Aunt Alice.
Alice Beatrice Jones is the maternal aunt of Roberta. Her POV chapters began in 1921. The trial itself began in 1924. Alice is the middle child of 3 girls born to her British parents. Emily is the oldest sister, and she marries Robert, a Black man, and is Roberta's mother. Gracie is the youngest. She marries a white Italian man, Anthony 'Footsie' supposedly attached to the mafia. The sisters are mostly close. Her husband is a casual friend at first, and eventually, they have a full-blown relationship.
The book deals with race throughout much of the narrative, but I wish the novel had gotten into the differences between the British and US view of race at that time. Instead, this had a different focus, and it really worked well.
I read Love on Trial by Heidi Ardizzone & Earl Lewis in 2021, which is a nonfiction history of the Rhinelander trial. So, I was familiar with the basics and super excited to be approved for this arc from NetGalley. This was really, really well done. I advance ordered the audio from Audible because I'll definitely read this again.
Thank you to Denny S. Bryce, RB Audio/Recorded Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
This audiobook is narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt and Chanté McCormick. I like that each point of view character got their own narrator. It helps to keep track of who said what to whom, which is important in an audiobook. Also, Joniece Abbott-Pratt is one of my favorite narrators.
This is told in alternating chapters and timelines. Roberta Brooks is the 20 yr old niece of Alice, and her timeline begins in 1940. She works at the New York Amsterdam, a local Black paper as an assistant. She's hoping to be a reporter in the future. Her first real reporting assignment is to meet with her Aunt Alice.
Alice Beatrice Jones is the maternal aunt of Roberta. Her POV chapters began in 1921. The trial itself began in 1924. Alice is the middle child of 3 girls born to her British parents. Emily is the oldest sister, and she marries Robert, a Black man, and is Roberta's mother. Gracie is the youngest. She marries a white Italian man, Anthony 'Footsie' supposedly attached to the mafia. The sisters are mostly close. Her husband is a casual friend at first, and eventually, they have a full-blown relationship.
The book deals with race throughout much of the narrative, but I wish the novel had gotten into the differences between the British and US view of race at that time. Instead, this had a different focus, and it really worked well.
I read Love on Trial by Heidi Ardizzone & Earl Lewis in 2021, which is a nonfiction history of the Rhinelander trial. So, I was familiar with the basics and super excited to be approved for this arc from NetGalley. This was really, really well done. I advance ordered the audio from Audible because I'll definitely read this again.
Thank you to Denny S. Bryce, RB Audio/Recorded Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
April 16, 2024
I love it when I’m reading a book and run to the internet to find out the true story behind the story. This is the case with the Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander. Told in dual timeline, at first I was pulled in by the relationship between Alice and her niece: why didn’t her niece like her aunt? Why as Aunt Alice a recluse? And then I learned more about the love affair between Alice and Lenny Rhinelander. And what she had to go through to justify her role as his wife married into a family that wanted nothing to do with her. Bryce excels at relaying the indignation and tribulations Alice went through during the trial. There are poignant moments that break your heart. It’s a great read.
March 10, 2025
This story brought out the voyeur in me. I couldn't stop reading. I knew nothing about the Rhinelander story before beginning this book. As always, Bryce's writing was beautiful. She is a master storyteller. I enjoyed the dual timeline. Alice Jones's story offered a different perspective on passing (US and British views on race are not the same). There is love, romance, betrayal, and heartbreak. Although some of the salacious elements of the court trial were shared, IMO, the word trial described was mostly emotional, as Alice's entire adult life was about being the betrayed Mrs. Rhinelander. It was haunting and sad.
This was a unique story to pluck out of history, and I thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to spend time with the characters. I highly recommend it.
This was a unique story to pluck out of history, and I thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to spend time with the characters. I highly recommend it.
May 18, 2025
Historical fiction is my jam. I love reading and learning about a true story that an author brings to life.
Alice just wanted to love and live with her husband. It was so sad that race kept her from living her dream.
People of mixed race, as so many of us are, should be able to tap into whatever race they chose and not be put in a box of identifying with one or the other.
So, my question is, at what point is a bi-racial of black descendants considered black, who came up with the 1% rule?
Interesting story!! Alice didn't get the husband, but she got the settlement, so not all was lost!!
Alice just wanted to love and live with her husband. It was so sad that race kept her from living her dream.
People of mixed race, as so many of us are, should be able to tap into whatever race they chose and not be put in a box of identifying with one or the other.
So, my question is, at what point is a bi-racial of black descendants considered black, who came up with the 1% rule?
Interesting story!! Alice didn't get the husband, but she got the settlement, so not all was lost!!
August 3, 2024
This book had all of the elements that would typically make it a winner for me: true story, seminal legal case that is both an intimate story of a person and a window into significant contemporary societal issues, centering a woman’s experience and bringing us into what her world must have looked and felt like. That said, the dialogue and inner monologues of the main characters felt stilted (both the words as written and the narration) which made a lot of it feel cringey and not realistic.
I found myself being fascinated but also dubious about how Alice could have grown up in the time and place of the story - and a member of a multiracial family - so oblivious to race. Could this be accurate? True, her parents are from England where racial constructs were different but she was clearly aware of class differences, her sister is ostracized for marrying a Black man… just didn’t land right. I was hoping for an author’s note to explain this and make it make sense.
All in all I enjoyed the book for its historical basis, but it dragged. It could have been edited down to reduce some redundancies in the story. It might also have felt slow because the character development dragged. Both generations of main characters seemed stuck in the past, closed and stubborn. To some extent maybe this is the point of the story - how getting stuck in these categories and conflicts stunts personal development and familial relationships.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found myself being fascinated but also dubious about how Alice could have grown up in the time and place of the story - and a member of a multiracial family - so oblivious to race. Could this be accurate? True, her parents are from England where racial constructs were different but she was clearly aware of class differences, her sister is ostracized for marrying a Black man… just didn’t land right. I was hoping for an author’s note to explain this and make it make sense.
All in all I enjoyed the book for its historical basis, but it dragged. It could have been edited down to reduce some redundancies in the story. It might also have felt slow because the character development dragged. Both generations of main characters seemed stuck in the past, closed and stubborn. To some extent maybe this is the point of the story - how getting stuck in these categories and conflicts stunts personal development and familial relationships.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2024
I was very excited to read this book about Alice Rhinelander, the daughter of English immigrants. This is based on a true story about her marriage to Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander and the threat from his father to disinherit him, if he refuses to dissolve their marriage. Alice is not part of the elite society, and is also passing for white. Her father is of Jamaican descent, and the one drop rule has caused quite a stir. Denny S. Bryce weaves a wonderful story about Alice fighting for her marriage in court. I loved learning about this piece of history that took place in the twenties.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 21, 2024
It’s the Roaring Twenties and for Alice Jones, it was a time of jazz music, finding where she belongs and how to be part of a life she dreams about in New Rochelle, NY, outside New York City. When she meets Leonard ‘Kip’ Rhinelander, she finds a love she thinks is like her parents and a life she finally belongs in. But Kip is from the upper crust of society, son to a prominent white real estate family and for Alice Jones, a daughter of English Immigrants, her mysterious ancestry is one the upper echelon's of society whisper about even though she is white though she has heard the rumors of her family’s ancestry that she dismisses as idle gossip. Until Leonard and Alice elope and then all hell breaks one month later.
Devastated and determined, Alice, at first, tries to hold her head high and keep her love for Kip alive even as his family brings her nothing but trouble. Vilified in the news, Alice and her family are dragged through the mud as the court of public opinion delves into their lives and publishes every rumor and gossip about Alice. When Alice meets Marvel Cunningham, a reporter who sees Alice as a tabloid sensation but as Alice and Marvel’s friendship deepens, Marvel sees the person that’s the real Alice, not the tabloid caricature that is vilified every day in the press. For the trial of Rhinelander vs. Rhinelander is more about a woman holding onto her love for a man but it will force both women to see who they real are and who they can be.
The TRAIL OF MRS. RHINELANDER is one filled with twists, turns and more at a time in history when society judges you on everything from who you marry to your ancestry. Denny S. Bryce’s newest book (coming July 2024) delivers a look into a time where jazz clubs’ rule, prohibition is in effect and upper society is the leader in society in places like New York City and beyond. For myself, delving into this time in United States history was fascinating and a little disturbing. The way Alice and her family were besieged by the press was awful as well as hints at how the press ruled during that time frame. There was no internet or 24-hour news cycle back then but as articles the author used for research showed in the book, it was a cutthroat time in journalism and being a woman in that field that was dominated by men is a risky venture for any woman dreaming of reporting the news in newspapers and magazines. The story flowed smoothly, and the characters were intriguing, especially as the author delves between Alice’s life in the 1920’s and then in the 1940’s. I found the actual facts behind the story of THE TRIAL OF MRS. RHINELANDER to be a fascinating one and I appreciated how rich the author did in capturing the main character, Alice Jones, and her family.
THE TRIAL OF MRS. RHINELANDER is a story that will capture the interest to all who enjoy historical fiction and is based on a true story. This was the first book of this author I have read, and I am eager to see what else she has published to dive into. It’s an interesting premise that delves into a story that enthralled me and captured my imagination. If you enjoy a different sort of historical fiction, then try THE TRIAL OF MRS. RHINELANDER and settle in to get lost within the pages of a story that will leave you breathless.
Received ARC from publisher via Netgalley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2024
Based on the true story of Alice Jones who's parents moved to the USA from England. She has always thought of herself as 'white', but when she marries a wealthy socialite her life is turned upside down to discover that in the USA she is considered 'coloured' due to her father being from the West Indies. Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook of this very interesting case.
November 1, 2025
3 1/2 *'s
Based on an act court case in 1920's NYC, this HF is about the marriage of 19 yr old real estate heir Leonard "Kip" Rhinelander to a slightly older woman ,Alice Jones,whom he meets while attending boarding school . Alice works there as a maid but their attraction crosses Class Divides and they marry shortly after "Lenny" ( as Alice calls him) leaves school in spite of his father's efforts to keep them apart. The reason being is the he believe that Alice is both a gold -digger and "Colored". The first isn't true,the second is the basis of this book.
Alice was born to British parents who emigrated to The US before she and two sisters were born. While Alice and her younger sister are down as "White",the oldest sister, Emily ,is married to a black man and had her race down as "Negro" as an act of defiance as their father refused to accept the marriage. That and his ethnicity being down as "West Indian" since he was born in Jamaica adds to the suspicion regarding Alice's true race.
The book goes between the 1920's during the short-lived marriage and scandalous trial to the 1940's when Alice's niece,Roberta, a journalist, is assigned by the editor of the Negro publication to interview her aunt who has a current court case which is the result of being disinherited by her late Husband's estate after the father passes away and Lenny's sister ,who always believed that her brother was tricked into marriage,and refuses to pay Alice any more of her alimony. Roberta,who has a deep resentment of her aunt after a bitter family squall, is forced to listen to her side of the story.
There were some problems w/the timelines ( such as it suddenly going from winter to summer) which could've been solved w/some editing . However,the story itself is involving and the characters and eras are well-drawn.
Based on an act court case in 1920's NYC, this HF is about the marriage of 19 yr old real estate heir Leonard "Kip" Rhinelander to a slightly older woman ,Alice Jones,whom he meets while attending boarding school . Alice works there as a maid but their attraction crosses Class Divides and they marry shortly after "Lenny" ( as Alice calls him) leaves school in spite of his father's efforts to keep them apart. The reason being is the he believe that Alice is both a gold -digger and "Colored". The first isn't true,the second is the basis of this book.
Alice was born to British parents who emigrated to The US before she and two sisters were born. While Alice and her younger sister are down as "White",the oldest sister, Emily ,is married to a black man and had her race down as "Negro" as an act of defiance as their father refused to accept the marriage. That and his ethnicity being down as "West Indian" since he was born in Jamaica adds to the suspicion regarding Alice's true race.
The book goes between the 1920's during the short-lived marriage and scandalous trial to the 1940's when Alice's niece,Roberta, a journalist, is assigned by the editor of the Negro publication to interview her aunt who has a current court case which is the result of being disinherited by her late Husband's estate after the father passes away and Lenny's sister ,who always believed that her brother was tricked into marriage,and refuses to pay Alice any more of her alimony. Roberta,who has a deep resentment of her aunt after a bitter family squall, is forced to listen to her side of the story.
There were some problems w/the timelines ( such as it suddenly going from winter to summer) which could've been solved w/some editing . However,the story itself is involving and the characters and eras are well-drawn.
June 24, 2024
Another fabulous story by this author. Set in the first half of the 1900s in New York City. In the 1920s, Alice Jones found herself falling for Lenny Rhinelander whose family was part of the '400' in the social register at the time. This was a real-life scandal that lasted for decades. Alice wanted nothing but the love of her life. Lenny's family wouldn't allow it since Alice did not come from money and her lawyers couldn't prove her father was white. In the 1940s, Alice's niece, Roberta, reconnected because her boss at the newspaper wanted a story and Alice would only talk to her niece. The book moves between the two story lines to reveal the complex details of Alice's life.
I have really been enjoying books set in the 1920s because so much was going on that I didn't know about. I read this in a few days because I had to find out what happened to Alice, Lenny, and their families. The author explains that Rhinelander v. Rhinelander was a real divorce case and what was fictionalized in the book. I felt for Alice and all she went through for the majority of her life because of racism and prejudice. Roberta's story was fictionalized and I really liked how she had to find those connections to the past.
If you are looking for a good story of family relationships gone wrong and navigating with world of 1920s New York, I would recommend this book.
#TheTrialofMrsRhinelander #NetGalley
Thank you Goodreads for a giveaway win.
Thank you Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have really been enjoying books set in the 1920s because so much was going on that I didn't know about. I read this in a few days because I had to find out what happened to Alice, Lenny, and their families. The author explains that Rhinelander v. Rhinelander was a real divorce case and what was fictionalized in the book. I felt for Alice and all she went through for the majority of her life because of racism and prejudice. Roberta's story was fictionalized and I really liked how she had to find those connections to the past.
If you are looking for a good story of family relationships gone wrong and navigating with world of 1920s New York, I would recommend this book.
#TheTrialofMrsRhinelander #NetGalley
Thank you Goodreads for a giveaway win.
Thank you Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 20, 2024
3.5 rounded up. This novel recreates life for a young woman of working class parents who is wooed by and falls in love with a wealthy heir to a substantial fortune. Based on a true story, his father objects to their love and various schemes are concocted. It is all quite believable and scandalous (at the time). Race became a sticking point and defining oneself as white or negro (at the time) was a matter for the courts, handled shockingly (at ANY time!).
The story alternates between their young love and some 20-30 years later, when things have sadly not changed all that much for women of color. If you enjoyed The Personal Librarían, you will likely enjoy this book, also historical fiction.
The audiobook narrator did a good job with various characters and accents. After a shaky start when there was a bit of histrionics, things settled into a rhythm and the story was easy to follow and interesting.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for loaning me and advance copy of the audiobook for review purposes.
The story alternates between their young love and some 20-30 years later, when things have sadly not changed all that much for women of color. If you enjoyed The Personal Librarían, you will likely enjoy this book, also historical fiction.
The audiobook narrator did a good job with various characters and accents. After a shaky start when there was a bit of histrionics, things settled into a rhythm and the story was easy to follow and interesting.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for loaning me and advance copy of the audiobook for review purposes.
August 21, 2024
This was an interesting story based on real life events that I had never heard about. I thought the author did a great job of bringing the people and time alive in the book.
This was quite the story and I can't imagine having to go through what Alice did. She certainly faced a trial that was more than just in a courtroom. Having her identity and race questioned had to take a toll on her and I can see why she became the way she was.
The author tells this story well and my interest was kept throughout. This was a quick read for me as I wanted to know what was going to happen to these characters and I enjoyed the way the story was told in a dual timeline.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
This was quite the story and I can't imagine having to go through what Alice did. She certainly faced a trial that was more than just in a courtroom. Having her identity and race questioned had to take a toll on her and I can see why she became the way she was.
The author tells this story well and my interest was kept throughout. This was a quick read for me as I wanted to know what was going to happen to these characters and I enjoyed the way the story was told in a dual timeline.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
October 3, 2025
This story, while a true story, was exceptionally boring. I kept thinking that there would be a spark, something exciting in this story and I never found it. Perhaps, hiding who you truly are, will never allow real happiness, and therefore your story will never spark interest, or inspiration.
October 21, 2024
I absolutely adored this entire story. I had never heard of this famous trial. I am personally a really huge fan of historical fiction so I was beyond excited to dive into this one! The roaring 20s is also one of my favorite decades so all of the fun sayings, and descriptions of that time thoroughly entertained me and really made me feel like I was there!
My favorite 1920s slang: “Dumb dora” “hooch” “swell” 🤪
The story had so many deep and complex layers regarding race, wealth, misogyny etc etc. Alice lived one hell of a life and so did all of the other female characters involved. They were all so strong and inspiring. I also loved reading about what NYC was like back then. So much rich history.
I would also say that the story didn’t focus too much on being in the actual courtroom, so if you’re expecting that you’re not gonna get it, because it was more-so centering the effects of drawn out high profile trials, and how traumatic, exhausting and soul sucking they can be on the people and families involved. It was a personal story rather than a proper documenting of the courtroom trial which I LOVED, I probably would’ve been really bored with it being only in the courtroom. I prefer the raw and emotionally personal accounts of what occurred which is what this was! 🤍
My favorite 1920s slang: “Dumb dora” “hooch” “swell” 🤪
The story had so many deep and complex layers regarding race, wealth, misogyny etc etc. Alice lived one hell of a life and so did all of the other female characters involved. They were all so strong and inspiring. I also loved reading about what NYC was like back then. So much rich history.
I would also say that the story didn’t focus too much on being in the actual courtroom, so if you’re expecting that you’re not gonna get it, because it was more-so centering the effects of drawn out high profile trials, and how traumatic, exhausting and soul sucking they can be on the people and families involved. It was a personal story rather than a proper documenting of the courtroom trial which I LOVED, I probably would’ve been really bored with it being only in the courtroom. I prefer the raw and emotionally personal accounts of what occurred which is what this was! 🤍
July 13, 2024
Excellent historical fiction novel that was researched and detailed while still fast moving. I learned quite a bit in this novel.
August 4, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
When I finished this novel, I felt confused and uncomfortable. Even sort of depressed. I wanted Alice to move on after it seemed obvious that Lenny wasn’t going to return to her. I thought I should have sympathized with Alice, but I really never liked her. I felt uncomfortable from reading the graphic details of the trial. And I was depressed because it was a sad story of a naïve young woman who was obsessed with a man who claimed to love her, but ultimately was unable to break from his father’s control.
The novel alternated between time periods: from the point of view of Alice in the 1920s, and her niece Roberta in the 1940s. The back and forth between the two women’s points of view was also confusing and a bit unclear at times.
Ultimately this was a novel of racism. Alice and her family thought they were white because she and her sisters looked as white as their white mother. But the 1920s court decreed she was Black because her father, a mixed-race Jamaican, was considered Black.
The author spent an amazing amount of time researching the details of this real-life scandal and I appreciated the historical value. But the information became somewhat repetitive and after a while didn’t provide new insights. The trial seemed to go on way too long and was painful for the entire Jones family, not just Alice. It was painful for me, too.
In summary, it was a sad story of a young woman with working-class parents whose life was ruined by her obsessive love affair with a man from a wealthy, powerful family. The attraction to me was that this was based on real people and a true scandal, with all the attitudes and behaviors of the time period. Some people enjoyed this story more than I did. For me, reading Alice’s story often felt like reading an article in The National Enquirer or People Magazine, voyeuristic and intrusive.
When I finished this novel, I felt confused and uncomfortable. Even sort of depressed. I wanted Alice to move on after it seemed obvious that Lenny wasn’t going to return to her. I thought I should have sympathized with Alice, but I really never liked her. I felt uncomfortable from reading the graphic details of the trial. And I was depressed because it was a sad story of a naïve young woman who was obsessed with a man who claimed to love her, but ultimately was unable to break from his father’s control.
The novel alternated between time periods: from the point of view of Alice in the 1920s, and her niece Roberta in the 1940s. The back and forth between the two women’s points of view was also confusing and a bit unclear at times.
Ultimately this was a novel of racism. Alice and her family thought they were white because she and her sisters looked as white as their white mother. But the 1920s court decreed she was Black because her father, a mixed-race Jamaican, was considered Black.
The author spent an amazing amount of time researching the details of this real-life scandal and I appreciated the historical value. But the information became somewhat repetitive and after a while didn’t provide new insights. The trial seemed to go on way too long and was painful for the entire Jones family, not just Alice. It was painful for me, too.
In summary, it was a sad story of a young woman with working-class parents whose life was ruined by her obsessive love affair with a man from a wealthy, powerful family. The attraction to me was that this was based on real people and a true scandal, with all the attitudes and behaviors of the time period. Some people enjoyed this story more than I did. For me, reading Alice’s story often felt like reading an article in The National Enquirer or People Magazine, voyeuristic and intrusive.
May 13, 2024
This was interesting, especially given that is was based on real people and real events. It really didn’t feel like it could have been real at points. I do think the author missed the opportunity to discuss some wider societal issues within the framework of the Rhinelander trial. I liked the characters and some of the story but certain elements didn’t flow well and read more like a laundry list of timeline events. I think this needed some character development and some depth and it could have been great.
December 6, 2024
Interesting story, but I found the storytelling irritating and the two main characters insufferable. Based on real life people, it's a heartbreaking story of obsessive love, racism, classism, romanticism, the wealthy wielding power over family and others, and downright gaslighting. Much of the story takes place in courtrooms and the press, with both the press and the people involved in the court cases manipulating the "court of public opinion." Pretty realistic there.
The storytelling: I found factual errors and use of modern slang & terminology before their eras early on, which caused me to put on my editor's hat. Since the book is already published, I see little use in pointing out specifics here. They will not be fixed.
I found the book overall could use some judicious editing, taking out some repetition without removing the sense of the torturous waiting, obsessing, and speculating Alice did as the Rhinelanders, father, son & daughter, manipulated her through an annulment case, dangling the prospect of maintenance payments before her. One thing, which apparently Alice was actually subjected to in the court, was unbelievably humiliating & abusive.
I know that storytelling in two or more alternating timelines is a popular construct in present-day novels, but this didn't work for me here. In fact, the part of the story centered around Alice's niece Roberta in the 1940s could easily be removed from the book without altering the story substantially. Reading the author's notes, it seems these sections are perhaps the most speculative and not supported by the numerous press and court records the author consulted.
Okay, I'll put this behind a spoiler shield, though I take issue with these particular matters being treated as spoilers revealed late in the book. They are hinted at throughout the book. Even the blurb on the back of the book is misleading when it says "Alice...is white, though she is vaguely aware of rumors that question her ancestry--gossip her parents dismiss."
I found this a hard, excruciating book to read, and hopeless. I had read Nella Larson's book "Passing" a couple years ago. I read that it also had been inspired by this court case. It's much shorter and, in my opinion, more artfully written and accessible for discussion.
#Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to Kensington Publishing Corp. for a review copy of the book.
The storytelling: I found factual errors and use of modern slang & terminology before their eras early on, which caused me to put on my editor's hat. Since the book is already published, I see little use in pointing out specifics here. They will not be fixed.
I found the book overall could use some judicious editing, taking out some repetition without removing the sense of the torturous waiting, obsessing, and speculating Alice did as the Rhinelanders, father, son & daughter, manipulated her through an annulment case, dangling the prospect of maintenance payments before her. One thing, which apparently Alice was actually subjected to in the court, was unbelievably humiliating & abusive.
I know that storytelling in two or more alternating timelines is a popular construct in present-day novels, but this didn't work for me here. In fact, the part of the story centered around Alice's niece Roberta in the 1940s could easily be removed from the book without altering the story substantially. Reading the author's notes, it seems these sections are perhaps the most speculative and not supported by the numerous press and court records the author consulted.
Okay, I'll put this behind a spoiler shield, though I take issue with these particular matters being treated as spoilers revealed late in the book. They are hinted at throughout the book. Even the blurb on the back of the book is misleading when it says "Alice...is white, though she is vaguely aware of rumors that question her ancestry--gossip her parents dismiss."
I found this a hard, excruciating book to read, and hopeless. I had read Nella Larson's book "Passing" a couple years ago. I read that it also had been inspired by this court case. It's much shorter and, in my opinion, more artfully written and accessible for discussion.
#Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to Kensington Publishing Corp. for a review copy of the book.
February 13, 2025
3.5 Stars!
This was an interesting and compelling story. The reason it is not a higher rating for me is the way the author chose to tell the story. What I mean by that is it was all tell not enough show. For example, there were love letters involved. She only talked about the letters and only told us how beautiful and poetic the letters were but we were never able to read the letters for ourselves. There were other scenes when Alice's feelings were told to us, but we were not emersed in the scene. Except once, and it was painful. But also made me feel a lot for her and what she was feeling in that moment. It was a recounting of events rather than being emersed in a story. I hope that makes sense.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. It was sad to me. But of course it is. How could this subject matter not be sad.
This was an interesting and compelling story. The reason it is not a higher rating for me is the way the author chose to tell the story. What I mean by that is it was all tell not enough show. For example, there were love letters involved. She only talked about the letters and only told us how beautiful and poetic the letters were but we were never able to read the letters for ourselves. There were other scenes when Alice's feelings were told to us, but we were not emersed in the scene. Except once, and it was painful. But also made me feel a lot for her and what she was feeling in that moment. It was a recounting of events rather than being emersed in a story. I hope that makes sense.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. It was sad to me. But of course it is. How could this subject matter not be sad.
December 29, 2024
There is something “homey” about Denny’s writing. Every book that I’ve read from her feels like I’m interviewing a family member about some family secret.
This time I’m interviewing a mean old auntie about her chaotic past and her viral court case. I enjoyed this slow burn of a historical fiction based on an actual story of New York scandal steeped in interracial love, racism and the New York elite.
This time I’m interviewing a mean old auntie about her chaotic past and her viral court case. I enjoyed this slow burn of a historical fiction based on an actual story of New York scandal steeped in interracial love, racism and the New York elite.
May 25, 2025
I am not entitled to give any opinion about colours of skin. But i do have simple way of describe this book, about a women who cannot accept her husband love is full of lie, selfish and coward. I dont know if it is abuse or what, but she realize that man play her but she keep trusted him until he asked for divorce. Even the lawyer had to advice her to just let it go. 😀 The ending is meh.. I love her family tho.. expect Footsie (that man is abuser)
September 12, 2024
LOVED this book and second one I have read by Denny S. Bryce. She has a captivating style that left me hanging on every word and made me finish the book in two days! Such an interesting topic of 'passing' and the ramifications on both White and Black families. Complex and richly layered characters make this historical fiction at its best!
Can't wait for her next one!
Can't wait for her next one!
February 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel inspired by a true story! The Trial of Mrs. Rhinelander takes us back to the 1920s and 1940s, exploring the intersection of race and class at the heart of a “scandalous” interracial marriage and its subsequent, highly public and painful divorce. It’s a powerful tale of love, wealth, and shattered hearts.
July 27, 2024
Great read
The story kept me wondering what happened when she found out she was black and why family was so upset with her.
The story kept me wondering what happened when she found out she was black and why family was so upset with her.
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